Casey McEneny’s mural of the late Toledo artist, Michael Gibbons, commissioned by Art Toledo. Casey and Judy Gibbons, Michael’s wife, stand in front of the completed mural. Gibbons was a mentor to McEneny.
Our state representative, David Gomberg, spoke at the Mural Dedication and then introduced me.
I was honored to speak at the recent dedication of Casey McEneny’s mural of the late Toledo artist, Michael Gibbons, commissioned by Art Toledo.
Michael Gibbons Mural Dedication – Shortened Version
Catherine Rickbone’s Speech at Gibbons Mural Dedication
“As retired executive director of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA), I interfaced with Michael Gibbons in many ways. I reflected on three aspects of “Michael and Me.” The mark of an “expansive artist,” whether a visual or literary or performing artist, is how he/she reaches out to the community and engages.
“I was invited to the Gibbons’ home a number of times – lunch, dinner, holiday parties, even after his stroke…. But I want to focus on two characters: Michael & Me (M and M’s) and give THREE examples of his community engagement:
1 – Vicarage Garden Talks/Riffs
“On many Septembers one highlight of the weekend Toledo Labor Day Weekend Art Walk would be the Vicarage Garden “Talks” that Michael presented about his work. He was also “willing to share his stage” even though he was the featured speaker.
“Over many years, I was invited to talk about OCCA, usually about the Visual Art Center classes and exhibits. However, Michael and I would riff on art topics in the area, in the state, or nationally. At times, he would turn his stage over to me altogether.
“This sharing – it’s a way of being part of something larger than yourself and advancing THE ARTS.
2 – “Arts Talk” Radio Show Interviews
“Michael and I talked on many arts-related topics on my OCCA radio show “Arts Talk,” including – the yearly Toledo Labor Day Weekend Arts Walk (he helped to found); National Arts Club of NYC for his “Yaquina” series – HUGE deal for him professionally; Guistiana Gallery showings on the Oregon State University campus (where I’d drive to Corvallis attending receptions and giving comments); Pacific Maritime Heritage Center “Yaquina” paintings series.
“Many other topics were featured on “Arts Talk” – interviews about the Yaquina River Museum of Art (YRMA), founded by Michael and Judy Gibbons; his Gibbons Signature Gallery, or his classes en plein air (in the open air) painting. Judy continued these interviews after Michael’s stroke.
3 – Arts Advocacy
“OCCA hosted a number of “Funder’s Roundtable” seminars. When we were at the Performing Arts Center Lobby, and if Michael was available, he and I advocated for the arts whether “visiting” with the Oregon Cultural Trust folks or the Oregon Arts Commission.
“Michael and I might “consult” with the current president of the Oregon Community Foundation, or Ford Family Foundation, always pushing/advocating the arts.
“Michael reached out into his community, as many of us have mentioned.
“Thank you, Michael for your involvement in our community.”
Catherine Rickbone
Michael Gibbons Mural Dedication – Full Version
Painting in Nature. Catherine’s invited comments.
Michael was generous with his time and talents, specifically to the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA). He served on its board during its early years and he generously gave his artwork for fundraisers for the Newport Performing Arts Center and the OCCA Capital Campaign. Year after year Michael attentively attended the OCCA annual meetings and he took time to participate in various coastal workshops. His advocacy was front and center and he understood the value of promoting the arts. Fortunately for us, Michael, was generous with his love and artistic insight of the Yaquina watershed. His vision and legacy enriches our lives and sensibilities of this extraordinary landscape.
Catherine Rickbone
Retired OCCA Executive Director