8 minute read
Art in the Valley
Art in the Mid-Valley By Brian Egan
The Arts Center turns 60
“Community projects begin with an idea, and after hard work and good fortune, the hardy ideas materialize.” Those are the opening words of A Brief History of The Corvallis Arts Center. Until 1959 artists in the mid-valley had talked about coming together as a cohesive group but it was the leadership of Marion Gathercoal that sparked the formation of the Corvallis Arts Council. The council found a home for the organization in 1962 when the Corvallis Episcopal Church moved to a new larger church. After extensive remodeling The Arts Center opened its doors to the public on December 1, 1962 for a Christmas Arts Sale. Members of local artist guilds, OSU art students and other local groups offered items for sale. The actual Grand Opening ceremony took place on January 26th and 27th, 1963. Mayor Ken McGregor officially dedicated the building, with over 1000 people of all ages joining the celebration. The building was moved to its present location in 1970 when the City of Corvallis made a corner lot across from Central Park available.
"We have been a catalyst for artists and creators for six decades" said Executive Director Cynthia Spencer, " and we are excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with the community. Over the years we have connected thousands of people by providing a safe space and platform for artists of all types and skill levels to share their talents and for the community to engage with and appreciate the arts."
Part of The Arts Center’s mission is to bring art, artists, and art enthusiasts together. That's why the 2023 theme is "Expressions of Community." To celebrate this theme, they are hosting a birthday bash on January 21, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00, with a lineup of activities that look back at history and look forward to what the next 60 years will look like. A drag show featuring regionally-known talented performers Calienté XL Production will be a highlight of the day. Get creative with a community arts project and a 60’s through 90’s themed photo booth for snapping memorable photos with friends. Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without a delicious cake to share with the community!
Discover your inner artist at the ever-popular Howland Community Open show running from January 31st to March 17th in the main gallery of The Arts Center. This popular exhibit features the work of artists of all ages and skill levels, reflecting the joy of art-making and the engagement of our community with the visual arts. Art-making is a valuable means of expression for beginners and seasoned professional artists alike. The 2022 show featured over 200 artists showcasing painting, sculpture, fiber arts, and more. If you are interested in participating you can register and find full details at
“There are no rules. That is how art is born, how breakthroughs happen. Go against the rules or ignore the rules. That is what invention is about.” —Helen Frankenthaler
theartscenter.net . Arts Center members can drop off their work from noon to 5pm on January 25th to 27th, non-members can drop off work on January 28th from noon to 4pm. A reception will be held on February 16th from 5pm to 7pm.
The January show in the Corrine Woodman Gallery at The Arts Center, titled To and From the Past runs from January 10th to February 11th, with a reception on January 19th from 5:00 to 7:00. To and From the Past is a continuation of work by local artist Lee Niemi about childhood, gender, and communication. Through his work he is able to connect with his youth. In an attempt to embrace the past, Niemi was compelled to take an almost childlike approach to this exhibition. “My relationship with my art has shifted to be very similar to that I had as a young kid, and I’m learning to forget a lot of how I’ve been conditioned to act since then.” By creating abstract self-portraits, Neimi clearly communicates and connects with others. With this work, Niemi explores themes of maturing, and defines his own identity.
The next show in the Corrine Woodman gallery at The Arts Center, titled Easy World, is by artist June T Sanders, and runs from February 14th to March 18th. This exhibit is a culmination of images made using a 4x5 view-camera and expired FP100 peel-apart film, mounted on steel frames. June's photographic work in Easy World is an invitation to the limits of visibility. What is imprecise about the images is also what lends them to expansion. In these cases, a photograph is neither a document nor a replication of the world. It is a reflection of desire, a transformation and an assertion. A moment to transfigure.
As I walked past the Old-World Center in Downtown Corvallis recently, I noticed that Pegasus Gallery, the oldest private art gallery in town, was gone! The Old-World Center building has new owners who needed the gallery space for their own use so Paige Shumway, current owner of Pegasus needed a new home. I met with Paige at her new location, 312 SW Madison, next to Richard Gretz Goldsmiths, to get some history on her gallery. Pegasus was founded by Corvallis icon Jim Howland in 1981 as a venue for local artists to sell their work. In 1989 Jim sold the business to artist Bill Shumway who ran the gallery until 2013. Paige joined her father in 2000 as an apprentice and was ready to take over when Bill retired in 2013. She continues to offer custom frame services and represents over 40 artists who sell their work at the gallery. You can show your support for a local, family-owned business by visiting Paige during the Corvallis Art Walks, which take place on January 19th and February 16th.
The Arts Center Hours Noon to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday (at time of publication, please check website for updates) • 541-754-1551 www.theartscenter.net
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