Erin Oostra: Taking a Leap of Faith to Pursue Her Passion

Erin Oostra is a graphic designer, artist, and art gallery owner who took a leap of faith and quit her corporate design job to pursue her true passion as a full-time artist. It was a risky move, but the rewards have been immeasurable. Now, instead of sitting in endless Zoom meetings, she is actively engaging with her local community and creating art that truly speaks to her soul. Although relying on art commissions to pay the bills can be nerve-wracking, the thrill of waking up each day to pursue her dreams far outweighs any uncertainty.

Artist Journey

Erin’s journey as an artist began while she was pursuing her career as a marketing and product development professional in Seattle. She was simultaneously exploring the Pacific Northwest and constantly inspired by the beauty she saw around her. She began to create art pieces in her spare time, and as her collection grew, she started to sell more and more of them. As a marketing and design professional, Erin used her skills to promote herself and her art, eventually leading her to move to Ellensburg, Washington.

It was in Ellensburg that Erin met the owners of Fortuity Cellars, and they became good friends. Just over a year ago, they approached her about expanding her art career, and they decided to open a joint business venture - Nuwave, a contemporary art gallery featuring Erin's work and a diverse portfolio of rotating artists. In collaboration with Fortuity Cellars, they have created a space for people to enjoy art, get creative, and be inspired.

Erin’s Art Gallery: Nuwave

Nuwave's mission is to showcase artists, create a space for people to gather, and support those who help make our communities better. They curate a collection of artists and also have a permanent installation called the Community Wall, which highlights creatives in their community. Erin is proud of the way she has been able to combine her passion for art and design with her entrepreneurial spirit to create a space where people can come together and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. She wants to break down the belief that art is stuffy and uninviting and show people that it can be a healing escape for everyone.

Erin believes that vulnerability is a central part of all artists’ work. Whether it's a painting, a digital collage, or a mural, every piece she creates comes from her heart and soul. She also believes that creatives have a unique perspective on the world that can breathe new life into seemingly mundane things. One piece of advice she always gives is to be kind. We are all at different levels in our careers, and it takes a lot of courage to share our work with others. If we can all remember that, we could create a more supportive and uplifting creative community.

Erin Oostra’s Misson

Erin’s mission as an artist is to capture the raw beauty of nature that surrounds us and inspire people to connect with it. Nature has been her source of strength and inspiration, and through her art, she wants to share the healing power of nature with others. She also strives to inspire people to pursue their passions, to start that project they've been dreaming about for so long. It doesn't matter if it's not in the creative realm, as long as they find their own way to grow and find joy.

Erin is not just doing this for herself. She wants to make an impact in her community and make a positive change in the world. That's why she created a community wall in her gallery, where anyone can donate their work and showcase it, regardless of age or skill level. All proceeds from the community wall go to a different local cause every quarter. She believes that if she is not bettering her community along the way, then it holds less value to her. She knows there are countless ways to do this and is only getting started