Art that’s worth shouting about

More than 40 Lincoln County kids and teens participated in the Amplifying Voices art program presented earlier this summer by Samaritan ArtsCare in collaboration with Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. The resulting artwork will be highlighted at two artists’ receptions: in Lincoln City this Friday, July 19 and in Newport on Friday, July 26.

“We will celebrate fantastic art and these amazing teens,” said Erin Gudge, ArtsCare program manager. “They will talk about their creative processes and personal experiences during the program.”

The ideas and compositions originated entirely from the participants, with guidance from Gudge, Kim Bush, a professional artist from Sitka Center for Art and Ecology and Eric Sappington, the guest mural artist.

“We’ve received so much praise and admiration from staff and others who have already had the opportunity to view the art,” Gudge said.

Amplifying Voices offered teens a unique and intensive art project guided by local professional artists. Participants earned a stipend. Free art supplies, transportation, translation services, lunch and snacks were provided with funding from Samaritan Health Services and a grant from InterCommunity Health Network.

The grant-funded program continues with free Saturday Art Workshops held the fourth Saturday of each month at 2 pm at the Center for Health Education in Newport. 

The receptions at both locations begin at 6 pm. Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital is located at 3043 NE 28th Street in Lincoln City. The Center for Health Education is located at 740 SW Ninth Street in Newport. For more information and to register for the workshops, email Gudge at ArtsCare@samhealth.org.