The Shortcut - Events in Oregon

Witness the stunning craftsmanship and creativity of local woodcarvers. Attend classes and demonstrations and enjoy hands-on carving activities. Art, wood, and tools for sale. Open to all ages, admission is free.

Our words shape who we are. This dynamic Art Quilt exhibition features SAQA Oregon artists who explore the power of verbal communication through expressive textile works. Each quilt speaks in its own voice, sharing personal stories, common experiences, and universal truths. Together, these works invite viewers to pause and reflect on the lasting power of words and the ways communication shapes our lives.

According to the Art Quilt Association club definition, “An art quilt is an original exploration of a concept or idea rather than the handing down of a ‘pattern’. It experiments with textile manipulation, color, texture and/or a diversity of mixed media. An Art Quilt often pushes quilt world boundaries. An Art Quilt should consist predominantly of fiber or a fiber-like material with one or multiple layers which are held together with stitches or piercing of the layers.”

Juror Irene Roderick explained “For this exhibition, artists were invited to explore the impact of verbal interaction on their lives—the importance of communication with each other, with our world, with our pasts, and with our futures. I loved reading the statements and the stories with each quilt, giving me an insight into the artist’s concept of how we address the subject of interaction between each other and nature. As I spent time with these quilts, I began to see themes emerge: Many of the quilts are based on advice. Some reflect on the importance of wisdom passed between the generations: from grandparents, parents, and even grandchildren. Others recall advice prompting a move to rebel and lead in a new direction. Within this theme these quilts illustrate how advice can be a voice from the past that still resonates today. I believe this selected body of work will encourage viewers to reflect on the many ways we communicate—and on the power of that communication. As you view this exhibit, I hope you think about the impactful things you have been told, and the things you have told others. Take a moment to recall the advice, the slogans, the rhetoric, the secrets—all the words and expressions that shape our memories and influence our lives.”

Polly Plumb Productions (PPP) is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization that supports and promotes music and dance performances, and art exhibitions, in the Yachats area. Other PPP programs include the world famous Yachats Celtic Music Festival (http://yachatscelticmusicfestival.org), the Yachats Banner Project, and the Winter Solstice Bonfire. Visit pollyplumb.org. Collectors note, some of the pieces on display may be available for purchase.

Join the “Jello Jamboree” with the Radar Angels at the 2026 Jello Art Show on Saturday, March 28, from 5 – 8 pm. Our annual food show bash features artworks made of jello, a Tacky Food Buffet, and a performance by the Radar Angels at 7 pm. The suggested donation for the Jello Art Show, which is a fundraiser for the Art Center, is $3 per person and $5 for families.

Call to Jello Artists: Jello artists of all ages are invited to bring their jello artworks to the Art Center for display between 3:00 and 4:30 pm on Saturday, March 28 before the show. This year’s theme, “Jello Jamboree,” leaves room for many interpretations in this non-juried show. Everyone’s creations are welcome. There is a $3 display fee for each jello artwork submitted.

Witness the stunning craftsmanship and creativity of local woodcarvers. Attend classes and demonstrations and enjoy hands-on carving activities. Art, wood, and tools for sale. Open to all ages, admission is free.

Our words shape who we are. This dynamic Art Quilt exhibition features SAQA Oregon artists who explore the power of verbal communication through expressive textile works. Each quilt speaks in its own voice, sharing personal stories, common experiences, and universal truths. Together, these works invite viewers to pause and reflect on the lasting power of words and the ways communication shapes our lives.

According to the Art Quilt Association club definition, “An art quilt is an original exploration of a concept or idea rather than the handing down of a ‘pattern’. It experiments with textile manipulation, color, texture and/or a diversity of mixed media. An Art Quilt often pushes quilt world boundaries. An Art Quilt should consist predominantly of fiber or a fiber-like material with one or multiple layers which are held together with stitches or piercing of the layers.”

