During the renovation of the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove in 2000, I spent quite a number of nights alone in the building, painting on the walls and then using the elevator to put away my supplies and equipment in the early morning hours. More than once the elevator would mysteriously decide to take me to the scary third floor attic, instead of the basement. Each time the door slowly opened, I expected to find someone --or some thing, waiting for me. Nothing was there, of course. It is well known that ghosts avoid artists.
Around the time I painted this panel I watched the Vincent Price movie, "The Abominable Dr. Phibes". This was the inspiration for my painting. The Grand Lodge was a retirement home. The building must have  witnessed the passing of many elderly Lodge members over the years.  The Freemasons claim their heritage dates back to ancient Egypt. The vast, unused third floor attic of the Grand Lodge then becomes a kind of River Styx and Ruby the Witch is the Ferrywoman who transports the souls of departed Freemasons to the Other Shore. Music from the Walker  Brothers, who were popular in the area in the 1920's, and some roses strewn on the water indicate that all is well.  
-Lyle Hehn