Nestled into a forgotten corridor of the Over the River and Through the Woods Scenic Byway is Oregon’s Living Rock Studios one of the most unique things we’ve found to do yet in a state offering a lot of variety.
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Creating Unusual Oregon Art out of Stone
The state of Oregon is rich in geologic history, making it a leading producer of gemstones. Volcanos that once dotted parts of the state have left some of the best obsidian stores anywhere, including specimens of rare colors such as mahogany and pumpkin. Agates, jasper and petrified wood are also plentiful across the Beaver state, even near Corvallis, and attract gemstone collectors from around the country.
One native rock hound decided to put an extensive gemstone collection to an unusual use—a living museum of Oregon art known as Living Rocks Studios.
Howard B. Taylor was a surveyor by trade. Born and raised in Cottage Grove, 65 miles south of Corvallis, he trekked endless miles of countryside shooting points, setting markers, and collecting unique rock specimens. After three strokes and a heart attack left him unable to work, he turned to art as a rehabilitative measure.
His first works were in oil, painting birds and the Oregon countryside he loved, but soon, all of those rocks began to speak. They had a purpose and it was up to Taylor to put them to use.
He soon began making paintings out of rock. By placing thin, delicate layers, of mineral and gemstone in place of paint, he created a new medium and several electric works of unique Oregon art.
In fact, it was a lamp that inspired the museum. Following in the footsteps of Tiffany, Taylor created a lampshade from local Oregon stone.
Inspiration struck again when he realized how the light playing through each slice of opaque rock brought the work to life. What if he used this technique to tell a story in his own living rock studio?
Living Rock Studios: It’s Hard to Miss
Driving east on Highway 223 in Oregon, the Living Rock Studios is hard to miss. Crafted from 800 tons of native stone as well as concrete, the coliseum-like second story and rocky under floor lend the western countryside a European essence.
“At first glance, you know it’s an unusual place,” said Ali Patton of Double Z Farm in Corvallis, upon a recent visit to the museum. “But once you step inside, see the artwork and hear the history, the dedication and love that went into creating the building and the display is inspiring.”
The building was constructed by hand over a ten-year period. Taylor’s wife and children helped him with the construction, hauling wheelbarrows full of stone or concrete, lifting rocks into place and later assembling the display of paintings, native stone and carvings.
Living Rock Studios Exhibits
The highlight of the museum is Taylor’s collection of stone paintings, The Living Rock Pictures. Based on Biblical scenes and crafted from thin layers of stone, each “painting” is set into an alcove on the first floor of the stone museum and comes to life when illuminated from behind.
On the second floor of the museum, you’ll find other works by Taylor and other Oregon artists, including over 100 paintings of birds and wood carvings from native Oregon forests. History lovers will find particular delight in several relics from the family’s history, including a Beatty organ. Daniel F. Beatty started building organs in 1869 and was one of the first manufacturers to sell his instruments by mail, making it easy to reach rural outlying areas.
Other exhibits include:
- Native American artifacts and photos
- Rocks, minerals and gemstones of various sizes and shpes
- Over 30 paintings depicting Oregon’s extensive mining history
- Rotating displays coordinated to the historic Brownsville Events calandar
Visiting the Living Rock Studios
To date, the Living Rock Studio has hosted over 24,000 visitors. More than 3,000 of these guests have traveled overseas from international destinations to visit this unique Oregon attraction.
While this work of art and love may be a one-of-a kind treasure located in Brownsville, Oregon, it’s an easy travel from Corvallis or Eugene. Since the museum is open most days, it’s a perfect trip for Seconds-to-go travelers, requiring little preparation beyond an extra layer of clothes and a flashlight. The stone building is cool most of the year and is kept dark to better display the art, so arriving with these few essentials will make your trip more enjoyable.
The Living Rock Studios is located On Highway 223 in Brownsville, Oregon. Admission is free, though a donation of $3 per person is strongly encouraged to keep the museum in operation.
Hours of operation can be sporadic. We highly recommend calling ahead at Phone: (503) 466-5814 before venturing out.
Reservations are requested for groups of 10 or more.
Website: www.livingrockstudios.org
LOCATION
Brownsville, OR
TRIP LENGTH
30 minutes to an hour
THINGS TO DO NEARBY
Thompson Mills- 15 minutes away
DAX the Robot- 35 minutes away
Albany Carousel- 30 minutes away
Beazell Memorial Forest- 49 miles away
