The Shortcut - Events in Oregon

Join us for an intimate gathering as artist Victoria Smits gives insights into her work and practice. Her exhibition Be Right Back is on display at Scalehouse Gallery January 9 - February 27, 2026.

Victoria Smits is an interdisciplinary artist and writer living in Eugene, Oregon. Her practice begins in attention: what she sees, what she notices, what energies affect her body. Smits explores the intersection of these conceptual discoveries with research-driven work including installation, textiles, sculpture, video, sound, drawing, and writing. Smits’ work has been shown at Manchester Craft and Design Centre, UK, Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, IL, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Old Stonehouse in Brooklyn, NY, and Craft Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA, among others. Smits' poetry can be found in the edited collection, Gone Feral: Unruly Women and the Undoing of Normative Femininity through Demeter Press. She studied English, Art, and Secondary Education at Calvin University, received an MA in English Education with a concentration in creative writing from University of Buffalo, and an MFA through the School of Art Institute of Chicago.

Scalehouse Gallery
550 NW Franklin Avenue, Suite 138 Bend, OR 97702
Feb 5, 2026, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

New Zone Events – February 2026

In addition to the eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art created by the New Zone members shown at the New Zone Gallery, located in our beautiful space at 110 East 11th, we will be hosting two Featured Artists special exhibits during the month of February as well as a special exhibit in our Klausmeier Room.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-8:30 pm during the First Friday Artwalk. Hors d’oeuvres and libations served. Live music.

Featured Artist – Robert Fulton

Title: Past and Present
Starting and stopping my career as a painter.

Robert Fulton’s career began as a result of his having too much time on his hands. That was in 1970 when he was in Nebraska finishing his military service after returning from Vietnam and suddenly finding he had lots of spare time.

What to do? His interest in drawing and doodling throughout high and college prompted him to browse through a few art magazines and decide, “Hey, I think I’ll paint!”

For some years he painted in oils, but life and family got in the way and he stopped entirely for 20 years. After retirement (and finding himself with spare time on his hands again), he started painting again, this time in acrylics. That led to art studies and a desire to develop his own personal style, inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.

Robert Fulton says: “I am very grateful that painting reemerged in my life.” He has been an active member of New Zone Gallery for over 15 years and values the fellowship and appreciation of other artists, which keeps him focused on his work. He says, “I’m too old to stop now!”

Featured Artist – Steve Mast

Title: Scavenged.
Art made from recycled and found objects.

Steve Mast is a self-taught artist based in Eugene, Oregon. Working primarily with recycled metal and found objects, he allows the metal’s natural shape to help guide each piece. He cuts freehand with a plasma torch and welds with a MIG welder to create both 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures for indoor and outdoor use. Steve began his artistic journey in 2009 after retirement, and since then he has earned invitations to numerous juried art shows across the western United States. He is currently represented by the New Zone Gallery in Eugene. Steve’s work is showcased nationwide, including Canada and Mexico. Patrons are drawn to his capability to reimagine discarded objects as vibrant and unique works of art. He loves discovering what can be made from things that others have discarded, fulfilling a role in environmental causes.

In the Klausmeier Room
The Studio Art Quilts Associates

Moving pARTS
Showcasing the work of SAQA Oregon members who took the challenge to create art that "moves."

Each day we navigate a world interacting with things that have parts that move. As a biological organism, our very bodies have limbs, organs, and cells that function together to carry out various tasks. The mechanized world has gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels that work with other simple machines to form complex machines with many moving parts. SAQA Oregon artists created works that incorporate, highlight, and imply parts that move. saqaoregon.com

STREET SCENES: TWO PERSPECTIVES
Photographs from Eugene, Oregon and Vienna, Austria
By Richard Hassett and Doremus Scudder

Join the artists for the Opening Reception of Street Scenes: Two Perspectives.
Midtown Arts Center Gallery
174 E 16th Av, Eugene (corner of Oak St)
5:30-8:30 pm, during the First Friday Artwalk
hors d'oeuvres and libations served

Eugene photographers Richard Hassett and Doremus Scudder join forces to present distinctly different views of the urban environment. Color vs. black-and-white; digital capture vs film; Europe vs the United States, with and without people; approaches that might seem to be polar opposites, yet are somehow complementary through the harmony of subject matter and the well-ordered, geometrical compositions common to both. Here, two photographers with different styles present their visual insights into the often-overlooked aspects of two cities they are intimately familiar with.

Curated by Tannaz Farsi and Simone Ciglia
Featuring: Noor Abuarafeh | Shadi Harouni | Laura Larson | MoRE | Zora Murff | Gala Porras-Kim | Wendy Red Star | Marco Scotini | Service Works | Stephanie Syjuco

Opening Event – Saturday, January 17
Curator Walkthrough: 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Reception: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The “archival impulse,” an essay by Hal Foster, animated a significant trend in contemporary art since the early 2000s. This opened an unorthodox use of the archive through a multiplicity of methodological and aesthetic strategies which included critiquing and dismantling the alleged neutrality of the institution by highlighting its gaps, absences, and biases; expanding representation to include suppressed and peripheral histories; and complicating the construction of the archive through fiction and speculation.

