This town shucks
Toledo busts out the beer and bivalves for Art, Oysters & Brews
By Andrea McCabe
Oregon Coast TODAY
Experience art with all five senses at the third annual summer of Arts, Oysters and Brews, starting this Saturday, July 1, on Toledo’s Main Street.
Taking place on the first Saturday of each month through September, the event invites guests to check out downtown shops, Phantom Galleries and vendors while sipping on local brews, enjoying Cajun clams and listening to live music.
Art, Oysters and Brews is an event hosted by the ART Toledo initiative, which launched in 2021 to economically revitalize the community during the COVID pandemic. The initiative hosts events throughout the summer months that showcase the prominent art community. Art, Oysters and Brews connects beer connoisseurs and painters alike, while offering all guests the chance to check out downtown businesses and enjoy the town’s quirky vibe.
ART Toledo committee member Katy Keuter is enthusiastic about the progression of Art, Oysters and Brews and how it has continued to positively impact the community.
“Especially since it started during COVID and it has only been gaining momentum since then, it is a testament to how strong this community is,” she said. “If we do these art projects it is exciting and it will bring the community together. That is the whole focus of it.”
Timbers Restaurant and Lounge, owned by Charlie and Emilee Cyphert, provide oysters and brews from numerous local and up-and-coming breweries. Charlie is well versed in the art of brewing as has been certified for almost 20 years as “Cicerone,” a term for a trained professional in the hospitality and alcoholic beverage industry who specializes in the service and knowledge of beer, similar to a traditional wine sommelier.
Charlie said combining art, food, brews and music draws in both locals and visitors.
“When we shut down Main Street, people that wouldn't be interested in the events instantly become interested,” he said. “Everyone has a different idea of what art is. When you throw 20 vendors out in the street and put live music up and Cajun oysters and a music festival, people stop by that weren't planning on stopping by.”
Oysters are steamed in beer kegs at the beer gardens and served with garlic butter. Cajun seasoning is an option with no extra charge. Not a seafood person? Timbers offers its full menu as a take-out service. Known for its burgers and fries, the Timbers’ American feel-good food pairs well with beer and cider from the breweries that Charlie picks out personally.
“We have the two things that people love,” he said. “We have oysters and we have beer.”
The choices are expanding for people this year — there will be two breweries and one winery instead of the usual one-to-one beer-to-wine ratio provided in the past. Rogue Ales and Georgetown Brewing Company will be featured for the first Art, Oysters and Brews of the summer this July 1.
Painting, sculptures, mixed media, photography and music are other art forms represented at the event along with the culinary cuisine. Paul Schuytema will get the music underway at noon with traditional acoustic blues. Singer-songwriter Chris Barron will continue the feel-good ambience at 1:45 pm, and Ian Smith will end the event on a high note with his acoustic classic rock at 3:30 pm.
Keuter is optimistic that the event will continue to bring the community together and hopes visitors will take aspects from this event back to their own community.
“We want to show what art does for a town and how it does help economic development,” she said. “We want to show them if we can do this then you can do this, too.”
Come down to Main Street Toledo to fully experience the creativity of this art-cultivated town from noon to 5 pm this Saturday, July 1. For more information, go to www.arttoledo.com.