FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK - JULY 7TH
July 7, 2006 Lane Arts Council First Friday ARTWalk Lane Arts Council’s First Friday ArtWalk provides a free monthly walking tour of downtown Eugene’s art galleries and visual arts attractions. Lane Arts Council is a non-profit community arts organization supporting artists and the arts in Lane County. Stop #1: Opus6ix, 22 W. 7th Ave. Focusing on the “beauty in things that are available if only you take the time to notice them”, Jerry Dame’s extensive career ranges from motor vehicle airbrushing to wildlife oil painting, demonstrating the philosophy of “stopping and smelling the roses” to create “a canvas for beauty.” Recognized for this year’s Bach Festival poster, Jeff White has exhibited works through the Pacific Northwest for the last twenty years, conveying “a resonance of the paradoxical relationship between the external and internal forces” through book illustrations to bottle labeling to mural and panel paintings. Stop #2: Broadway Plaza Ceramic artist Betsy Wolfston’s Four Seasons accent the corners of Broadway Plaza, indicating the four directions of Eugene through the depiction of the four seasons. Wolfston’s one-of-a-kind sculptural vessels and wall pieces for public and private commissions can also be seen on the 10th & Pearl Parking Garage where ceramic tiles decorate the façade. The Storyteller by Peter Helzer is but one of Helzer’s bronze sculptures in the city. The Storyteller is a memorial for Helzer’s friend and, author Ken Kesey, depicting him reading to his grandchildren Kate, Caleb and Jordan. The sculpture begs the viewer to sit and listen a while on the bench between Kesey and the children, and allowing it as a place of relaxation in the plaza. Helzer has over 60 sculptures in public spaces throughout Oregon, stating “I believe it enhances the image of the community.” Stop #3: Downtown Athletic Club, 999 Willamette St. Stop #4: McDonald Theatre, 1010 Willamette St. When entering the McDonald Theatre building, one is immediately flooded with past memories of stage and screen performances because the 1928 building is loaded with historical memories and elements reflecting the days of yore. This (comfortable, familiar yet exciting) feeling is one that the Kesey Family, which owns and operates the theatre, has worked hard to maintain. The McDonald Theatre has evolved into a performing arts venue, rich in theatrical history with a desire to capture live artistic movements of the times. In maintaining the historical ambiance of the theatre, an effort has been made to emphasize the importance of community involvement. The theatre creates a platform for artists of all ambitions, repertoires, and ages to be displayed. Stop #5: Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts Also featured is The VALLEY CALLIGRAPHY GUILD, celebrating its 30th anniversary. The purpose of the Guild is to promote & encourage the art of calligraphy through sharing ideas, communicating with other scribes, sponsoring workshops, exhibits, and classes. Over the years the small group grew to include people throughout this country and overseas. The exhibit is titled JOURNEYS BEGIN WITH A SINGLE WORD. In the members gallery and the main room is artist Amy Beller, featuring monotypes and oil paintings, Peggy Spiess, Renee Manford, Keith Legg who specializes in digital media and pencil drawing. “Also Open” Jacobs Gallery – Lower level of the Hult Center |