The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is pleased to present “The Mayors’ Show” in the Runyan Gallery at the Newport Visual Arts Center from January 8-31. The exhibition is being curated by Newport Mayor Sandy Roumagoux, Waldport Mayor Susan Woodruff and OCCA VAC Director Tom Webb, based on submissions to the 2015 “PushPin Show” held in the Runyan Gallery during December 2015. An opening reception for “The Mayors’ Show” will be held on Friday, January 8, 5-7pm at the VAC, with an artists talk at 6pm during the reception.
“Mayor Woodruff, OCCA Director Tom Webb and myself were presented with a difficult selection process in choosing artists to feature in ‘The Mayors’ Show,’” says Newport Mayor Sandy Roumagoux. “’The PushPin Show’ mirrors the depth of diverse artistic talent that lives here. My hope is the inaugural ‘Mayors’ Show’ will continue for decades to come.” In 2015, the 25th anniversary of “The PushPin Show,” one-hundred and sixteen entries from individuals across Lincoln County were received and exhibited in the Runyan Gallery at the VAC. From these submissions, the two mayors and Tom Webb selected eight artists, representing two-dimensional and multi-media work with a strong focus on painting.
Aritsts selected for the inaugural “Mayors’ Show” include Lynn Bishop, Stephanie Brown, Margo Eastman, Cynthia Jacobi, Chinh T. Le, Johnny Omnibus, Bonnie Powell and JerryLynn Woolley.
“The intent in creating in ‘The Mayors’ Show’ is to continue to build relationships between the visual arts community, the VAC and the region’s elected officials and public employees, while adding a new dimension to the annual ‘PushPin Show,’” says OCCA VAC Director Tom Webb.
The OCCA looks to continue the traditions of both “The PushPin Show” and “The Mayors’ Show,” with the sitting Newport mayor, an additional Lincoln County mayor (rotating each year) and the OCCA VAC Director serving in curatorial roles.
The Runyan Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 5pm.