This is Sandy Brown Jensen, and you’re listening to Viz City, KLCC’s Arts Review Program.
Welcome to COVID October 2020! Our listening area is bursting at the seams with fun things to do while wearing a mask.
This coming Friday, Oct. 16, make your way after dinner to Eugene’s Park Blocks and bring your camera to get some sensational lights in the night pictures. This free event is called BEAM. You’ll go from one kiosk to another experiencing each artist’s creation of something involving light. Meanwhile, giant illuminated people butterflies flit around-try some slow shutter shots and you’ll be amazed at your own photo artistry. There are illuminated hula hoops, glow sticks galore, and innovative light performances by dancers or acrobats just popping up in front of you. The atmosphere is exciting and mysterious, and also family friendly. Thanks to ArtCity Eugene for producing this luminous one-night-only extravaganza.
Of course, this is Day of the Dead season, that traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates the link between the living and the dead with colorful altars and arts of all kinds. Eugene has gone all out this year, and everything is family and kid friendly. Maude Kerns Art Center has a huge Day of the Dead exhibition dominated by elaborate altars, fine art, and an enormous sharp-beaked bird.
There is a community altar being built at the Springfield History Museum, as well as make-your-own-altar kits, an altar competition, virtual art workshops, and a physically distanced outdoor procession.
Noche Cultural has a Zoom talk with photographer Maricela Figuera featuring Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexican towns he has visited.
There is an exhibit of traditional Mexican dresses at the Eugene Public Library.
And a free virtual concert with singer-songwriters Cecilia Zabala and Alejandra Paniagua.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art has an outdoor altar viewing and a virtual music, dance, and poetry program celebrating the day of the dead.
And just a reminder that wherever you are in our listening area, your local arts organizations have something wonderful for you to discover.
Viz City is co-produced by Terry Way and Sandy Brown Jensen.