Juror Irene Roderick explained “For this exhibition, artists were invited to explore the impact of verbal interaction on their lives—the importance of communication with each other, with our world, with our pasts, and with our futures. I loved reading the statements and the stories with each quilt, giving me an insight into the artist’s concept of how we address the subject of interaction between each other and nature. As I spent time with these quilts, I began to see themes emerge: Many of the quilts are based on advice. Some reflect on the importance of wisdom passed between the generations: from grandparents, parents, and even grandchildren. Others recall advice prompting a move to rebel and lead in a new direction. Within this theme these quilts illustrate how advice can be a voice from the past that still resonates today. I believe this selected body of work will encourage viewers to reflect on the many ways we communicate—and on the power of that communication. As you view this exhibit, I hope you think about the impactful things you have been told, and the things you have told others. Take a moment to recall the advice, the slogans, the rhetoric, the secrets—all the words and expressions that shape our memories and influence our lives.”

Polly Plumb Productions (PPP) is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization that supports and promotes music and dance performances, and art exhibitions, in the Yachats area. Other PPP programs include the world famous Yachats Celtic Music Festival (http://yachatscelticmusicfestival.org), the Yachats Banner Project, and the Winter Solstice Bonfire. Visit pollyplumb.org. Collectors note, some of the pieces on display may be available for purchase.

Farmers Market Pavilion Highlight: Youth Art! 5:30pm-8:00pm
Celebrate the vibrancy and enthusiasm of young local artists! The Artist Marketplace will feature young visual artists from 5-20 years old exhibiting and selling original works of art. Live entertainment will feature local youth performers showcasing talent in dance, music, theatre, and spoken word poetry. Even more resources and experiences will be on hand, like community partners from youth-serving organizations, a face painter, food vendors, hands-on activities, and more. Bring the whole family for a great time!

This month's ArtWalk is sponsored in a part by a grant from City of Eugene Cultural Services Downtown Program Fund.

ArtWalk is supported by funds from the Oregon Arts Commission, a policy-making and advisory body within the Oregon Business Development Department, funded by the State of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts.

University of Oregon 2025-26 Visiting Artist Lecture Series
Presented by the Department of Art and Center for Art Research

Cerny’s sculptures and work on paper start with the idea that “furniture” and “mother” are figures that secure a value (to others) for their potential to hold, display, or be absent-mindedly left with things. Putting form and color to work and entrusting no small part to contingency, these works behave as something like gestural understudies for a play about the day-to-day grinding weariness and joyful slapstick absurdity of human relationships—about trying to Work It Out…or not. The shelf, the rack, the hook, the slot, the vessel: all stand at the ready to be occupied temporarily, until something better comes along. These objects “hold,” literally and metaphorically. A pattern played out over and over in the work is one of holding as the creation of intimacy and belonging, for pleasure, and for self-preservation.

April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26*, May 1, 2, 3*

by D. W. Gregory
Directed by Willow Jade Norton Zolan
Held in the Hope Theatre
In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease.

Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees.

As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Written with warmth and humor, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece for 9 to 10 actors, who play more than 30 parts—friends, co-workers, lovers, relatives, attorneys, scientists, consumer advocates, and myriad interested bystanders. Called a “powerful” and “engrossing” drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
Originally produced by Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey and developed with a commissioning grant from The Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science and Technology Project.

April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26*, May 1, 2, 3*

by D. W. Gregory
Directed by Willow Jade Norton Zolan
Held in the Hope Theatre
In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease.

Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees.

As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Written with warmth and humor, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece for 9 to 10 actors, who play more than 30 parts—friends, co-workers, lovers, relatives, attorneys, scientists, consumer advocates, and myriad interested bystanders. Called a “powerful” and “engrossing” drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
Originally produced by Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey and developed with a commissioning grant from The Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science and Technology Project.

April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26*, May 1, 2, 3*

by D. W. Gregory
Directed by Willow Jade Norton Zolan
Held in the Hope Theatre
In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease.

Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees.

As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Written with warmth and humor, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece for 9 to 10 actors, who play more than 30 parts—friends, co-workers, lovers, relatives, attorneys, scientists, consumer advocates, and myriad interested bystanders. Called a “powerful” and “engrossing” drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
Originally produced by Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey and developed with a commissioning grant from The Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science and Technology Project.