Art with a point

The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is pushing the limits for how long a community art show can go on by inviting all Lincoln County residents to participate in the 32nd “PushPin Show.” Original artwork for the show, held in the Runyan Gallery of the Newport Visual Arts Center, can be dropped off from Thursday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 3.

The opening reception will be held on Saturday, complete with live music and appetizers. Residents of all ages, artistic experiences and expressions are encouraged to bring one piece of visual art or writing to hang in the place of their choosing on the walls of the gallery. Each piece must hang with four pins or fewer, and three-dimensional work must be able to fit atop an 8-inch-square pedestal.

The show was conceived in 1990 by Waldport artist James Frankfort. The show’s graphic image by Frankfort himself remains in use today. Over the years, thousands of residents have shown work through the show in the Runyan Gallery, one of the largest galleries on the Oregon Coast. While showing work in a gallery space can seem intimidating, the Newport Visual Arts center welcomes the whole community to submit and hang their creations without judgment.

Participants in the show can deliver their work directly to the Runyan Gallery on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 12 to 7 pm, Friday, Dec. 2. from 9 am to 4 pm or Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 am to noon.

The public opening and reception will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 5 pm, where guests will cast votes for the The People’s Choice Award.

The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive and is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.