College to auction masters of art

The fall is off to an energetic start at Oregon Coast Community College as students, faculty and the community return to campus after more than 18 months of limited access. That energy is manifesting itself in many ways — including visual art and creativity.

This outpouring of artistry is clearly in evidence in the OCCC Foundation Art Show, which opened on Oct. 8. The show features an online auction for a collection of more than 30 pieces contributed by the college’s students, faculty and stakeholders.

Meet some of the artists and peruse the collection at the college’s Newport campus on Friday, Oct. 15, and Friday, Oct. 22, from 11 am to 4 pm and on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 11 am to 5 pm.

At 5 pm on Oct. 28, the auction will close and the winning raffle ticket will be drawn for “Ella,” a vividly painted salmon sculpture created by the late Toledo artist Michael Gibbons. Only 250 tickets are available for this very special drawing, priced at $100 each.

Gibbons’ work can also be found in the art auction, thanks to OCCC Foundation Board Member Billie Jo Smith’s donation of the 2007 painting, “Summer Rain Clouds.”

Curator for the art show, Visual Arts department faculty member Julia Goos, has been with the college for 13 years and teaches painting, drawing, printmaking, basic design, comic art as literature and mixed media/hybrid forms. 

“I am really excited to showcase the artwork of the OCCC community,” Goos said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see their talent and diversity. It allows students to gain experience with preparing their artwork for gallery shows as well as gaining confidence and exposure. The show will also be an exciting environment for students to speak about their artwork to the public.”

Proceeds from each sale will benefit the artists and the OCCC Art Department and go toward scholarships, faculty and staff support and program enhancements.

OCCC’s Central County Campus is located at 400 SE College Way. For more information, go to oregoncoast.edu or email andrea.spirtos@oregoncoast.edu.