SHS Alumni Abe Nelson Returns to Paint Downtown Silverton for Mother’s Day Gift

Abe Nelson paints historic downtown Stilverton for mother's day gift.

SILVERTON, Ore. – May 5, 2025 – Abe Nelson, a 1997 graduate of Silverton High School and owner of Inkwell’s Studio in Bremerton, Washington, has returned to his hometown to create a painting of Silverton, Oregon’s historic downtown as a Mother’s Day gift for his mother. The artwork captures the view from 1st Street facing Silver Creek, featuring the town’s historic storefronts along the creek in the Willamette Valley.

Nelson, known for his artistry at Inkwell’s Studio, where he crafts his own ink, shared the inspiration for the piece. “My mother loves it here,” he said. “She’s drawn to Silverton’s small-town charm and the beauty of the creek.” The painting, which Nelson said took several hours to complete, depicts the buildings lining 1st Street with Silver Creek as a central element.

Silverton, known for its historic district and proximity to the Oregon Garden, served as the setting for Nelson’s work. “The view of the creek from 1st Street is special,” Nelson said. “It’s a timeless spot that captures Silverton’s heart.”

With Mother’s Day nearing, Nelson’s painting serves as a tribute to his mother, inspired by her connection to Silverton’s historic downtown and its scenic creek. The artwork reflects his ties to the town where he graduated from Silverton High School in 1997, capturing a specific moment and place in Silverton’s landscape through his artistic lens.