The Newport Visual Arts Center, located at the historic Nye Beach Turnaround, is a facility built by the City of Newport as a public art exhibition space and for art education programs and maintained by the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. Opening in 1983, the Newport Visual Arts Center (or “VAC”) is the largest facility on the Oregon Coast built specifically for the exhibition of visual art. The VAC includes three traditional gallery spaces, as well two classrooms/event spaces.
The William Runyan Gallery occupies approximately 1,100 square feet on the first floor and exhibits 8-12 shows per year. (Click here for detailed gallery floor plan map)
The Upstairs Gallery, a 300-square-foot gallery space on the third-floor level, schedules 8-12 exhibits per year featuring new and experimental artists in the northwest region.
The Coastal Oregon Visual Artists’ Showcase (COVAS), established in 2011, occupies space on the third floor of the Visual Arts Center.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday – 12pm to 4pm (unless otherwise noted)
All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
The Visual Arts Center also offers classes, workshops, and community events.
RENTALS:
The facility is available for rental for art events and other activities. Click to view rental rates. For more information, contact Sara Siggelkow at 541-574-3364 or ssiggelkow@coastarts.org.
EXHIBIT PROPOSALS:
Click to download the Exhibit Proposal Form. Fill out the form completely and with as much detail as possible, then email (with high-resolution sample images) to cdavidson@coastarts.org.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Two of the greatest gifts you can give are your time and your talent. VAC volunteers serve as gallery docents, event and office supporters, and committee members. Contact VAC director Chasse Davidson at cdavidson@coastarts.org regarding your volunteer interests.