By Carrina Stanton, For the Chronicle
Though too humble call art a talent, Charles Funk of Chehalis does say it's been a part of his life as long as he can remember.
"I went to a school reunion once and my second grade teacher came up and said, ‘I remember you. You used to draw in the margins of all your papers,'" Funk said. "It's become a way of life."
Through a lifetime of artistic endeavors, Funk has thrown himself into a variety of media. Just to name a few, he's been involved in commercial art, illustrative work, oil paintings, watercolors, screen printing and carving. A common thread through most of his endeavors, though, is the inspiration from his family history and childhood memories of Willapa Harbor and the Chinook Indian Tribe.
"When I'm just sitting and loose drawing things I do Willapa Harbor," Funk said. "That or dancing bunnies, but that's for the children."
Funk has been involved with the Chinook Tribe and the Quinault Indian Reservation since his grandparent's generation. His father worked on the reservation in the Indian Conservation Corps, which was an organization similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps. More recently, Funk has been a member of the Chinook Tribal Council for two years.
The 2,000-member Chinook Tribe, based near Astoria, Oregon, is not yet recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, though they are working on reinstatement. Funk said Northwest Indian is a popular art style with local artists, but what makes his art unique is it is drawn specifically from the traditions of the Chinook Tribe. Though it is similar to many local Native art styles, it has its own flavor, he explained. The paintings featured: "Tide Water" and "Between Two Islands" by Charles Funk.
The Exhibit will run from October 10th to November 22nd. Redmen Hall is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 noon to 4 P.M. It is located in beautiful downtown Skamokawa at 1394 W.SR4. For more information call Redmen Hall (360-795-3007) during open hours.
