For Harvey Gail, painting is more than a hobby. It is one of the ways he gives back to the

community.

Harvey and his wife, Mary Louise VanNatta, moved to Illahe nearly three years ago after many

years living near Sprague High School.

Harvey studied psychology, organizational behavior, and economics at University of Oregon

before earning his MBA from Willamette. Mary Louise shares those same school ties, and both

of their parents also attended Willamette and the University of Oregon. Together, Harvey and

Mary Louise own VanNatta Public Relations and Spire Management. Their work focuses on

public relations, association management, and public affairs.

Their two sons have built careers of their own. Ryan, 31, works with Harvey and Mary Louise in

the family business. Caleb, 28, is a civil drafter with MultiTech Engineering.

As a grade schooler Harvey took adult painting classes at Portland State University. Then, after

years of hibernation, these talents emerged and he began painting again when he took a class

from Salem Art Association. Harvey changes focus from acrylic, oil, brush, pallet knife, and even

spray paint. Subjects include still life, birds, fish, animals, seascapes, landscapes, often with a

playful and poetic mood. Harvey adds that painting is a lot more like sculpture than applying

paint on a surface. This is especially true for pallet knife painting, but with oil, layering color and

glaze is like sculpture too, just in two dimensions.

Harvey’s father, Tom Gail, is a very accomplished watercolor painter and many of my relatives

are quite talented at art.

Harvey has painted for many years and often donates his artwork to local charities. His

paintings are auctioned to help raise money for causes that strengthen the Salem community.

He has donated art for fundraising auctions for the Boys and Girls Club and Partnerships in

Community Living. His latest piece, a mixed media painting of jackfish, is being donated to the

Western Oregon University Art & Design Department’s Art and Wine Auction, September 10 at

Illahe. 

When he is not in his studio, Harvey enjoys golfing at Illahe Hills Country Club and rowing with

the Salem Rowing Club. Mary Louise is a member of a dragon boat team, and together they

enjoy spending time on the water as well as walking and biking at Minto-Brown Island Park.

At home, they are kept entertained by two small dogs. Carlitos, a Chiweenie, is “super cute and

feisty,” according to Harvey. Otto, their dachshund, loves chasing his ball.

The Gails enjoy opening their home to friends, especially on the Fourth of July when they host a

fireworks gathering from their condo. They attend many neighborhood and charitable events

and are always looking for ways to stay involved.

Asked what he likes most about living in Illahe, Harvey doesn’t hesitate: “The view and the really

nice people.”

Whether through his paintings, his volunteer efforts, or his easygoing presence around the

neighborhood, Harvey brings creativity and generosity to the Illahe community.