Ben Soeby’s “New and Recent Works.”

Newport Visual Arts Center to debut three new exhibits on Friday, August 2nd

Newport, Oregon: Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is excited to announce three new exhibitions coming to Newport Visual Arts Center galleries August 2nd – September 29th, 2024. Gallery admission is free to the public.

In the Runyan Gallery, Doug Haga’s “Here, There and Back Again” (coastarts.org/events/doug-haga) features brightly painted and embellished character inventions crafted from found natural elements and brought to life through intense color. The sculptural exhibit represents a full departure from Haga's fifty years of two-dimensional artwork. Inspired by his interest in the Asian concept of Wabi-Sabi – a design aesthetic that combines ancient material (in this case driftwood) with modern elements – Haga's pieces are crafted using gourds, shop-made additions, and wild chromatic pigments. “Although I have been fabricating 'things' most of my life, this work is perhaps the most fun and engrossing art I have done for some time,” said Haga. “I have worked with modern pigments, powders, gels, and unique wood shapes.”

“Seeing the twinkle in Doug Haga’s eyes as he has branched into a whole new medium for this show, emphasizes the focus, creativity and conceptual growth that can occur as artists prepare for their exhibitions," said Chasse Davidson, Director of Newport Visual Arts Center. "These forms and combinations of materials are transcended by the intense vibrancy of Haga’s palette. We are excited for viewers to see these unique creations!”

In the Upstairs Gallery, “The Dynamic Poetry of Nature” (coastarts.org/events/likness) features the astrophotography of Jeremy Likness. The out-of-this-world images provide visual access to the celestial – beyond what we are capable of seeing on our own. “I seek to unveil the magic hidden in the mundane that is revealed in the awe-inspiring moments in darkness that connect us to the distant stars," said Likness. "My lenses capture light in a variety of forms, from distant galaxies to the luminous surface of the sunlit moon. I craft my art to evoke wonder and awe and reflect not just the light, but the emotional resonance of the target."

“Many artists are inspired by the nature around them," said Davidson. "Jeremy’s work transports us to the expansive dimensions of nature that exist beyond our world.”

And in the COVAS Showcase, Ben Soeby’s “New and Recent Works.” (coastarts.org/events/soeby) Using house paint, acrylic, and paint pens on repurposed wood, the Lincoln City artist creates intricate and wild pieces inspired by a lifetime spent on the river and in the woods. “Art and fishing saved my life,” said Soeby, “and have given me an attachment to the moment, as well as a meaningful perspective on nature and life.”

“Ben’s playful signature style of unique characters and coastal imagery, combined with his use of text and bold color scheme choice are so approachable and fun,” said Davidson, “we are thrilled to introduce his work to our visitors.”

An opening reception for these exhibits will take place Friday, August 2nd, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Haga will give an Artist Talk at 5:30 pm, Likness at 6:00pm. Light refreshments will be served, and musical guest Annie Averre will provide entertainment. Exhibits at the VAC are free to the public and can be viewed most* Wednesdays through Sundays, from 12pm – 4pm, at 777 NW Beach Drive in Newport.

• Please note, Newport Visual Arts Center galleries will be closed July 31st and August 1st for exhibit installation.

The Newport Visual Arts Center was built by the City of Newport as a space for public art exhibition and art education programs. It is maintained by Oregon Coast Council for the Arts.

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization developing, promoting, and celebrating community arts on the Oregon Coast. Learn more at www.coastarts.org