Pop-up Art Show: Twenty Years in Wax

The Clatsop Community College Royal Nebeker Art Gallery continues its exhibition season with a brief pop-up show, Twenty Years in Wax, featuring the exceptional encaustic works of Elise Wagner. Running from January 8th to the 18th, this exhibition provides a glimpse into Wagner’s prolific two-decade exploration of this ancient Greco-Roman medium.

Elise Wagner, an accomplished artist and juror for this year’s Annual Art Student Exhibit, showcases 17 selected pieces created during her extensive career. Originating from her Portland studio and now based in Astoria since 2022, Wagner’s encaustic paintings have graced prestigious galleries such as Butters Gallery in Portland, Imogen Gallery in Astoria, Chase Young Gallery in Boston, Gemillion & Co. Fine Art in Houston, and Frederick Holmes & Company in Seattle.

Mastering the encaustic technique—a blend of beeswax, resin, and pigment—Wagner’s work reflects a deep connection to ancient traditions. Dating back to the Greeks in Egypt around 23 B.C., encaustic painting, known for its moisture-resistant properties, has stood the test of time. Wagner’s innovative approach includes the development of “encaustic collagraph,” a printmaking method that combines wax, relief textures, and non-toxic soy-based inks.

Driven by a fascination with satellite technology, physics, and the mysteries of the universe, Wagner’s metaphorical force is evident in each piece. Her work delves into diverse subjects, from particle collisions and glacier streams to the random contour lines of salt mines in rural India.

The exhibition reveals Wagner’s artistic evolution, showcasing the dominance of printmaking techniques since 2010. Viewers can explore the intricate details of pieces like My Portland Parcel Lot 10/Block 10, where graphite rubbings of studio textures create a footprint of her former home. In Pluto Atlas III, Wagner employs encaustic to interpret hi-resolution images of Pluto and other celestial landscapes.

A recipient of prestigious grants and awards, including the Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant and the 2022 Artist Resilience Award from the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Wagner’s work adorns public and private collections across the U.S.

The CCC Royal Nebeker Gallery is dedicated to enriching cultural life in Astoria and the North Coast region. Located at 1799 Lexington Avenue, the gallery welcomes visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, with weekend and holiday viewings available by appointment. For further information, please contact Kristin Shauck at 503-338-2472 or kshauck@clatsopcc.edu.