Getting involved in community art projects couldn’t be easier for University of Oregon students. But what about those who no longer attend the school? Or never attended in the first place? For community members looking for ways to get involved in Eugene’s art scene, look no further. There are options just around the corner.
Maude Kerns Art Center:
Located on East 15th Avenue, just a few blocks from campus, the Maude Kerns Art Center offers a variety of classes for youth, young adult and adult students. The courses typically cost less than $200 for a month and a half of instructor demonstrations and what their website refers to as, “the perfect atmosphere for self-exploration and artistic camaraderie.”
The classes at Maude Kerns Art Center fall into a variety of categories, including drawing and painting, artist services, open studios, printmaking, ceramics, photography and weekend workshops. While many of these take the form of traditional studio art, according to their website, the artist services classes teach working artists “foundational skills for entering the art world” via basic portfolio development and documentation, and web design.
Another way Maude Kerns Art Center engages the community is through the Community Art Share, which takes place on June 15. Anyone in the community is encouraged to sign up for the free event in which artists can bring a piece of their work, meet fellow artists and receive feedback.
Regardless of your expertise or experience, the Maude Kern Art Center has a little something for anyone interested in being creative or connecting with other creatives in the community.
Oregon Art Supply:
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Eugene, Oregon Art Supply offers monthly art classes alongside their carefully curated retail inventory of supplies. Community members can decide between day-long classes such as “Useful Perspective Skills for Artists,” or longer classes like “Watercolor and Abstraction” which are offered four times a month.
Oregon Art Supply boasts a playful array of classes outside of the traditional skills. In the Ukrainian Egg (Pysanky) class, students learn a century-old technique for making Ukrainian Easter eggs.
Another unique course offered by Oregon Art Supply is Book Binding, where students learn to make their own hardcover book. The skills are also transferable for book repair. For a little extra incentive, all students enrolled in a course receive 20% off of their purchases.
Art with Alejandro:
Led by Alejandro Sarmiento, mural artist, painter and teacher, Art with Alejandro offers community members a low-stakes chance to make art and engage with fellow art enthusiasts. Located at 5th Street Market, Sarmiento offers a variety of fun painting opportunities.
Sarmiento frequently hosts Paint and Sip events, where attendees are given supplies and a complimentary drink. Similarly, he also hosts Paint and Pint events for those over the age of 21. Paint and Pint takes place every other Sunday at Gratitude Brewing. The next session is April 28.
Clay Space:
Clay Space opened its doors in 2008 and has since been a space of community for Eugene ceramicists. Clay Space offers a variety of membership options as well as classes for all experience levels of clay artists.
Each class at Clay Space costs $235 and spans 4 to 8 weeks. They offer courses on wheel throwing, handbuilding and glaze/surface decoration. For those already confident in their ceramic skills, memberships are available for varying rates depending on level. The space is open Monday through Saturday.
