George Michael Stanley (1947-2023)
“Mike” Stanley was an Oregon Coast renaissance man, best known as a generous sharer of his knowledge and passions, who at age 75, passed peacefully after complications from an unexpected stroke, surrounded by his family. Mike was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was a medical illustrator, artist, musician, jazz aficionado, and avid cyclist who traveled across Canada and Europe, eventually settling in Cannon Beach, Oregon in 1973, and marrying his wife, Christina, in 1989. There he ran Mike’s Bike Shop for 40 years, and advocated for safe community cycling. Besides cycling he enjoyed kayaking, hiking, traveling, playing flute and concertina music, and spending time with family. After retirement he and Christina moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where he took up bird watching, nature photography, sailing his boat the “Ursa Minor”, and playing flute and concertina music with local groups. He was also active in the Sangha Jewel Zen Center community. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Christina Stanley, his son Henry Stanley, daughters Marne, Nicole, Megan, and three granddaughters.
‘Rara Avis / A Rare Bird’ is color photography series by the late Corvallis, Oregon based artist “Mike” Stanley.
This is the first exhibition of his wildlife photography, edited retouched and printed posthumously by his eldest stepdaughter Marne Lucas.
'Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 19 x 13 inches.
'White Pelicans', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 19 x 13 inches.
'Golden- crowned Sparrow with Apples', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 13 x 19 inches.
'Grape Fern', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 19 x 13 inches.
'American Kestrals', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 19 x 13 inches.
'Adult and Juvenile Bald Eagles, Oregon Coast', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 19 x 13 inches.
'Tundra Swans', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 13 x 19 inches.
'Flock of Canada Geese', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 13 x 19 inches.
'Monarch Butterfly', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 19 x 13 inches.
'Great Blue Heron, with a Mallard duck, Tundra Swans', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024 19 x 13 inches.
Installation view of 'Rara Avis' at Portland Arts Collective.
Installation view of 'Rara Avis' at Portland Arts Collective, with Christina Stanley, Mike's wife.
Installation view of 'Rara Avis' at Portland Arts Collective.
Installation view of 'Rara Avis' at Portland Arts Collective.
This is the last image taken on my dad Mike’s camera, taken in the afternoon at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, on February 22, 2023. There was a large black blur on the entire right side of this image, a black void, which I cropped out. While the photo was taken with a Nikon digital camera, it reminded me of the shadowy end of the roll on print film. Mike suffered a catastrophic stroke later that evening, and passed away peacefully surrounded by our family on February 25, 2023.
Mike was part of my life and my family’s for thirtyfive years, and was the kindest, most generous person I know. A fellow Libran, my birthday is October 8 and his was October 10. We shared a love of Oregon’s vast nature, photography, and helping others. Mike adored his wife, my mother Christina, they were great pals, fantastic travel partners, and enjoyed countless hours at the Finley Refuge where these photographs were taken. A couple of years ago I promised Mike I would help him produce an art exhibition of his wildlife photography, I never imagined he would be gone so soon. I am honored to do so after his passing, and I hope you enjoy the fruits of his labor. Please savor the present moment, and when outside, look up at the birds!
-Marne Lucas
'Bald Eagle Taking Flight', Estate of Mike Stanley, 2024, archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta, 19 x 13 inches.