Bonnie was passionate about art. She sponsored sculptures in the Gallery Without Walls rotating collection each year, always under the name “The Cartwright Family.” Her taste was idiosyncratic. She knew at a glance which piece she wanted, and her choices were never what you’d expect. For example, last year she snapped up sponsorship of Scott Foster’s “Wild Fire Spirit” immediately. Having previously sponsored Foster’s “Watcher,” it wasn’t a surprise, but she made sure to attend the piece’s installation and get photos with the artist. Bonnie invested in her sponsored sculptures beyond the price. 

Bonnie chaired the Gallery Without Walls selection committee for many years, bringing new art and artists to Lake Oswego. She attended every installation, getting behind-the-scenes info from the artists, which she used on her famous docent tours. She loved guiding tours for all ages, but especially kids, owing to her years as an educator in the Lake Oswego schools.

Most nonprofits survive or thrive based on their volunteers. In that regard, Bonnie was tireless. She attended most public events, arriving early and staying late. At opening receptions at Artspace Gallery she brought delicious relish trays, was in charge of the people counter, and insisted on helping clean up, washing dishes and often taking any linens home to launder. She wouldn’t hear anyone tell her it was unnecessary. 

Without question, Bonnie’s lasting contribution to the Arts Council is Artmart. She created the annual fundraising sale about 14 years ago when it occurred to her that if she had a few pieces of unwanted art in her garage, other people might as well. Why not ask everyone in Lake Oswego to donate that art, then resell it to raise funds for the Arts Council? That simple idea has now become a tentpole event on our calendar. Each year we receive hundreds of donations from Oswego Lakers, and until this year it was Bonnie who hung the art all over the walls at the Artmart sale location first at Artspace, and when Artmart outgrew that, at Marylhurst. Year after year, Artmart draws thousands of shoppers from all over the Pacific Northwest. Bonnie’s simple idea to resell old art has raised over $100,000 for the ACLO, making our work that much more possible. 

It’s difficult to overestimate the impact Bonnie had on the Arts Council of Lake Oswego. She served on the Board of Directors and on multiple committees. She was a public art sponsor, a volunteer without peer, and a fundraising visionary. She was always out and about, walking her neighborhood at a fast clip, and frequently popping in to Artspace Gallery to say hello, ask if we needed help with anything, and of course see the art. She was good humored, good natured, loved a little gossip, and enjoyed art without pretense. We will miss her.