Fair conditions at the maritime center
Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is housed in a gorgeous building with a stunning view of the Yaquina Bay. It gets even better when dressed up for the Christmas holiday season.
This Saturday, Dec 2, the big indoor decorated tree will be surrounded by art of all kinds for the second annual Holiday Open House and Artisans Market. The event includes free admission to the museum, with 13 local artisans on site for an excellent holiday shopping experience.
“We are bringing back some of the amazing local artisans we had last year like the Gypsea Weaver, but there will be a few new ones in the mix,” Director Susan Tissot said. “We’re extra excited about having Cheri Aldrich come this year.”
Aldrich, who makes kelp pouches, earrings, rattles and nature-inspired mixed media pieces will be joined by other newcomers Ozone Fine Art, quilts by Lily-Therese Walla, Starfin Jewelry, mosaics by Joanne Daschel and Wreaths Across America.
The museum shop will also have specials and fun gifts, like the new line of upcycled bags made by Dean Major of Cutting Edge Canvas.
“The bags are made from billboards and banners, like ones for recent exhibits at the Oregon Coast Aquarium,” Tissot said. “We are the only place to get them and each bag is really good looking and one-of-a-kind. They have a square bottom which is nice and they are super sturdy; you can pack things in there like there is no tomorrow. Plus, they’re by nature waterproof.”
Any gift shop purchase comes with a free perk:
“This year we will be providing free gift wrapping for purchases made in the museum store,” Tissot said, “using amazing retro nautical themed wrapping paper.”
The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts’ Art Bus will be onsite to provide hands-on activities for families, and there will be live music on stage in the theater.
“The music acts will include Kathy Redwine and the Redwine Effect and the Coastal-Aires,” Tissot said. “Coastal-Aires will be providing holiday music and people love that.”
Light refreshments will even be provided.
“Last year we had a great turn out — about 250 people attended and we predict even more this year,” Tissot said. “It will be very festive and fun for the whole family, and it’s supporting local artists.”
Saturday’s event runs from 10 am to 3 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd in Newport. For more information, go to oregoncoasthistory.org or call 541-265-7509.