Get under the influence, in Newport

Located inside the beautiful lobby of the Newport Performing Arts Center is the Olive Street Gallery — a rotating exhibit space managed by the center. It is there, from Friday, March 3, through April 29, that the public can view “Coastal Influences,” featuring the intriguing abstract paintings of Carolyn Cole.

“Coastal Influences” will feature new paintings from Cole’s ongoing series exploring intense color, rich textures and organic compositions. A reception on Saturday, March 18, from 1 to 3 pm will feature light refreshments, live music by jazz and blues guitarist Greg Ernst, and a talk from Cole beginning at 1:30 pm.

This is the first time Cole’s paintings — exhibited from London to San Francisco and countless places in between — will be shown on the Oregon Coast.

“We’re honored,” said Chasse Davidson, director of Newport Visual Arts Center. “Carolyn’s abstractions are uniquely mesmerizing. We’re excited to introduce them to our coastal community.”

Also (relatively) new to the area is Cole herself, who relocated to the Oregon Coast in 2019. “After moving [here], my paintings have become more fluid and harmonious,” she said. “Lines converge with shapes. Colors morph into each other more often. Subtle influences of the ocean landscape and the forest permeate the work.”

The Olive Street Gallery is located inside the Newport Performing Arts Center at 777 W Olive Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and one hour before all public performances at the center. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.