Artist Spotlight: Stacy Bird has first exhibit at Sherman Historical Museum

To say that Stacy Bird enjoys life on her family's farm would be an understatement. A fifth-generation resident of Sherman County, Stacy grew up and lives near Starvation Point, not far from Cottonwood Canyon State Park.

Stacy's deep roots on the farm and in the county have guided her journey as a photographer. This is evident in a series of photos that are currently on display at the Sherman County Historical Society Museum in Moro, Oregon.

Bird says that she first became interested in photography when taking a class at Sherman County High School.

"I've always had a knack for it," Stacy says. The class in Sherman taught the fundamentals of photography, including how to shoot on film. Stacy spent ample time in the dark room and also became active with the school's yearbook class.

"I've always done scrapbooking, so I've always cropped pictures to make them look how I like them," she says. "And I've always enjoyed trying to get a different perspective."

Increasingly, photography played a bigger and bigger role in her life.

Stacy had her camera in tow while doing daily chores on the farm. She would shoot photos when something caught her eye, or when her favorite farm critters craved attention.

"My mom used to get so mad at me because she'd go and develop the roles of film and they'd all be of cats," Stacy said.

While the quality of Stacy's photos have progressively improved, the subject matter has largely stayed the same. These days, Stacy's favorite muses are Murray the Furry Farm Cat and Loranzo the Longhorn, a steer that her father's friend unexpectedly gifted the family as a joke.

"Loranzo is a pill," Stacy says with a laugh.

Murray the Furry Farm Cat appeared on the farm a few years ago and stole her heart.

Stacy shot photo after photo of Murray and Loranzo. Friends and family encouraged her to enlarge the photos and to print them. Stacy began printing on large pieces of canvas. She also began creating some fun merchandise pieces, including cards, magnets, and other fun items.

When the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce opened its Mezzanine in the old Dunn Brothers Building in Condon, Stacy was one of the first vendors. She also has goodies available at Breezeway Antiques in The Dalles and she is a regular at Farmer's Markets and Maker's Markets in the area.

But of all the places she has gotten to share her photos, getting an exhibit at the Sherman County Historical Society Museum was the biggest honor, Stacy says.

"When I was young, I didn't like museums," Stacy confesses. "But I love the Sherman Museum, and I have more of an appreciation for the history of it all."

Together with her boyfriend, Stacy created the exhibit at the Sherman County Historical Society Museum. The couple used a dark background to accentuate the black and white photos, and incorporated rope to create continuity. The photos capture life in Sherman County and have a timeless feel.

For anyone who wishes to see the exhibit, you'd better act fast. Stacy Bird's photos are scheduled to be on display through the end of June.

If you miss the exhibit in Moro, you can still check out Stacy's prints and goodies at the Chamber in Condon, Breezeway Antiques in The Dalles – or online. Stacy is on Facebook at Birdie's Bits and Pieces, and on Instagram @smbirdie.