A free exhibit of mixed-media sculptures made from reclaimed materials fills the Alexander Gallery at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City through Dec. 4.

The solo show, called "Microclimates," features work by Portland-based artist Hilary Pfeifer. She sculpts insects, plants, bird nests and trees that explore how humans try to control nature and how nature pushes back. The exhibit opened Sept. 21, according to a Clackamas Community College announcement.

One installation stands out. Pfeifer built bird nests from metal bristles she collected from street sweepers over more than a quarter century of walks, according to her portfolio. The project grew to 150 nests after she learned from an Audubon report that the same number of bird species could be lost without action on carbon emissions.

Pfeifer will appear for a public reception and artist talk on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the gallery.

In a January 2025 segment on OPB's Oregon Art Beat, Pfeifer described her approach: "I really like using found materials because it's a great way to teach that you can make art out of anything."

Alexander Gallery director Kate Simmons praised Pfeifer's talent with source material and playful approach during a Sept. 18 visit covered by Oregon ArtsWatch. Shu-Ju Wang, a Portland artist and Oregon ArtsWatch board member who owns several of Pfeifer's pieces, said during the same visit that she loves how Pfeifer repurposes found materials beyond recognition.

A self-employed artist for more than 25 years, Pfeifer earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in woodworking and metalsmithing from Oregon College of Art and Craft. Her work appears in permanent collections at the White House, the Museum of Art and Wood in Philadelphia and the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland. Her public art along the Trolley Trail is part of TriMet's MAX Orange Line.

The Alexander Gallery is in the Niemeyer Center on the CCC Oregon City campus at 19600 Molalla Ave. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except college holidays. Admission is free. For questions, contact Kate Simmons at 503-594-3032 or [email protected].

Upcoming community events:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 7: Hilary Pfeifer artist reception and talk, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Alexander Gallery, CCC Oregon City campus
  • Through Dec. 4: "Microclimates" exhibit, free, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Alexander Gallery