Astorian Anna Kaufman, a recent graduate of Vassar College, transports viewers into a multi-sensory, interactive experience into an ongoing social and political battle that often divides the population of rural Oregon—the environmental and ecological impact of clear cutting old growth forests. The exhibit, Uprooted, captures the feel of the forest floor, the smell of the earthy notes of wood, sounds of rivers, birds, and frogs, in stark contrast to the feeling and sounds made by the timber industry.

Kaufman moved to Astoria during the pandemic, after having spent her childhood in the hot, dry concrete desert of Los Angeles. This dramatic change left her feeling uprooted. She spent days hiking Oregon trails, identifying, drawing, and researching flora and fauna for her environmental studies. She slowly began to understand, recognize, and feel at home in her new environs of Astoria.

One day while hiking with her mother on a trail she frequented, they came across a new clear-cut in the forest. They both stood among the decimated landscape, shaken, and cried. Along with crushed beer cans and candy bar wrappers, unoccupied big yellow bulldozers littered the trail. A vital piece of her home had been erased. Faced with an unrecognizable, irreversibly transformed landscape, Kaufman’s feelings of uprootedness were reawakened.

In Clatsop County, as in many heavily logged areas, the population is highly divided in their feelings about the logging industry. On the one hand, many people live here because they are awed by the natural beauty of the area, while other residents trust logging to be environmentally sustainable. Many are supported by the high-paying jobs provided by the logging industry. Forestry and the timber industry are a topic we do not discuss with our neighbors. This exhibit looks to engage community and build awareness and compassion for this taboo subject.

Opening reception: March 11, 12 - 8 pm

See the show: Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 4 pm or by appointment

AVA Gallery: 1000 Duane Street, Astoria