A new exhibit from Portland’s Blackfish Gallery, highlighting the extraordinary range of Oregon artwork being made in the first quarter of the 21st century, is traveling to the central Oregon coast. Creative Diversity Abides will be on display in the Runyan Gallery at Newport Visual Arts Center April 1st – May 28, 2023.
Portland-based Blackfish Gallery showcases artists from an eclectic mix of backgrounds, genres, and mediums. Formed as an artist collective in 1979, and committed to presenting and promoting innovative art, Blackfish is owned and operated by artists who represent a rich cross-section of the Oregon art community. Over the years, they have represented more than 160 artists and mounted over 600 shows. This new exhibit celebrates 45 years and features work by all 33 current gallery artists. Artwork on display will include ceramic and fiberglass sculptures, acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, watercolor on paper, pastels and charcoal on paper, wax and pigment on paper, wood sculpture, collage, and cardstock.
“We’re excited to feature the many artists and mediums of Blackfish Gallery,” said Chasse Davidson, Director of Newport’s Visual Arts Center, “from realism to fantasy, total abstraction to figurative works, and even landscapes, the exhibit is a celebration of finding commonality of purpose through our differences.”
An opening reception will take place on April 1st from 2pm-6pm at Newport Visual Arts Center. Light refreshments will be served, and artist Clint Brown will be on hand to give an Artist Talk at 4:00 PM.
Exhibits at Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC) are free to the public and can be viewed most Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, at 777 NW Beach Drive in Newport. However, please note that the VAC will be closed the week leading up to this exhibit, and will reopen to the public on Saturday, April 1st when the reception begins at 2:00 PM.
While you’re at the VAC, don’t forget to join the conversation!
Through May of 2023, we’re measuring the impact of non-profit arts and cultural institutions in Lincoln County, as part of Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity Study 6—the nation’s largest, most comprehensive study of the Arts & Culture sector…and you can help! When you attend this event, please complete an “AEP6” survey before you leave the building (and every time you attend an event or exhibit at the VAC). 3 minutes, 13 questions, totally anonymous. Look for the iPad located in the lobby, or ask a volunteer or staff member for a paper copy.
To learn more about this incredible study, and what makes it so important, click here.