Artist John Hillmer has made Centrum one of his northern nests on his annual migration from Mexico for nearly two decades. An exhibit of his paintings, prints and graphic experiments titled, “Resident Bird,” will be upstairs in Building 205 South at Fort Worden the second Friday and Saturday in September.

Hillmer divides most of his time between homes in Bend, Oregon and Mexico but remembers his time as an artist in residence at Centrum as formative.

“I had the big studio in Building 205, which I’m sure has been a kind of sacred space for many artists along the path,” Hillmer said. “It was the beginning of a very special relationship, for which I’m most grateful.”

That relationship led Hillmer to teach youth programs at Centrum and design many iconic images for its Jazz, Acoustic Blues, and Fiddle Tunes festivals.
Hillmer studied and taught at the American School in Guadalajara, while earning a master’s degree in international education. He has embarked on migratory routes ever since, both geographically and stylistically. His new exhibit celebrates those journeys.

“Resident Bird” contains colorful, playful images of fish, birds, Buddhas, Port Townsend Jazz and Acoustic Blues festival graphic experiments, and a large mural created by students in 1995 titled “Lovesick.”

The selected works are “all within the themes of music, myth, and the energy of migration that defines, in one way or another, everyone’s life,” Hillmer said.

Friday, Sept. 9, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 10 12 p.m.-3 p.m.
Building 205 / South Studio
Contact: Sara Passerotti at spasserotti@centrum.org