What a week for EGAD!

There was a meeting with the head of the Oregon Travel Council about signs for the Gallery and Arts District and they will be putting a sign out on the freeway at exit 94. We are seeking funding for follow signs leading in to EGAD!. Placement suggestions include with the Hult signs, and standalone. Plus we talked about banners. We are looking for a logo, perhaps a large G, to put in windows, or embed in the sidewalk to lead people around.
Input is sought.

U.S. death toll in Iraq hits 4,000.

Remember all those local politicians who thought this was such a great idea....one is running for mayor, again!

Four U.S. soldiers were killed in Baghdad today, putting the U.S. death toll at 4,000 since the invasion in 2003, reports MSNBC.

more at Think Progress

Art Tours

There is a company that specializes in art tours, Al and Sue Weiner of Professional Travel, Inc , that give you the opportunity to visit the studios of both emerging and established artists, view private collector homes, enjoy special gallery receptions, and exclusive curator guided exhibitions at museums.
Seems like we could attract a little tourism here if we could lure a travel group to create tours of our many galleries, museums, and if we threw in a little Hult action, some wine visits, and a trip down the McKenzie, to the coast, or up to ski, we might get them to come again.
Take a look at AmericamStyle magazine site and see what I am talking about.

A busy weekend in EGAD!

The Oregon Mozart Players did it again with Vestiges, a performance at the Soreng and a reception after words at OPUS6IX Gallery.
Gypsy played to a nearly full house and though they could have cut the first half, it was good in the end.

Another reason to vote this year!

As much as I despise Bush and all who stand with him, I love America more. Each time I travel I find new and wonderful places that are worth the trip, but America always calls me home.
This is a poem done years ago in a very different time and for very different reasons but it rings like a liberty bell today. There is so much wrong with us now as a country ( a nation that tortures, invades other countries without provocation, has an idiot at the helm, and so much more), we need to see what is still good.

Lotte Streisinger at DIVA

Lotte Streisinger will talk about her art and have two of her books that will be on sale. Her first book, From the Sidelines, is about the Institute of Molecular Biology at the UO, where her husband, George Streisinger, was a pioneering molecular biologist and co-founder of the Institute. It takes the reader behind the scenes as a scientific revolution unfolds.
The second book, The Potter and the Muse, is about her work as a long time potter and presents a lively, informative, and original discussion of the creative process illustrated through the medium of clay. It is based on Streisinger's studio notebooks and those she has been keeping about nature and travel.
Streisinger's exhibit "Arts and Letters" presents both her original prints and how Portland book designer, Chris Michel, manipulated these prints into book illustrations. Also on view will be a print series, "The Months," which the artist worked on while waiting for her second book to be published.

Mozart Players' Auction coming!

Mozart Players going for the gold at 17th Annual Auction!

Mark your calendar for Friday, April 18, 2008 and plan to join us at the Hilton Eugene for a gourmet dinner, fine wine, spirited bidding and great fun. For more information, to volunteer, or make a donation to the auction, contact auction coordinator Chris Wesely at auction@oregonmozartplayers.org.

This Mark Clarke painting is one of many items up for bid.

Meet the Artist Friday the 14th

Barry Geller, nationally known illustrator and artist, opens his newest show "Cats-22" on Friday the 14th at OPUS6IX. Preview the work and pick out you favorite. Two have been sold so far , Sisters and Catching the Light so get with it.
The prices are very reasonable! Come and join Barry on the 14th at 5:30 until 8:00.
There will be a book of his works on display and for sale.

Bush attacks! Iran here we come.....

"The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East resigned Tuesday amid speculation about a rift over U.S. policy in Iran," the AP reports.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that Adm. William J. Fallon had asked for permission to retire and that Gates agreed. Gates said the decision, effective March 31, was entirely Fallon's and that Gates believed it was "the right thing to do."
Read more here and here....

Funding for arts, heritage, and humanities

Lane County Cultural Coalition is giving away $23,000+ during this cycle of grants. The money comes from money you give to the Oregon Cultural Trust by your donations to the Trust and from the purchase of the Cultural Trust License plates (which I am seeing more and more of!).
There is an article worth reading in the NYT about why people give.
Anyone raising money for the arts needs to read this.

Barry Geller's "Cats-22" opens Friday!

Barry Geller, nationally known illustrator and artist, opens his newest show "Cats-22" on Friday the 14th at OPUS6IX. Preview the work and pick out you favorite. Two have been sold so far , Sisters and Catching the Light so get with it.
The prices are very reasonable! Come and join Barry on the 14th at 5:30 until 8:00.
There will be a book of his works on display and for sale.
"Sisters" Barry Geller acrylic on board

Educational night at the Hult

My wife took me to see "Menopause, the Musical" and I loved it. Now I know a little better what she has to put up with. It did make me laugh and the songs were dead on. If you get a chance, go see it or at least buy the CD.
All men who are over 40 should see it!