Produced by the Center for Art Research at the University of Oregon, The Whisperers considers experimental practices imformed by the archive in recent contemporary art. The featured works by national and international artists challenge the conventions of the archive by reanimating exclusionary histories defined by patriarchy or colonial oppression, addressing forms of disobedience and resistance, and incorporating the refused and unrealized.

This exhibition is made possible by the University of Oregon Department of Art’s Center for Art Research and the Ford Family Foundation.

New Zone Events – February 2026

In addition to the eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art created by the New Zone members shown at the New Zone Gallery, located in our beautiful space at 110 East 11th, we will be hosting two Featured Artists special exhibits during the month of February as well as a special exhibit in our Klausmeier Room.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-8:30 pm during the First Friday Artwalk. Hors d’oeuvres and libations served. Live music.

Featured Artist – Robert Fulton

Title: Past and Present
Starting and stopping my career as a painter.

Robert Fulton’s career began as a result of his having too much time on his hands. That was in 1970 when he was in Nebraska finishing his military service after returning from Vietnam and suddenly finding he had lots of spare time.

What to do? His interest in drawing and doodling throughout high and college prompted him to browse through a few art magazines and decide, “Hey, I think I’ll paint!”

For some years he painted in oils, but life and family got in the way and he stopped entirely for 20 years. After retirement (and finding himself with spare time on his hands again), he started painting again, this time in acrylics. That led to art studies and a desire to develop his own personal style, inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.

Robert Fulton says: “I am very grateful that painting reemerged in my life.” He has been an active member of New Zone Gallery for over 15 years and values the fellowship and appreciation of other artists, which keeps him focused on his work. He says, “I’m too old to stop now!”

Featured Artist – Steve Mast

Title: Scavenged.
Art made from recycled and found objects.

Steve Mast is a self-taught artist based in Eugene, Oregon. Working primarily with recycled metal and found objects, he allows the metal’s natural shape to help guide each piece. He cuts freehand with a plasma torch and welds with a MIG welder to create both 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures for indoor and outdoor use. Steve began his artistic journey in 2009 after retirement, and since then he has earned invitations to numerous juried art shows across the western United States. He is currently represented by the New Zone Gallery in Eugene. Steve’s work is showcased nationwide, including Canada and Mexico. Patrons are drawn to his capability to reimagine discarded objects as vibrant and unique works of art. He loves discovering what can be made from things that others have discarded, fulfilling a role in environmental causes.

In the Klausmeier Room
The Studio Art Quilts Associates

Moving pARTS
Showcasing the work of SAQA Oregon members who took the challenge to create art that "moves."

Each day we navigate a world interacting with things that have parts that move. As a biological organism, our very bodies have limbs, organs, and cells that function together to carry out various tasks. The mechanized world has gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels that work with other simple machines to form complex machines with many moving parts. SAQA Oregon artists created works that incorporate, highlight, and imply parts that move. saqaoregon.com

Curated by Tannaz Farsi and Simone Ciglia
Featuring: Noor Abuarafeh | Shadi Harouni | Laura Larson | MoRE | Zora Murff | Gala Porras-Kim | Wendy Red Star | Marco Scotini | Service Works | Stephanie Syjuco

Opening Event – Saturday, January 17
Curator Walkthrough: 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Reception: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The “archival impulse,” an essay by Hal Foster, animated a significant trend in contemporary art since the early 2000s. This opened an unorthodox use of the archive through a multiplicity of methodological and aesthetic strategies which included critiquing and dismantling the alleged neutrality of the institution by highlighting its gaps, absences, and biases; expanding representation to include suppressed and peripheral histories; and complicating the construction of the archive through fiction and speculation.

Produced by the Center for Art Research at the University of Oregon, The Whisperers considers experimental practices imformed by the archive in recent contemporary art. The featured works by national and international artists challenge the conventions of the archive by reanimating exclusionary histories defined by patriarchy or colonial oppression, addressing forms of disobedience and resistance, and incorporating the refused and unrealized.

This exhibition is made possible by the University of Oregon Department of Art’s Center for Art Research and the Ford Family Foundation.

New Zone Events – February 2026

In addition to the eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art created by the New Zone members shown at the New Zone Gallery, located in our beautiful space at 110 East 11th, we will be hosting two Featured Artists special exhibits during the month of February as well as a special exhibit in our Klausmeier Room.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-8:30 pm during the First Friday Artwalk. Hors d’oeuvres and libations served. Live music.

