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Oregon Gallery Adds Eco-Friendly Coffeehouse; Hosts Watercolor Show

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – DragonFire Gallery and Studio in Cannon Beach is again walking the cutting edge with the addition of a uniquely eco-friendly coffee and tea bar - and it will host a special show of watercolor paintings which won awards from the Watercolor Society of Oregon.

The top twenty winners of the juried contest will show at DragonFire from June 3 to June 25.

The winners were picked at the Society's show in Tualatin, Oregon in April. They were juried by nationally known watercolorist Tony Couch. He selected 80 paintings from the 275 submitted to comprise the whole show, and granted awards to the twenty he felt best represented the use of the medium.

DragonFire has been noted as a must-see gallery in Oregon by Oregon Coast Magazine, AAA's Traveler magazine, and one of Disney’s publications. It is one of the largest contemporary galleries on the Oregon coast and prides itself on displaying fine, affordable, original art, and on discovering artists with distinctive visions for its guests to enjoy. The gallery was recently selected as a nominee in NICHE magazines's 2006 Top Retailer Awards, in the categories of Top Retailer, Best New Store and Best In-Store Event.

Tony Couch, the juror, is an internationally known instructor and author in the medium of watercolor. He has won over 50 awards. He is an elected member of the Academic Artists Association, Knickerbocker Artists, Safmagundi Club, the Society of Marine Painters, and Watercolor West. He studied with Edgar Whitney at the Pratt Institue and has authored tow books, Keys to Successful Painting and Watercolor: You Can Do It.

DragonFire recently started its own tea and coffee bar within the gallery space, called Dragonfire Tea & Coffee Bar. Among its featured products are Mam Coffees, Tevana teas and decadent desserts.

All their coffees are organic, shade grown and free trade. DragonFire also has something else very unique going on in its Earth-friendly approach: their cups are particularly eco-friendly, all made of a biodegradable form of corn. They look like regular plastic cups, however. It’s a bit of “Star Trek” technology in an art gallery. 123 S. Hemlock St., Cannon Beach. 503-436-1533. www.DragonFireStudio.com.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

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Cannon Beach Ecola Creek Lodge

Ecola Creek Lodge, Cannon Beach. In a quiet neighborhood, this longtime coastal landmark boasts a koi/lily pond, spacious lawns, gardens, stained glass windows and wireless internet – all in a slightly Victorian vibe. With some rooms pet friendly, you are a couple minutes walk from town and close to the beach. Guests also get access to a full recreational and exercise facility. Wild bunnies provide an adorable addition to your stay, making for an especially serene coastal experience. 208 5th St. www.cannonbeachlodge.com. 800-873-2749.