Pictured: The Eve of St Sylvester, mixed media by David Lunney in

“Of Dreams and Dragons”

In This Newsletter

There are lots of ways to get creative this spring at the Art Center!

Please join us on Friday, April 5th, from 5 – 7 pm for the Opening Reception of “Of Dreams and Dragons: A David Lunney Retrospective.” The Art Center is honored to present the work of the late printmaker and Art Center member David Lunney. It has been a joy working with Liberty and Lucy Lamkin, David’s wife, to curate the exhibit and immerse ourselves in Lunney’s diverse and imaginative work. The Art Center will also host “Connections & Conversations,” a family-led talk about Lunney’s work on Saturday, April 6th, 1 – 2 pm.

On Saturday, April 13th, the Art Center will host our first “Marvelous Maude’s Art Studio Tour” spring fundraiser. The event promises to be an enjoyable afternoon filled with fantastic art from local artists. Don't miss your chance to visit these amazing artist studios and get a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. The event also features a special raffle of artworks donated by the participating artists. Help support the Art Center and register today!

Spring term classes start soon. There are many new and returning classes for all ages from which to choose. This term we are offering new classes for adults in “Graphic Gouache,” “Color and Abstract Painting,” and “Procreate and Printmaking,” as well as returning favorites “Botanical Illustration,” “Handbuilding with Clay,” “Experimenting with Pastels,” and more. Also check out our new weekend workshops, including “Landscapes in Watercolor,” “Painting the Head,” and “Crocheting 101.” It’s the perfect time to try something new!

Thank you for supporting the Art Center!

All my best,

Michael Fisher

Executive Director

Get ready for the 37th annual Art and the Vineyard Festival, Friday through Sunday, July 5 – 7, at Alton Baker Park. The festival features the Artists’ Marketplace, Art For Your Garden, a Wine Court, Youth Art Arena, Main Stage entertainment, and more. Fun for the entire family, Art and the Vineyard is the primary fundraiser for the Maude Kerns Art Center supporting our year-round programming. 

Art and the Vineyard Calls to Artists

Artists’ Marketplace

The Artists’ Marketplace features over 100 artist booths located in the heart of the festival. The Marketplace represents the primary focus of the festival and is considered the top attraction by festival patrons. The Artists’ Marketplace is open to all artists and craftspeople producing original art. Commercially produced work, art assembled from kits, or imported art and goods are not accepted.

Submission Deadline: May 3, 2024

For more info and to apply, visit:

Art For Your Garden

The Art For Your Garden area includes artworks within a unique landscape design to emphasize the beauty in nature and to provide ideas on how to incorporate art objects

in a garden setting. Handcrafted garden furniture, pottery, planters, tiles, masks, birdbaths, fountains, bird feeders and houses, wind chimes, lanterns, sculptures, window boxes, gates, and abstract pieces are placed in appropriate, aesthetic settings to suggest to buyers that art belongs in gardens, on porches, and by pathways.

Submission Deadline: May 3, 2024

For more info and to apply, visit:

Join us for an evening of beautiful music performed in Spanish by Diane Lou Azô at the Art Center on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Diane Lou Azô is an international singer with deep roots in France and Brazil. With her large repertoire of international songs, fluency in three languages, and deeply expressive performances, she has enchanted audiences in Europe, Latin America, and the USA. 

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Music begins promptly at 7:00 pm.

This event is presented by Comunidad y Herencia Cultural y Eugene Arte Latino in collaboration with Propulsion Network and the Maude Kerns Art Center.

Marvelous Maude’s Art Studio Tour:

Four Studios & 14 Artists

The Art Center’s first annual Art Studio Tour takes place on Saturday, April 13, from 11 am – 5 pm. This is a special opportunity to experience the working studios of some outstanding local artists. A fundraiser for the Art Center, the tour features four host studios – those of Tim Boyden, Ann Bumb Hamilton, Rogene Mañas, and Tylar Merrill – and includes work from contributing artists Kathy Frazer, Shelly Fredenberg, Annie Heron, Dave Imus, Demetra Kalams, Rebecca Mannheimer, Patrice Peterson, Holly Phillips, Bea Roberts, and Michael Whitenack. 

