PushPin show pushes deadline

Thanks to a rescheduling, Lincoln County artists now have a bit more time to get works in for the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts PushPin & ClothesLine Show, which will now run from Saturday, Jan. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 27 in the Runyan Gallery of the Newport Visual Arts Center.

The submission window for the show, which recognizes creative talent throughout Lincoln County, is Wednesday, Jan. 13, through Saturday, Jan 16. As well as showcasing artists of all ages, genres and experience levels, the show is a great chance to purchase an original piece of local art.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the show, which has been expanded to include work hung on clotheslines as well as gallery walls.

“We’ve changed the installation process,” said VAC Director Tom Webb. “Artists’ work will be attached to a strip of pine wood running throughout the gallery. We’ve also added the option to hang work from a clothesline.”

Exhibit guests will be invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” and, continuing a tradition started in 2016, work featured in The PushPin & ClothesLine Show will be considered for inclusion in the Mayors’ Show, which is scheduled to take place in March.

“The PushPin & ClothesLine Show celebrates and supports local art, showcasing the diverse talents of Lincoln County artists,” said OCCA Board President Akia Woods. “We look forward to representing all of Lincoln County, young and old, visual artists and writers alike.”

Submissions, limited to one per participant, must be original and ready to hang with four or fewer push pins, or three or fewer clothes pins. Limited pedestals for three-dimensional work will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. As this is a family-oriented community show, submitted work should be appropriate for all audiences. Pieces may be offered for sale so participants are encouraged to put a price on their work.

Submitting artists can deliver their work directly to the Runyan Gallery at the VAC, 777 NW Beach Drive, Nye Beach, Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 13 through 15 between noon and 4 pm or on Saturday, Jan. 16 between 10 am and noon. Artwork will be submitted on a no-contact basis, and a mobile drop-off option will be available. VAC staff will hang the artwork.

During the run of the exhibit, the Runyan Gallery will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon to 4 pm. When COVID-19 guidelines preclude in-person visits, artwork will be available for online viewing and select pieces will be hung in windows throughout the facility. Though the traditional, in-person opening reception will not take place, some work in the exhibit will be featured online and Zoom gatherings will be scheduled.

For more information, including registration forms, go to www.coastarts.org or email twebb@coastarts.org.