July at The Arts Center, Exhibits Include Playdemonium, The 4th Wall

Before we start on what’s happening this month at The Arts Center, or TAC, let us remind you that their widely respected and well liked longtime Executive Director Cynthia Spencer has retired,  

Enter Errin Gavaghan, who is described as having been a dynamic and game-changing ED at the Norman Arts Council in Norman, Oklahoma. The folks at TAC are inviting anyone that would like, to swing by and meet her. They also note she’ll be around after the Then & Now: Art as Foundation Panel Discussion at the Corvallis Museum – which is set for August 8. And without further ado, here’s some of what’s happening at TAC over July. 

MAIN GALLERY: Playdemonium, Robin Kerr & Coco Ma 

Playdemonium, a fusion of play and pandemonium, underscores the profound energy and enduring impact of playful experimentation in art. This new exhibition explores the multicultural experiences of Chinese-born New York artist, Coco Ma, and New Zealand-born Portland artist, Robin Kerr. Both artists utilize playful and multifaceted abstraction to explore complex themes of identity and personal relationships. The open-ended nature of their work allows viewers to engage with dynamic, sometimes contradictory expressions, transcending culture and eluding alienation.  The artists will speak about the intersection of their work at the Artist Reception. 

  • July 12 – August 24, 2024 
  • Friday, July 12, 2024, 6 pm – Artist talk 
  • Friday, July 12, 2024, 5:30 – 7 pm – Artist Reception

Learn about the artists and Playdemonium beginning Tuesday, July 9, on the latest episode of TAC Makes: A Podcast, on Spotify and YouTube. 

CORRINE WOODMAN GALLERY: The 4th Wall, Nathan Danilowicz 

Nathan Danilowicz responds directly to the Corrine Woodman Gallery, as he considers the conventional 4th wall in relation to the architecture and the phenomenological experience of The Arts Center.  Danilowicz exhibits roughly 80 small pen drawings on paper (with four larger paintings in the CWG II), each completed daily – beginning April 2024 and concluding July 2024. Each of  Danilowicz’s pieces converses with the others, which strengthens the group, as they refer to, but try not to break, the 4th wall. 

  • July 2 – 27, 2024 
  • Friday, July 12, 2024, 5:30 – 7 pm – Reception

Drop-In Stitch Circle: Jennifer Lommers 

Join Jennifer Lommers for an informal drop-in stitch circle. Bring your favorite fiber arts-related crafting project – knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, etc. – to stitch in-community and share your maker stories. Come for a few minutes or stay all night – everyone is welcome.  

  • Tuesday, July 23, 4-7 pm, The Arts Center Basement

OPPORTUNITIES 

Holiday Show & Sell – Applications Now Open: The Third Annual Holiday Show & Sell will transform the Main Gallery into an Arts Market on Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2, 2024.  Nine artists will be selected for this year’s Show & Sell, and all mediums will be considered. Application deadline is Wednesday, July 31, 5 pm, click here. 

Artist Accelerator Residency Applications Now Open:  Learn how to build your creative pursuits into a business in just 10 weeks, beginning in January 2025. Accelerator residents are selected for professional and personal growth potential and an ability and willingness to contribute to a thriving creative community. Application deadline is August 19, 2024, 5 pm, click here. 

DIY Bookmarks: Cue up your summer reading and join TAC in their Main Gallery to make custom bookmarks during TAC FREE 2nd Saturday Art Day. Use collage, drawing, and painting methods to create your personal page-saver – a collaged bookmark with tassel and key attached. Saturday, July 13, 1 – 4 pm. FREE. All ages and experience levels welcome, click here. 

8×8 Art Submissions: First, the folks at TAC say thanks to those who have already contributed submissions for the 8×8 Art Show. They’ve noted there’s been several outstanding submissions. They also remind that there’s still time to signup. The drop-off deadline is Friday, September 6, 2024, click here. 

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