Featured Artist – Robert Fulton

Title: Past and Present
Starting and stopping my career as a painter.

Robert Fulton’s career began as a result of his having too much time on his hands. That was in 1970 when he was in Nebraska finishing his military service after returning from Vietnam and suddenly finding he had lots of spare time.

What to do? His interest in drawing and doodling throughout high and college prompted him to browse through a few art magazines and decide, “Hey, I think I’ll paint!”

For some years he painted in oils, but life and family got in the way and he stopped entirely for 20 years. After retirement (and finding himself with spare time on his hands again), he started painting again, this time in acrylics. That led to art studies and a desire to develop his own personal style, inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.

Robert Fulton says: “I am very grateful that painting reemerged in my life.” He has been an active member of New Zone Gallery for over 15 years and values the fellowship and appreciation of other artists, which keeps him focused on his work. He says, “I’m too old to stop now!”

Featured Artist – Steve Mast

Title: Scavenged.
Art made from recycled and found objects.

Steve Mast is a self-taught artist based in Eugene, Oregon. Working primarily with recycled metal and found objects, he allows the metal’s natural shape to help guide each piece. He cuts freehand with a plasma torch and welds with a MIG welder to create both 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures for indoor and outdoor use. Steve began his artistic journey in 2009 after retirement, and since then he has earned invitations to numerous juried art shows across the western United States. He is currently represented by the New Zone Gallery in Eugene. Steve’s work is showcased nationwide, including Canada and Mexico. Patrons are drawn to his capability to reimagine discarded objects as vibrant and unique works of art. He loves discovering what can be made from things that others have discarded, fulfilling a role in environmental causes.

In the Klausmeier Room
The Studio Art Quilts Associates

Moving pARTS
Showcasing the work of SAQA Oregon members who took the challenge to create art that "moves."

Each day we navigate a world interacting with things that have parts that move. As a biological organism, our very bodies have limbs, organs, and cells that function together to carry out various tasks. The mechanized world has gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels that work with other simple machines to form complex machines with many moving parts. SAQA Oregon artists created works that incorporate, highlight, and imply parts that move. saqaoregon.com

New Zone Events – February 2026

In addition to the eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art created by the New Zone members shown at the New Zone Gallery, located in our beautiful space at 110 East 11th, we will be hosting two Featured Artists special exhibits during the month of February as well as a special exhibit in our Klausmeier Room.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-8:30 pm during the First Friday Artwalk. Hors d’oeuvres and libations served. Live music.

Featured Artist – Robert Fulton

Title: Past and Present
Starting and stopping my career as a painter.

Robert Fulton’s career began as a result of his having too much time on his hands. That was in 1970 when he was in Nebraska finishing his military service after returning from Vietnam and suddenly finding he had lots of spare time.

What to do? His interest in drawing and doodling throughout high and college prompted him to browse through a few art magazines and decide, “Hey, I think I’ll paint!”

For some years he painted in oils, but life and family got in the way and he stopped entirely for 20 years. After retirement (and finding himself with spare time on his hands again), he started painting again, this time in acrylics. That led to art studies and a desire to develop his own personal style, inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.

Robert Fulton says: “I am very grateful that painting reemerged in my life.” He has been an active member of New Zone Gallery for over 15 years and values the fellowship and appreciation of other artists, which keeps him focused on his work. He says, “I’m too old to stop now!”

Featured Artist – Steve Mast

Title: Scavenged.
Art made from recycled and found objects.

Steve Mast is a self-taught artist based in Eugene, Oregon. Working primarily with recycled metal and found objects, he allows the metal’s natural shape to help guide each piece. He cuts freehand with a plasma torch and welds with a MIG welder to create both 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures for indoor and outdoor use. Steve began his artistic journey in 2009 after retirement, and since then he has earned invitations to numerous juried art shows across the western United States. He is currently represented by the New Zone Gallery in Eugene. Steve’s work is showcased nationwide, including Canada and Mexico. Patrons are drawn to his capability to reimagine discarded objects as vibrant and unique works of art. He loves discovering what can be made from things that others have discarded, fulfilling a role in environmental causes.

In the Klausmeier Room
The Studio Art Quilts Associates

Moving pARTS
Showcasing the work of SAQA Oregon members who took the challenge to create art that "moves."

Each day we navigate a world interacting with things that have parts that move. As a biological organism, our very bodies have limbs, organs, and cells that function together to carry out various tasks. The mechanized world has gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels that work with other simple machines to form complex machines with many moving parts. SAQA Oregon artists created works that incorporate, highlight, and imply parts that move. saqaoregon.com

New Zone Events – February 2026

In addition to the eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art created by the New Zone members shown at the New Zone Gallery, located in our beautiful space at 110 East 11th, we will be hosting two Featured Artists special exhibits during the month of February as well as a special exhibit in our Klausmeier Room.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-8:30 pm during the First Friday Artwalk. Hors d’oeuvres and libations served. Live music.

