Local artist Rhoda Fleischman featured at Kalapuya Building through Hanging Around Town program
Visitors to Benton County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way might notice new art on the walls the next time they stop by. The artwork is part of the Corvallis Art Guild’s Hanging Around Town program, which brings rotating exhibits by local artists into community spaces across Corvallis.
Artists are featured at the Kalapuya Building for about two months at a time, giving visitors an opportunity to experience different styles and perspectives throughout the year. Paintings are placed in lobbies and corridors on both levels of the building.
The current featured artist is Rhoda Fleischman, a longtime member of the Corvallis Art Guild whose work explores transformation and personal growth. Seven of her paintings are on display.
Ladders are a central motif in Fleischman’s paintings. She uses them to represent movement from one place or level to another.
“The ladder represents transformation,” Fleischman said. “It’s about moving from one state to another, whether that’s an internal journey or something happening in the world around us.”
Born in Portland, Fleischman now lives south of Brownsville and has been a member of the Corvallis Art Guild for more than 20 years. She began her artistic journey working in pottery before turning to painting in the early 2000s.
“I started painting around 2001 after a friend encouraged me to try it,” Fleischman said. “Once I began, I just kept going.”
Since then, painting has become a consistent part of her creative life, allowing her to explore ideas of change, growth and connection. Fleischman said the Corvallis Art Guild has played an important role in that journey.
“It’s a great organization with a long history,” she said. “There are workshops, opportunities to learn and a lot of supportive people who enjoy sharing ideas about art.”
Fleischman said she values the sense of community the organization provides.
“The Guild is very welcoming,” she said. “It’s a place where people can share their work and talk about art together.”
The Hanging Around Town program helps connect artists with the community by displaying artwork in everyday spaces such as public buildings, businesses and community centers.
At the Kalapuya Building, visitors can view Fleischman’s work during regular business hours while accessing county services or attending meetings. People are also welcome to stop by just to look at the art.
“It’s wonderful when people encounter art in unexpected places,” Fleischman said. “You never know what might resonate with someone.”
Additional artists will rotate through the Kalapuya Building exhibit approximately every two months. Artists interested in participating must be exhibiting members of the Corvallis Art Guild. More information is available at corvallisartguild.net.
View photos of Fleischman’s artwork currently on display at the Kalapuya Building:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/196115871@N03/albums/72177720332372384
