Artist Todd Simmler, 51, of The Dalles with a Thunderbird he made from wheelbarrows. Thirty of his sculptures will be on display at The Hub, 420 First St., The Dalles on Aug. 5, starting at 6 p.m. The Gallery of work is just one of multiple events that will charge up downtown on First Friday.
By Tom Peterson
Artist Todd Simmler of The Dalles will be spreading his wings for The Dalles Downtown First Friday, Aug. 5, starting at 6 p.m.
Simmler, 51, will have his metal displays created from found objects in scrap yards at the HUB, 420 E. First St., across from Sedition Brewing on Laughlin Street.
It is one of the numerous events downtown businesses will be holding as the commercial district will be “alive after 5” p.m. with special events, sales and music.
Simmler will be showing 30 pieces with four on loan and one already sold.
Simmler said he caught the artist’s bug more than 22 years ago.
Growing up, he said being able to draw was always the prerequisite for being an artist. And it kept him from pursuing his muse. But he was drawn to mechanical things and found himself at the Schnitzer Steel scrap yard in Bend more than 20 years ago.
A sampling of Simmler’s work. He said his masks, at center, are lit from the inside with different colors giving them all their own unique feeling.
“I’d see all this cool stuff and tried to assemble it together,” he said. “And a friend said, ‘hey, you need to get a welder.’ It was game on after that.”
“I like repetitive forms,” Simmler said using a fern as an example with its fronds all in a row. “When I see mechanical things with repeated forms, that gets me excited, especially when I can find seven or more.”
“Metal makes our world work and then we discard it as scrap. Through my work with this scrap metal, I seek to breathe new life into it by transforming it into natural forms while exploring the contrasts between the shiny, rusty, painted, and distressed surfaces. It pleases me when I can make that which is heavy and hard appear light and supple and stimulate the imagination, giving the metal a new role vastly different from its intended purpose.”
Simmler said his Thunderbird creations had given him much joy.
They are made from wheelbarrows.
“I really like the curves in metal. I don’t cut or bend them much, I work with the existing curves…
The power, protection and strength of the Native American Thunderbird inspired Simmler.
“It’s a very bold form,” he said. “I like that attitude.”
Other Events on Tap for First Friday - partial listing taken from Instagram.
Many other local businesses will be providing music, sales and events. In past months, some 30 businesses have been participating in First Friday.
Freebrdige Brewing - Gorge Roller Girls will be on tap
15 Mile Winery: From 5-8 pm, and through the weekend we will be collecting donations for the firefighters, law enforcement, and volunteers fighting the fire in South Wasco County fighting the Miller Road Fire that has grown to more than 10,000 acres.
Please bring Gatorade, bottled water, snacks, baby wipes, chapstick, gum, liquid IV, wet ones, etc… and, of course, money for them to purchase lunches etc… We will be distributing through Wasco County Sheriff’s Office to get it to the front lines. Thank you!!!
Smoke Wring BBQ: Swing in THIS FRIDAY … we’ll be open late! Did we mention we’ll have RIBS!?! Better call in your order. (541) 705-0794
Jenny Marie’s Italian ice & Frozen Custard: Open til 9 p.m.
The Bar at Kainos Coffee: Come try an Old Fashioned
Pretty Parties gift shop: We’re going to be part of #thedallesfirstfriday. Stop by the store, we will be having our spring summer sale that starts today at 2pm and will run until Sunday 8/7/22 at 7 pm
This sale is also available online:
Use Code: AUGUST22 to get 15% of your purchase.
In store purchases of $25 or more will be receiving a freebie (tulip candle).
Per X Diem Thrift Shop: open til 8 p.m.
Studio Fit: Chair massages with Jen Nannie
Sunshine Mill: $10 tasting
