Art of the Fire

The Almeda Fire swept through the small southern Oregon towns of Phoenix and Talent on September 8, 2020.

Artists who lost their studios and precious creations have stories to tell as they pick up their lives moving forward.

Talent’s century old Malmgren Garage was ground zero for the Almeda Fire. A long, long time ago the Malmgren Garage was used to repair cars traveling between San Francisco and Seattle.

The story of its resurrection has helped awaken the community and revitalize Talent’s art culture. In June, 2024 the Talent Art Gallery opened inside the walls of the old Malmgren Garage.

California film critic Marilyn Sterling says Art of the Fire, “… shows the alchemy that happens when disaster is embraced with acceptance, optimism and creativity”.

The film is produced by Cici Brown, Ashland Arthouse Films.

Artists contributing exhibits in the Talent Art Gallery include:
Bonnie Morgan – Clay and Metal
Diane Ericson – Fabric
Monique Monet – Clay sculpture
Betty LaDuke – Lifetime artist
Peggy Bennett – Painting
Christopher Brown – Architect
Jerome White – Architect
George Kramer – Historic Preservation Consultant
David Drury – Publisher, “Fire, Fear, Hope”