by Mary Kerns
for Burns Times-Herald

Spark Collaborative Studios, located at 341 N. Broadway in Burns, will be featuring the work of MaryLou Wilhelm this Friday, March 25, from 5-7 p.m.

Wilhelm moved to Harney County 15 years ago from Gilchrist. She purchased her studio/home in Hines and has been an artistic force in the community ever since.

Spark Collaborative is proud to include Wilhelm among its members and to feature her wonderful watercolor paintings. 

Wilhelm is also proficient in acrylics and an art form called Watagami (a hybrid of origami and discarded pieces of watercolors), which she originated.

Wilhelm said her favorite subject matter is old buildings and historic structures. She did a series of paintings focusing on historic homes in Burns. She also painted Harney County landmarks, such as the Pete French Round Barn, the Lawen store, the Frenchglen mercantile, and many others.

A few years ago, one of her original watercolors was selected for the Migratory Bird Festival poster. 

Wilhelm also created a colorful and pictorial map of Harney County. These maps are available at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. 

Spark Collaborative Studios looks forward to featuring Wilhelm’s work this Friday and invites everyone to come enjoy an evening of art.