The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts marks the 29th anniversary of The PushPin Show December 7-29 in the Runyan Gallery at the Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC). A holiday opening reception will take place at the VAC on Saturday, December 7, 2-5pm. (Please note new time for Saturday reception and new artwork delivery dates listed below.) The PushPin Show recognizes creative talent throughout Lincoln County; artists of all ages and stripes are encouraged to participate. Artwork must be original (no prints or facsimiles). All Lincoln County residents, including beginners, emerging visual artists, established professionals, craftspersons, poets and literary artists, hobbyists, youngsters, oldsters, college students, retirees and families are invited to participate.
PushPin artists should deliver their work directly to the Runyan Gallery at the VAC (777 NW Beach Dr., Nye Beach) on Thursday, December 5, 11am to 4pm, Friday, December 6, 11am to 4pm, or Saturday, December 7, 10am to noon. (Please note new delivery date from previous years.)
PushPin participants must be able to hang their work with just four or fewer push pins. Each artist hangs their own work (singular works only). The PushPin Show is a family oriented community show, and OCCA asks that the work be appropriate for all audiences.
Artwork may be for sale, and OCCA encourages people to put a price on their work. OCCA retains a 35-percent commission if artists are an OCCA member and a 40-percent commission for non-members. PushPin artwork by current OCCA members will be featured on a designated “members’ wall.” Basic OCCA membership begins at $40 per year; join OCCA here. For a complete list of OCCA membership levels and benefits, please check out the membership brochure.
The original Pushpin Show was the brainchild of local artist and art activist Jimmy Frankfort. And while it has grown over the years, the show still adheres to an inclusive, all county residents’ show that exemplifies Oregon Coast Council for the Arts’ mission to celebrate, promote and develop community arts. The Pushpin Show brings together the resources of the VAC, the diverse talents of Lincoln County visual and literary artists, and the public to celebrate and support local art. The Pushpin Show is an annual opportunity to showcase one’s artwork or writing in a gallery or to purchase a piece of art. Exhibit attendees will be invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Award.”
The Mayors’ Show 2020
The 2019 PushPin Show will continue a tradition started in 2016. Submitting artists to The PushPin Show will be considered for the “Mayors’ Show” in the Runyan Gallery during January 2020. Newport’s mayor Dean Sawyer and Yachats mayor John Moore, along with OCCA VAC director Tom Webb, will curate an exhibition in the Runyan Gallery in January based on submitting artists to The PushPin Show in December. The curators are open to non-traditional formats and presentation styles. There are no age requirements for participation in the “Mayors’ Show.” Work must have been completed within the last three years. (The curators are interested in work that has been recently on the artists’ easels.) Artists contributing to The PushPin Show will be asked if they are interested in participating in the “Mayors’ Show” and if they have additional work available and ready to hang in the January exhibit.
For more information, contact OCCA VAC Director Tom Webb at twebb@coastarts.org or 541-265-6569.