Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Oostra.

Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey in the arts after studying Graphic Design in college. My career began in Seattle, where I had the opportunity to work with notable companies like Nordstrom, Picmonkey, and Shutterstock. During this time, I was also painting on the side, nurturing my passion for creating art that captures the essence of the natural world.

In 2022, I moved to Ellensburg, Washington, falling in love with its historic downtown district and the vibrant community spirit. This move marked a significant turning point in my career. I met Lee and Emily Fergestrom, the owners of Fortuity Cellars, and we bonded over our shared passion for art and wine. Together, we opened Nuwave Gallery and Fortuity Tasting Room in December 2022.

Nuwave Gallery has been a dream come true. It serves as a space to showcase not only my artwork but also the talents of other artists from around the world. The gallery quickly became a hub for the community, where people gather to appreciate art, enjoy local wine, and connect with one another. We’ve also been actively involved in the community, volunteering with various organizations and implementing give-back programs, such as our ‘Back to the Burg’ initiative.

Over the past year, we’ve hosted several successful art shows, including ‘Pinnacle,’ which celebrated the Pacific Northwest’s natural splendor and featured works by female PNW artists. This show was particularly meaningful as it marked our one-year anniversary and embodied the spirit of collaboration and community that Nuwave Gallery stands for.

Additionally, I’ve continued to expand my reach by showcasing my art in various venues across the Pacific Northwest, including Aslan Brewing in Bellingham. I also enjoy creating custom pieces for clients, live painting at events, and even painting city wall murals.

Throughout this journey, I’ve remained passionate about helping people find the perfect finishing touches for their homes and creating art that evokes the feeling of being in nature. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see the community thrive and to be a part of that growth. I look forward to continuing to bring people together through art and to support the vibrant artistic community here in Ellensburg.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today has been far from smooth, but the challenges have shaped my journey and contributed to my growth as an artist and business owner. Here are some of the struggles I faced along the way:

Balancing Art and Career: When I first started, balancing my full-time job in graphic design with my passion for painting was challenging. Finding the time and energy to devote to my art after long workdays required a lot of discipline and dedication.

Transition to Full-Time Art: Making the leap from a secure job to pursuing art full-time was daunting. It involved a significant risk and a leap of faith, but it was a necessary step to fully embrace my passion and vision.

Starting Nuwave Gallery: Opening Nuwave Gallery in Ellensburg was an exciting yet challenging endeavor. The process of setting up the gallery, curating exhibitions, and ensuring everything ran smoothly required extensive planning and hard work. Collaborating with Fortuity Cellars added another layer of complexity, but our shared passion made it worthwhile.

Building Community Connections: Integrating into the Ellensburg community and building relationships with local artists, residents, and organizations took time and effort. Volunteering with the Ellensburg Arts Commission and joining local chambers and associations helped, but it was still a gradual process.

Marketing and Promotion: Promoting the gallery and my artwork, particularly in a small town, required innovative marketing strategies. Leveraging SEO, social media, and collaborations with local businesses and venues helped, but it was an ongoing effort to maintain visibility and attract visitors.

Maintaining Artistic Vision: Balancing the commercial aspects of running a gallery with maintaining my artistic vision and integrity was another challenge. Ensuring that the gallery remained a space for authentic and inspiring art while also being financially viable required careful management.

Despite these struggles, each challenge provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. The support of the community, my passion for art, and the joy of bringing people together through creative expression kept me motivated. Looking back, I’m grateful for the obstacles I faced, as they have made the successes even more rewarding.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m delighted to share more about my work and what drives my passion for art. I am a contemporary painter, designer, and curator, with a primary focus on creating impressionistic paintings that capture the natural beauty of Washington State. My work includes contemporary landscape paintings, inspired by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, and I create bold, abstracted pieces that evoke the spirit and beauty of nature. I also merge my background in graphic design with my love for abstract expression, producing modern digital collages and abstract art that reflect my strategic and artistic vision. Additionally, I enjoy working closely with clients to create custom pieces that resonate with their personal stories and aesthetic preferences.

I specialize in an impressionistic style characterized by strong, fluid strokes and a vibrant color palette that brings the beauty of nature to life. One unique aspect of my work is my live painting services at events such as weddings, grand openings, and dinner parties, which provide a unique and engaging experience for guests. Through Nuwave Gallery, I curate exhibitions that highlight the talents of artists from around the world, fostering a sense of community and connection.

One of my proudest achievements is opening and running Nuwave Gallery. It’s a space where art, community, and creativity intersect, and it has become a gathering place in Ellensburg, hosting numerous successful art shows and events. Implementing initiatives like the ‘Back to the Burg’ program, where we support local non-profits through monetary and in-kind donations, has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to see how art can positively impact the community. Collaborating with Fortuity Cellars and other local businesses has enriched the gallery experience. Additionally, having my work showcased in various venues across the Pacific Northwest, including Aslan Brewing in Bellingham, is something I’m very proud of.

What sets me apart is my multi-disciplinary approach, blending my background in graphic design and my experience in various creative roles with a unique perspective on art. My deep passion for the outdoors and the landscapes of Washington State is a constant source of inspiration, and this connection is evident in my work, which aims to capture and evoke the feeling of being in nature. Beyond creating art, I am dedicated to building a community around it. Through Nuwave Gallery, I strive to support and uplift other artists, foster community engagement, and create a space where art and people come together. My live painting events add an interactive and dynamic element to my work, making art an integral part of special occasions and public gatherings.

In summary, my work is a celebration of nature, community, and creative expression. I am dedicated to creating art that resonates with people, brings them joy, and fosters a sense of connection.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is the sense of community and the impact art can have in bringing people together. Art has a unique ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create connections between individuals. This is why I focus on not just creating art, but also curating a space where people can gather, share experiences, and find inspiration.

Community engagement is at the heart of what I do. Through Nuwave Gallery, I strive to support and uplift other artists, provide a platform for diverse talents, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Our give-back programs, such as the ‘Back to the Burg’ initiative, allow us to support local non-profits and contribute positively to the community. This commitment to giving back is deeply fulfilling and reinforces the idea that art can be a powerful tool for social good.

Additionally, my deep connection to nature is a significant driving force behind my work. The natural landscapes of Washington State inspire me daily, and I aim to capture and share the beauty of these environments through my paintings. By bringing the essence of nature into people’s homes and lives, I hope to inspire a greater appreciation for the outdoors and the tranquility it offers.

Ultimately, what matters most to me is creating meaningful experiences through art, fostering a sense of community, and making a positive impact on the world around me. These values guide my work and my life, driving me to continue exploring, creating, and connecting with others through the universal language of art.

Pricing:

• Art Prints: $12-$75
• Original Art: $400-$2000
• Custom Art /Live Painting: $1100-$3000
• Art Advisory Services: Varies

Contact Info:

• Website: erinoostra.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/erinoostra
• Facebook: facebook.com/erinoostra
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlLhU5ldZo6kdjd_6DsC0A