On a cold mid-December evening in Toledo, Oregon, nationally-renowned artist Michael Gibbons toasts to the release of a 2013 Oregon Syrah produced by the Flying Dutchman Winery, Oregon’s first and only micro-winery along the state’s coastline. The release of the wine marked a special collaboration with Michael Gibbons and the small, family-operated business which chose to feature his painting “Vineyard Landscape” on the label.

Cultivating a relationship between art and industry has always been a natural occurrence for Michael Gibbons. The Oregon-born artist began his career as a designer of specialty automotive accessories in a small manufacturing firm in Portland. Although he moved away from design to pursue his true passion of oil painting along the rugged Oregon Coast, industry always found a way into his career as an artist.

Michael Gibbons’ studio and gallery are located in Toledo, Oregon, a small mill-town just 7 miles from the ocean. Michael began a close relationship with the Georgia-Pacific owned containerboard mill with his artwork early on. His painting “The Mill”, created in 1985, attracted the attention of Georgia-Pacific which now uses prints of the painting as retirements gifts to their employees. “Your creative presence in Toledo for so many years is a source of much pride and gratification in our community. Your artistry has captured the beauty, wonder and magic of the Oregon Coast, the Yaquina River and the coastal mountain range we call home.” stated James McClure, Vice President and General Manager of Toledo Containerboard Operations, in a letter of thanks to the artist on his recent 75th birthday.

Michael Gibbons stands next to his painting "The Mill"

Michael and his relationship with Georgia-Pacific has been not only beneficial for the artist and the business, but for the entire community of Toledo. Beginning in 1993, Michael and a group of local artists founded the town's biggest celebration of art, the Toledo Art Walk. Although it started out as a small celebration in support of local artisans, the event grew and attracted thousands to Toledo in the years that followed. Georgia-Pacific became a major sponsor of Art Walk in 2016, and donated funds which supported the Toledo Art Walk website, ad material, and general event support. The company continues to support the arts in Toledo, a place where art and industry truly meet.

2016 Toledo Art Walk promotional flyer

At the wine release party hosted in Michael's Signature Gallery, at least 50 people gather with their glasses of wine as they listen to the official representative of Georgia-Pacific, CJ Drake, express the company's gratitude to Michael for his many years of friendship with Georgia-Pacific and his service to the community of Toledo, bringing art into the lives of many and demonstrating the importance of collaboration in search of brighter futures.