Meandering down flower-filled streets, visiting eclectic art galleries and sipping a glass of Merlot while talking with local artists are some possible ways to enjoy Eugene’s rich and vibrant art scene.
The wine, galleries and artists are all part of Eugene ArtWalk, a local walking tour of the Eugene art scene that takes place on the first Friday evening of each month. The walks are sponsored by the Lane Arts Council, which hosts a variety of other local art events.
A special aspect of ArtWalk is that it hosts 80 to 90 percent local artists, said Douglas Beauchamp, head of the Lane Arts Council. He said this can open the doorway for people wanting to show their own artwork.
“The important thing is don’t be shy,” he said. “Go down and talk to the artists and gallery owners.”
Every ArtWalk begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Center Court Gallery in downtown Eugene. The tour usually visits five or six local galleries, and the artist is present to chat about his or her work. The walk stops at each gallery for about 15 minutes, with hors d’oeuvres, wine and other refreshments served at each location.
In addition, a local gallery called The Provenance hosts the local jazz group John Bishop and Friends. A few other galleries stay open late on these Fridays for people to stop by after the free walking tour. Listings of each month’s showings are available at the Hult Center and the downtown galleries.
The ArtWalk, Beauchamp said, is just one example of the vibrancy of the city’s art scene.
“Eugene’s community is very supportive of local artists,” said Eugene artist Giorgi DeCarlo.
The Mayor’s Art Show, open from Sept. 13 to Oct. 25, will be included in the Oct. 5 ArtWalk. Aside from its night at ArtWalk, the show will be located in the Jacobs Gallery on the lower level of the Hult Center. Beauchamp said the show is a display of high quality, diverse artwork from Eugene and surrounding areas.
Artists must submit work for this show a year in advance and their pieces are judged by a jury of their peers. Mayor Jim Torrey selects his personal favorite, and the winning artist earns lunch with Torrey at a Eugene restaurant. Patrons attending the mayor’s show may also vote on their favorite piece, and the winner is presented with the Viewer’s Choice award during the Oct. 5 ArtWalk.
Artwork not selected for the mayor’s show is displayed at the annual Le Salon des Refusés show. This exhibit occurs during the Eugene Celebration, from Sept. 13 through Oct. 5, in the Heron Building at 576 Olive St. Beauchamp said many artists in Eugene felt that the juroring for the Mayor’s Art Show was too restrictive, and in 1992 an alternative show was set up. The October ArtWalk will also stop at Le Salon des Refusés.
Beauchamp said students and residents should make their way downtown to see what’s happening with the galleries. He added that, if possible, they should support local artists by purchasing an original piece of artwork for one’s home or office.
One University student, Osmund Tweto, has already checked out the art scene in Eugene and agreed it was a great place for artists to flourish.
“One reason I moved to Eugene is because it is an artistic community,” he said. “I think the whole Northwest area is sort of renowned for being open to many various forms of artistic expression.”
Beauchamp also suggests that parents and younger people look into the many youth programs the Lane Arts Council offers.
One program, “Artists in Schools,” draws in local writers, performers and visual artists to classrooms to work with teachers and students on various art projects to foster imagination and creativity. Another youth program, “Arts Works,” trains and encourages teenagers to participate in community artwork. While providing safe and fun activities for kids to grow and learn, these programs give young people an appreciation of art, Beauchamp said.
DeCarlo said people interested in selling their artwork in a co-op setting should visit Circle of Hands gallery in the downtown Eugene Mall. This store is run by a group of local artists and crafters, and the items are sold on a consignment basis. Everything from colorful paintings to beaded jewelry to hand drums and original hand-made clothing are sold there, she said.
Coffee shops around town also display local artwork created by students and other artists. Cafe Paradiso at 115 W. Broadway and Espresso Roma at 825 E. 13th St. both display paintings and photography in a slightly more casual setting. Depending on the shop, exhibits usually rotate monthly.
For more information about ArtWalk or other programs, contact Lane Arts Council at www.lanearts.org, or phone them at 485-2278.