Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA) invites the public to celebrate the new “All Things Newport” mural in Nye Beach on Saturday, October 11th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC). The event takes place indoors and out, and will include kids’ art activities, face painting by Rebecca Sinnhuber of American Mayhem, light refreshments provided by The Tastee Tiki, and live music by Chayag Band (12 pm-1:30 pm) and Your Song My Song (1 pm-4 pm). Admission is free!
The multi-artist “All Things Newport” mural is located at the large cement staircase adjacent to the VAC, which connects the Nye Beach turnaround area to the streets above. Formerly more functional and less fun, the staircase now plays host to the colorful work of many talented local mural artists – including Crystal Akins, Kim Bush, Gary Herd, Khara LeDonne, Miguel Martinez, Casey McEneny, Ram Papish, Carol Shenk, and Ken Spencer – as well as a panel designed and painted by local Latinx youth, guided by artist Emy Daniels (sponsored by Oregon State University).
A project of the Public Arts Advisory Committee for the City of Newport, managed by OCCA, the multi-artist mural was conceived by Chasse Davidson, director of the VAC, as a way to make the formerly drab staircase more visually appealing. Each panel of the mural represents a unique take on what Newport means to that particular artist (or collection of artists), with one common element – the inclusion of one of Newport’s native hummingbird species.
Chayag Band – Our family band of 4 musicians performs traditional Andean music using handmade instruments. During our performance, we share a wide variety of songs from across Latin America, highlighting the richness of our culture through music.
Your Song My Song is an upbeat, funky indie band that sings songs about nature and, specifically, oceanic ecosystems.
Artist Info…
Ram Papish is a professional wildlife enthusiast whose varied career includes biologist, educator, photographer and wildlife artist. He specializes in illustration of interpretive signs, books and posters. His interests include flowering shrubs, birdwatching, community theater and world travel. His major achievements include appearing in the 2024 “Chicken Daddies” calendar. rampapishart.com
Gary Herd is a Waldport Artist that has been painting murals for over 18 years now. Gary also shares his talents on stage at The Performing Art Center, acting in rolls such as The Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz), Lenny (Of Mice and Men), and Kerchak (Tarzan) to name a few. One of Gary’s best accomplishments was being chosen to be a contestant on the NBC maker show, “Making It”. Kraken Studios
Carol Shenk is an artist living in Newport. In addition to creating mixed media art and textile assemblages, she works as an illustrator and has led multiple workshops and taught courses in drawing and other media with both children and adults. Carol currently serves as president of the Coastal Arts Guild, and she is a member of the Newport Public Arts Advisory Committee, and regularly volunteers with the Newport Visual Arts Center. Carol earned her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Oregon and her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Washington.
Kim Bush is a lifelong creative, designer and artist, with a background in fashion and interior design. This is her third year teaching with the Sitka Center For Art and Ecology, K8 Create, school art program in Lincoln County Schools. You might notice she signs her name, as well as “Ms Kim,” so her students will recognize her and know that they can be the next generation of working artists. She has lived with her Oregon native husband, Ron and two puppies in Toledo for 4 years. Kim also is currently serving as City Council President in Toledo. Instagram is @kimbushstudio
Khara Ledonne has been a professional artist for over 20 years, working as a muralist, sign painter, gilder and miniaturist. Her murals are on the west coast, east coast, Italy, Mexico and even a Disney Cruise Ship. This mural is inspired by the idea of an intertidal neighborhood, showcasing all of our local tidepool inhabitants. Her fine art is just up the block at For Artsake Gallery in Nye Beach. www.kharaledonne.com / Instagram @kharaledonne
Miguel Martinez is a local artist who celebrates Latin-American heritage though vibrant acrylic paintings. His work is inspired by the colors, symbols, and traditions of my roots, sharing the richness of Latin- American culture with the community.
Emy Daniels creates paintings and sculptures exploring the intersection of science and culture. She teaches art-science classes and this mural synergizes motifs developed in workshops she taught to Latine students (ages 5-11). These youth workshops explored cultural heritage while raising awareness about coastal hazards like tsunamis, sneaker waves, and landslides, and culminated in the kids helping Daniels paint the mural. This collaboration is a project of Cascadia CoPes Hazards Research Hub and Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service, in partnership with Arcoíris Cultural and OSU College of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and co-facilitated with artist Miguel Martínez. For more information about this collaborative project, visit https://beav.es/muralnewport (Website: EmyDaniels.com, Instagram: @EmyDanielsArt)
Emy’s team: Felicia Olmeta Schult, Emma Gleeman, Miguel Martinez Medrano, Ivette Alonso Garcia, Odilia Vargas Ramirez, Andrea Domingo, Yolanda Corral Ventura, Laura Campos, Blanca Cabrera, Deisy Perez, Mauricia Cardona, Francisca Jaspar, Abelina Pablo, Maria Anjelica, Alex Llumiquinga, Mauricia Cardona.
Emy’s Youth Participants: Yari Migia, Axel Migia, Romelia Garcia, Joselin Hernandez, Kendra Patiño Rodriguez, Johanna Ramirez, Ruby Balderas, Fernando Balderas, Ariana Gonzales, Darcy Jeronimo, Yakelin Jeronimo, Shaira Cardona, Eulalia Ramirez, Carla Elizabeth Cardona, Ashley Nicolas.