Busy Night in Eugene

First Friday was a huge night out for Eugene! With KLCC opening it's doors, OPUS6IX pouring fine wines from Perugino, and our new gallery, Sacred Jourhey opening it's doors the night was a huge event. As the night went on the crowd began to wain and the energy began to dissipate, but at 9:30 people were still hunting the buzz!

What's Happening in The Gallery & Arts District

Flight of the Lawnchair Man March 7, 2008 - March 29, 2008 Times: Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m. www.actorscabaret.org Location: Actors Cabaret of Eugene 996 Willamette Street; Eugene Phone: (541) 683-4368 Admission: $35.95 with dinner, $19.00 reserved, $16.00 restricted view The musical that was the talk of last year's New York Musical Theater Festival is on the runway and ready to take flight! This is the story of a regular guy who soars to 16,000 feet with nothing but a lawnchair and 400 helium balloons! FLIGHT OF THE LAWNCHAIR MAN is the show for everyone who's ever wanted to quit their job and reach for the stars! A Northwest Premiere Production!

Eugene Concert Choir - Best of Broadway March 8, 2008 - March 9, 2008 Times: Sunday, 2:30 p.m. www.hultcenter.org Location: Silva Concert Hall, the Hult Center 7th & Willamette; Eugene Phone: (541) 682-5000 Admission: $5-$34 Enjoy a concert presentation of your favorite show tunes in their full, original orchestrations, just as you remember them! The Eugene Concert Choir will get you humming along to the songs of well-known Broadway musicals from Rodgers & Hammerstein and the Gershwin brothers to Sondheim and more. Come along on this fast-paved musical extravaganza tied seamlessly together with illuminating narration.

Eugene Concert Choir - Broadway for Kids March 8, 2008 - March 9, 2008 Times: Saturday, 11 a.m. www.hultcenter.org Location: Silva Concert Hall, the Hult Center 7th & Willamette; Eugene Phone: (541) 682-5000 Admission: $5-$34 Bring the whole family to a special one-hour performance of favorite tunes from Broadway and Disney musicals just for kids! With full orchestra, chorus, and Broadway soloists, all ages will enjoy this program. The party begins when you walk into the lobby! Fun pre-concert activities in the lobby at 10:30 a.m.

Panel Punk and DIY Culture: Then and Now March 8, 2008 Times: Saturday, 7 - 9 p.m. diva.proscenia.net Location: DIVA center 110 W. Broadway; Eugene Phone: (541) 344-3482 Admission: Free Routable discussion about punk as a historic DIY subculture featuring a number of key national and local participants. Also screening, Chronicles from the Zero Hour: The Punk.

Workshop: Exploring hands-on DIY Activities March 8, 2008 Times: Saturday, 2 - 5 p.m. diva.proscenia.net Location: DIVA center 110 W. Broadway; Eugene Phone: (541) 344-3482 Admission: Free This workshop will explore hands-on Do It Yourself activities including making/modifying clothes, making zines, turntablism/mixology, music production, and advice on making documentary videos.

Workshop: Manga Character Drawing for Teens: Design, Characters, & Inking March 8, 2008 Times: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. http://diva.proscenia.net Location: DIVA center 110 W. Broadway; Eugene Phone: (541) 344-3482 Admission: 25.00 Description: In this workshop you'll learn how to design a character from start to finish – pencil to ink.

Videomaker's Forum and Slam March 9, 2008 Times: Friday, Forum at 4:00 p.m. Slam at 5:30 p.m. diva.proscenia.net Location: DIVA center 110 W. Broadway; Eugene Phone: (541) 344-3482 Admission: FREE Description: DIVA's expanded videomakers evening combines the opportunity to network and explore ideas with others and participate in a monthly competitive video slam.

First Friday Strikes Again!

On March 7, 2008, the Lane Arts Council's First Friday ArtWalk will be hosted by Kari Westlund, the CEO and President of the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County, Oregon. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at DIVA.

#1 DIVA Gallery - West Broadway and Olive. DIVA will feature exhibits containing punk art, linocut prints, nude photography, installations, stoneware, and mixed media. David Ensminger curated the show, which displays the works of Lottie Streisinger, Demetrius Gonzales, Adam Rupniewski, Renee Couture, Koka Filipovic, and Shirley Collins.

#2 Harlequin Beads - 10 th and Willamette. Harlequin has the works of Leah Fairbanks and Derek Lusk on display. The exhibit is called "Opal Illusions."

#3 La Follette Gallery -- East Broadway and Oak. La Follette is featuring the photography of Justin Williams this month. His exhibition is called "Images of Western Oregon."

