##The Rise of Oregon’s Traditional Craft Revival
Oregon, lovingly referred to as the “Beaver State,” has always been known for its confluence of art and history. Modern day Oregon is a mix tape of old and new, urban and rural, traditional and contemporary, threaded together by a common respect for skill, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. It is this harmonious blending of progressive ideas and historic charm that defines Oregon’s traditional craft revival, where artisans are preserving history and culture while redefining it for the 21st century.
##Scenic Willamette’s Artisan Wine Scene
Heading into the verdant Willamette Valley, the drizzle hardly seems a bother as the scenic route unfolds. Amidst the rolling vineyards, you can feel the subtle shifts in temperature and elevation that have put Oregon on the global Pinot Noir map. A driving force in Oregon’s craft revival is the burgeoning artisan wine scene. Many of the valley’s family-run vineyards focus on Old-World style crafting processes, championing quality over quantity.
An excellent example is Eyrie Vineyards, where the late founder David Lett first pioneered Pinot Noir and was vital in setting Oregon’s reputation as a premium wine producer. Though Eyrie has grown, it still maintains that same artisan ethos, utilizing traditional practices like hand harvesting, fermenting in small batches, and even foot pressing their wines.
##Joseph’s Bronze Statues and Pendleton’s Wools
To the east, the small town of Joseph has put itself on the map through its bronze artistry. And when we say bronze artistry, we’re not just talking a few statues. The bronzing industry has been deeply imprinted into this town’s identity, with the three foundries giving employment to a significant population of the town. A walk along Joseph’s Main Street convinces you of the town’s commitment to this age-old craft. The stunning life-sized bronze art dotting the sidewalks is a tribute to local history and Western heritage.
Down south, Pendleton Woolen Mills, a household name in Oregon, is deeply committed to preserving the traditional textile crafts. Pendleton weavers still use vintage looms, blending history and skill, to create the famous Pendleton blankets and clothing. A visit to the mill gives a stunning insight into their time-honored weaving techniques and the sweat and meticulous detail put into each thread.
##Connectivity with Nature: Crafted with Oregon Hands
Oregonians aren’t just crafty with wines, bronzes, and textiles. Their love for the outdoors and the arts seems to overlap in another subset of the craft revival: custom, handcrafted outdoor gear and clothing. Native Oregon companies, such as Danner boots, uphold traditional hand-sewn crafting methods and Cherrywood smoked, hand-netted fish from family-run businesses like Jensen’s Smokehouse in Eugene. There’s also the artisanal canoe building by hand-stripping local woods seen at Rogue Canoe in Roseburg, who claim it’s a labor of love in tribute to the first explorers of the region.
##The Quirks and Charm of Oregon’s Pottery
Since we’re on the topic of craftsmanship, we cannot breeze past Oregon’s passionate love affair with pottery. From Bend’s Old Mill District, showcasing stunning ceramic works, to the numerous pottery trails in Ashland, Talent, and Jacksonville, the craft is being skilfully kept alive. Take a stroll along the Ceramic Showcase in Portland held annually, and witness Oregon’s storytellers shape clay into meaningful pieces, a cherished Oregon tradition that dates back to the Native American tribes who called this land home.
##The love for the Weirder Side of Oregon
Now, we must cherish the “Keep Portland Weird” spirit that truly captures Oregon’s unique character. As much as Oregonians value tradition, they equally embrace the progressive, innovative, and weird! This extends to the more eclectic crafts too. Ever thought of making a hat out of old records or using bicycle parts to create a weather vane? In Oregon, you can find it all.
From Pendleton to Joseph, Willamette to Eugene, traditional crafting is making a powerful comeback in Oregon. Creativity pulses through this state’s veins, and spirit is alive in every handcrafted wine, woven blanket, bronze statue, hand-stripped canoe, and pottery piece. It may be through blending reverence for tradition with progressive ideals that Oregon’s craftsmen are ensuring these skills are not lost to time, but instead are redefined and reinvigorated.
As is the way with Oregonians, there’s no need to rush. Enjoy the process, appreciate the craft and immerse yourself in the rich experiences that make Oregon a treasure trove of artisans. Whether you’re a visitor or a long-time local, the traditional craft revival in Oregon is an alluring path, ripe with talents and treasures waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the journey!