Featured Artist – Robert Fulton

Title: Past and Present
Starting and stopping my career as a painter.

Robert Fulton’s career began as a result of his having too much time on his hands. That was in 1970 when he was in Nebraska finishing his military service after returning from Vietnam and suddenly finding he had lots of spare time.

What to do? His interest in drawing and doodling throughout high and college prompted him to browse through a few art magazines and decide, “Hey, I think I’ll paint!”

For some years he painted in oils, but life and family got in the way and he stopped entirely for 20 years. After retirement (and finding himself with spare time on his hands again), he started painting again, this time in acrylics. That led to art studies and a desire to develop his own personal style, inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.

Robert Fulton says: “I am very grateful that painting reemerged in my life.” He has been an active member of New Zone Gallery for over 15 years and values the fellowship and appreciation of other artists, which keeps him focused on his work. He says, “I’m too old to stop now!”

Featured Artist – Steve Mast

Title: Scavenged.
Art made from recycled and found objects.

Steve Mast is a self-taught artist based in Eugene, Oregon. Working primarily with recycled metal and found objects, he allows the metal’s natural shape to help guide each piece. He cuts freehand with a plasma torch and welds with a MIG welder to create both 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures for indoor and outdoor use. Steve began his artistic journey in 2009 after retirement, and since then he has earned invitations to numerous juried art shows across the western United States. He is currently represented by the New Zone Gallery in Eugene. Steve’s work is showcased nationwide, including Canada and Mexico. Patrons are drawn to his capability to reimagine discarded objects as vibrant and unique works of art. He loves discovering what can be made from things that others have discarded, fulfilling a role in environmental causes.

In the Klausmeier Room
The Studio Art Quilts Associates

Moving pARTS
Showcasing the work of SAQA Oregon members who took the challenge to create art that "moves."

Each day we navigate a world interacting with things that have parts that move. As a biological organism, our very bodies have limbs, organs, and cells that function together to carry out various tasks. The mechanized world has gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels that work with other simple machines to form complex machines with many moving parts. SAQA Oregon artists created works that incorporate, highlight, and imply parts that move. saqaoregon.com

New Zone Events – February 2026

In addition to the eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art created by the New Zone members shown at the New Zone Gallery, located in our beautiful space at 110 East 11th, we will be hosting two Featured Artists special exhibits during the month of February as well as a special exhibit in our Klausmeier Room.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-8:30 pm during the First Friday Artwalk. Hors d’oeuvres and libations served. Live music.

Featured Artist – Robert Fulton

Title: Past and Present
Starting and stopping my career as a painter.

Robert Fulton’s career began as a result of his having too much time on his hands. That was in 1970 when he was in Nebraska finishing his military service after returning from Vietnam and suddenly finding he had lots of spare time.

What to do? His interest in drawing and doodling throughout high and college prompted him to browse through a few art magazines and decide, “Hey, I think I’ll paint!”

For some years he painted in oils, but life and family got in the way and he stopped entirely for 20 years. After retirement (and finding himself with spare time on his hands again), he started painting again, this time in acrylics. That led to art studies and a desire to develop his own personal style, inspired by the work of Edward Hopper.

Robert Fulton says: “I am very grateful that painting reemerged in my life.” He has been an active member of New Zone Gallery for over 15 years and values the fellowship and appreciation of other artists, which keeps him focused on his work. He says, “I’m too old to stop now!”

Featured Artist – Steve Mast

Title: Scavenged.
Art made from recycled and found objects.

Steve Mast is a self-taught artist based in Eugene, Oregon. Working primarily with recycled metal and found objects, he allows the metal’s natural shape to help guide each piece. He cuts freehand with a plasma torch and welds with a MIG welder to create both 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures for indoor and outdoor use. Steve began his artistic journey in 2009 after retirement, and since then he has earned invitations to numerous juried art shows across the western United States. He is currently represented by the New Zone Gallery in Eugene. Steve’s work is showcased nationwide, including Canada and Mexico. Patrons are drawn to his capability to reimagine discarded objects as vibrant and unique works of art. He loves discovering what can be made from things that others have discarded, fulfilling a role in environmental causes.

In the Klausmeier Room
The Studio Art Quilts Associates

Moving pARTS
Showcasing the work of SAQA Oregon members who took the challenge to create art that "moves."

Each day we navigate a world interacting with things that have parts that move. As a biological organism, our very bodies have limbs, organs, and cells that function together to carry out various tasks. The mechanized world has gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels that work with other simple machines to form complex machines with many moving parts. SAQA Oregon artists created works that incorporate, highlight, and imply parts that move. saqaoregon.com