#4 DNA Photographic, LLC - 8 th and West Park. Rick Maday of Eugene will be showing his collection of black & white and color, vintage portraits and pin-ups. Lisa Ann will be signing her new book "I Want to Buy a house - Where do I Start?".

#5 Opus6ix - 7 th and Willamette. Kirk Lybecker, Portland resident and Opus artist since 2006, unveils his distinctive airbrushed oil and watercolor paintings of the modern urban landscape in his newest exhibit. If an artist is defined by what they select as subjects for their creative expression, Lybecker is defined by ultra-realistic paintings of alleys, dumpsters, warehouses, storefronts and waiting rooms that comprise the commercial and industrial motifs of the modern urban environment.

#6 KLCC - 136 West 8th. Come celebrate the grand opening of the new KLCC building with us! This open house includes entertainment provided by Don Latarski in the new SELCO Performance Hall, including a live mini-concert. Light refreshments will be available. Also, staff will be on hand to give tours and answer questions about KLCC. Or, you could take a self-guided tour throughout the building any time during the Open House. Don't miss this perfect end to the March ARTWalk.

These downtown merchants and galleries will also be open: Blue Moon Jewelry, Eugene Public Library, Fenario, Goldworks, Jacobs Gallery, Karin Clarke Gallery & Annex, Letterhead, Museum of Unfine Art, Mystic Dragon, New Zone Gallery, Sacred Treasures, and White Lotus Gallery.

This weeks Whats happening in The Gallery & Arts District thanks to Meg at CVALCO

Jigu! Thunder Drums of China March 5, 2008

Times: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. www.hultcenter.org Location: Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center 7th & Willamette; Eugene Phone: (541) 682-5000 Admission: $15-30; youth/student $4 off Hailing from China's Shanxi province, this world-renowned company of 28 drummers, percussionists and musicians astounds audiences with an ultra-sensory entertainment experience. In Chinese, "jigu" means to "beat or touch the drum", and performances are deeply rooted in folk origins, which are blended with many modern musical elements. It's a fascinating, totally new show concept. You and your whole family will see, hear and feel the power! Menopause the Musical March 5, 2008 - March 9, 2008 Times: various www.hultcenter.org Location: Soreng Theater, Hult Center 7th & Willamette; Eugene Phone: (541) 682-5000 Admission: $46; $40.50 The show follows four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra, plus memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, and more! A joyful parody set to 25 re-lyricized classic hits, from "Puff, My God I'm Draggin" to the disco favorite "Stayin' Awake, Stayin' Awake" that will have you cheering and dancing in the aisle! It's definitely not "The Silent Passage" anymore! Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. SHOcase: Eugene Concert Choir March 6, 2008 Times: Thursday, 12:15 p.m. www.hultcenter.org Location: Hult Center, Lobby 7th & Willamette; Eugene Phone: (541) 682-5000 Admission: Free Come and enjoy the "Best of Broadway", a concert presentation of the music of well-known musicals sung by the Eugene Concert Choir. Also- SHO performing Arts Students of the Month Award will be given.

The Harry Shearer Show...must hear!

For those of you who do not listen to Harry on OPBS Radio, here is a reason to.
I stream him every week and it does my heart good.

Weekending in Portland

We spent Saturday lunching at Ten 01 at the corner of Tenth and Couch, seeing "The Beard of Avon",
walking up to Bay 13
for a visit with my good friend Joe, who also runs Paragon, then back to PCS (Portland Center Stage)for "Twelfth Night".
We took the Streetcar back to the Paramount hotel, had a nightcap, and tucked in for the night.
For those who think Eugene is a sleepy little town...let me tell you about Portland downtown! NOTHING opens before NOON!
After walking around hoping we would find something, perhaps the Museum?, a store?, anything?... we said "Screw this" and drove south. Stopping at the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge
and walking the mile or so out to the raised viewing area and watching a Bald Eagle preen and watch for fish gave us an appetite, (actually the walk BACK gave us the appetite).
In Dundee we chanced upon a very nice little eatery associated with Ponzi wines, The Bistro.
The lunch was great and the waitress got a huge tip by saying I looked TRIM! Pilate's pays off again!
Good to be home.

Brought to our feet by Butterfly!

A Suburb Mandama Butterfly! Eugene Opera again surprises and pleases!Lacking a large voice, the evil bastard Pinkerton was a little out classed buy his wife Kelly Cae Hogan (real) and by all others save some of the locals.
The set by Carey Wong was brilliant as was the lighting by Micheal Peterson. The direction by Kelly Kuo was perfectly balanced between the potential overplaying chorus and the usual overpowering principles. The harmonious leveling of the two made it a seamless event.
Overall, the voicing was strong and the acting was far better than I have seen in Opera for a while.
Please support ALL local theater and arts, your life will be changed and you will have much more to talk about!
More latter...Portland calls