Three’s company at Newport Visual Arts Center

Three new exhibitions are springing up at the Newport Visual Arts Center this month, kicking off with an opening reception on Friday, March 7, from 5 to 7 pm. Barbara Turrill will provide musical entertainment and light refreshments will be served.

In the Runyan Gallery, the third annual Member Show returns, featuring a fresh and eclectic mix of artwork and styles. This special exhibit allows Oregon Coast Council for the Arts members of various skill levels to display a work of art. This year’s suggested theme is “birds and/or spring colors.”

“The success of our annual Member Show has resulted in the acquisition of two new moving walls in the Runyan Gallery to accommodate the wonderful scale of participation,” said Chasse Davidson, director of the Newport Visual Arts Center. “This exhibit provides the community with a fascinating insight into the artistic efforts that fill the homes and studios of our members. Many artists have gone on to be awarded additional exhibit opportunities at the center following their submission into the Member Show.”  

In the Upstairs Gallery, David Mayfield’s “Clearcut Oregon” runs from March 7 through 30. It features a series of oil on canvas aerial landscape paintings depicting forest practices on actual places in Western Oregon.

“The Clearcut Oregon series is meant to invoke dialogue about a way of logging that shows no signs of going away,” Mayfield said. “Clearcuts are visually striking and, for the public, polarizing. For this exhibit, I have chosen to show real landscape views where I see striking lines, squares and other shapes imposed over natural patterns of terrain.” 

And in the COVAS Showcase, “Cork Creations,” running from March 7 through May 25, features whimsical, maritime-themed sculptures and assemblages by Conrad Willet. Willet’s playful use of wine corks as an artistic medium is a testament to the abundance of unconventional materials and resources waiting to be reimagined. 

The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive and is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.