Newport Visual Arts Center to debut three new exhibits on Friday, October 11
Newport, Oregon: Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is excited to announce three new exhibitions coming to Newport Visual Arts Center galleries from October 11 – December 1, 2024. Gallery admission is free to the public.
In the Runyan Gallery, Natasha Ramras’s “Coastal Reverie” (coastarts.org/events/ramras) is an evocative exhibit blending impressionistic landscapes of the Oregon Coast with abstracted representations of sea and shoreline creatures. The interaction between the impressionistic landscapes and the abstracted sea life paintings creates a layered narrative, emphasizing the diversity and interconnectedness of all life forms within the coastal ecosystem. Painting of ancient sea stacks, misty horizons, and vibrant tidal pools coexist with intricate abstractions of sea anemones, starfish, and seabirds, forming a cohesive yet dynamic visual dialogue.
“Coastal Reverie invites viewers to contemplate the environmental fragility against nature’s power,” said Ramras. “It serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to cherish and protect the delicate balance of our coastal habitats. Each piece is a testament to the beauty and power of the ocean and a call to honor the delicate threads that weave together the tapestry of life.”
In the Upstairs Gallery, “Abundance of the Oregon Coast” (coastarts.org/events/buenger) features paintings by Kris Buenger. Noted for creating colorful coastal scenes that immerse you in her fantastical world of underwater (and out-of-water) sea creatures and their surroundings, Buenger’s “fun fine art” paintings highlight the seriousness of protecting our oceans.
“Attention is given to every space of Kris’s paintings,” said Chasse Davidson, Director of Newport Visual Arts Center. “The abundance of life forms keeps the viewer searching to discover each detail. I’ve watched audiences of all ages engrossed in Kris’s work. We are thrilled to have her creations cover the walls of the Upstairs Gallery.”
And in the COVAS Showcase, Toby Wayne Larson’s “Out of the Fire.” (coastarts.org/events/soeby) Larson’s sawdust-fired ceramic busts encapsulate human emotion in forms fired in the most ancient of techniques. Carbon, ash, and mineral deposits distributed through the firing process give an organic aroura of artifact and wisdom. The loose treatment of facial representation allows the viewer to absorb and connect to emotional expressions.
“Toby has an infectious excitement,” said Davidson. “There is the molding of the clay, and then the playing with fire to create one-of-a-kind, never-know-what-you’re-going-to-get pieces. He has a passion for that element of surprise, and his work highlights the beautiful result of embracing the oldest of techniques to create something new.”
An opening reception for these exhibits will take place Friday, October 11, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Artist talks begin at 5:30pm. Light refreshments will be served, and admission is free. Exhibits at the VAC can be viewed most* Wednesdays through Sundays, from 12 pm – 4 pm, at 777 NW Beach Drive in Newport.
* Please note: Newport Visual Arts Center galleries will be closed October 9th and 10th for exhibit installation. Galleries reopen on the 11th at 5:00 pm.
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
