Witches of the West: A Spellbinding Group Exhibition at Chefas Projects
Portland’s Chefas Projects opens 2025 with an enchanting showcase of feminine energy, nature, and mysticism. Curated by Danielle Krysa, this exhibition brings together five West Coast artists whose work channels power, magic, and creative alchemy.
Chefas Projects is kicking off the new year with Witches of the West, a group exhibition curated by artist and author Danielle Krysa (The Jealous Curator). Running from January 24 to February 22, 2025, the show features five female artists from across the West Coast—Jennifer Ament, Meghan Hildebrand, Danielle Krysa, Alexis Mixter, and Shannon Taylor—whose work is deeply connected to nature, storytelling, and a touch of magic.
A Gathering of Artistic Magic
Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Witches of the West highlights the mystical connection between art and the natural world. From Jennifer Ament’s bold, surreal paintings to Meghan Hildebrand’s dreamlike landscapes, the exhibition blends a diverse range of artistic voices. Alexis Mixter’s pyrography, Shannon Taylor’s intricate miniatures, and Danielle Krysa’s gilded collages all contribute to an atmosphere of mystery and transformation.
“Each of us creates powerful work on our own, but when shown together, an entirely new spell is cast,” says Krysa. “This exhibition conjures up positive energy, humor, beauty, and magic—something we all need right now.”
Elements of Nature and Alchemy
The artists in Witches of the West share a fascination with natural materials and elemental forces. Expect to see pieces infused with wood, water, flowers, fire, and an abundance of gold—gold leaf, gold paint, gold glitter, and even gold lockets. Whether intentional or subconscious, this connection to alchemy and transformation adds a deeper layer to the exhibition, making it more than just a collection of works—it’s an invocation of artistic power.
Opening Reception and Exhibition Details
The opening reception will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5–8 PM at Chefas Projects, located at 134 SE Taylor Street, Portland, OR. Art lovers, collectors, and curious visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this spellbinding collection and witness the magic firsthand.
The exhibition will be on view through February 22, 2025.
Meet the Artists
Jennifer Ament (Seattle, WA): Painter and printmaker exploring surreal, immersive storytelling.
Meghan Hildebrand (Sunshine Coast, BC): Canadian artist blending real and imagined landscapes.
Danielle Krysa (Victoria, BC): Collage artist, writer, and founder of The Jealous Curator.
Alexis Mixter (Portland, OR): Pyrography artist challenging traditional craft boundaries.
Shannon Taylor (Oakland, CA): Painter inspired by Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics and tiny, enchanting worlds.
For more details, visit Chefas Projects or follow @chefasprojects on Instagram.