Tickets are available online or at the Maude Kerns Art Center. To purchase tickets, click the button below.

Pictured: Sprouts, mixed media collage by studio host Ann Bumb Hamilton

“Of Dreams and Dragons” Opening on April 5

“Of Dreams and Dragons: A David Lunney Retrospective” opens with a free reception from 5 – 7 pm on Friday, April 5 and is on view through Friday, April 26. The exhibit showcases over 70 artworks by Lunney (1931 – 2019), including monotypes, prints, paintings, and drawings. Many of these pieces have never been exhibited before.

Lunney was involved for 45 years as an arts administrator focusing on the professional performing arts in his role as director and producer. Perhaps less well known is Lunney’s lifelong immersion in the visual arts. Lunney earned a BFA from the University of Oregon with a focus on printmaking and painting. After graduating from the UO, he worked for a year in Maude Kerns Art Center’s Printmaking Studio. Lunney drew inspiration from many different sources, including anthropology, literature, and shamanic traditions which he wove into his own personal mythology using his gift for storytelling and love of color. He was particularly inspired by the landscape, architecture, and history of Florence, Italy, where he lived for many years

Several events are offered in conjunction with “Of Dreams and Dragons.” On Saturday, April 6, from 1 – 2 pm, the public is invited to “Connections & Conversations,” a family-led discussion about Lunney and his work. A Closing Concert featuring the jazz ensemble Jake and the Hellcats takes place on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 – 7 pm.

Pictured: If the Pomegranates Are in Bloom, watercolor and pastels, by David Lunney

Upcoming

“At Home in Oregon” at The Gallery at the Airport

“At Home in Oregon” opens at The Gallery at the Airport (GATA) on April 11 and is on view through July 9. The show features the work of 30 artists, including pieces by jurors Bets Cole and Karen Russo. A wide variety of mediums are represented, including oil, acrylic, ceramics, quilting, photography, steel, brass, and copper metal work, encaustic, pastel, assemblage, papercut, and watercolor. The Gallery at the Airport is located inside the terminal’s main lobby.

Pictured: At Oregon’s Edge, art quilt by Laura Jaszkowski in “At Home in Oregon”

Photography at Oregon, May 10 – June 7

Nine artists from across the country exhibit photographs touching on a variety of subjects, including time, technology, culture, and environmentalism. The exhibit, which opens on Friday, May 10, features Rob Hammer, Willie Osterman, Barbora Bakalarova, Tracy Barbutes, Nolan Streitberger, Sarah Grew, Osceola Refetoff, Eric Kunsman, and Sara Silks. 

Pictured: St. Madeleine Catholic Church by Osceola Refetoff in the “Photography at Oregon” exhibit

Members Gallery and Gift Shop

Work by Art Center members and Club Mud ceramicists is exhibited in the Members Art Gallery on a quarterly basis. The Spring Members Art Gallery opens on Friday, April 5.                   .

Pictured: Reflections of the Willamette II by Laure Shipley on display in the Spring Members Art Gallery

Online Members Gallery

Maude Kerns Art Center member artists are invited to participate in our Online Members Gallery. This online venue is an excellent way to continue to share your work with the community. Members can show up to five pieces of their two- or three-dimensional work online in our Online Members Gallery. Interested parties can shop for pieces and purchase them online. Submissions are ongoing.

Please email the Exhibits Coordinator Liberty at exhibits@mkartcenter.org for more information about how to be involved or how to update your submissions. 

Featured Artist of the Month

For April, the featured artist exhibiting in the Online Members Gallery is Shelly Fredenberg, ceramic artist and sculptor. Fredenberg’s imaginative pieces have been exhibited in local, regional, and national exhibitions. For a video of Fredenberg in her studio, visit Shelly Fredenberg Video.

Maude Kerns at the LCHM

“Blue Vesper: Maude Irvine Kerns (1876 – 1965),” a companion exhibit to the Art Center’s “In the Realm of the Spirit: Work by Maude I. Kerns” (January 12 – February 9), continues at the Lane County History Museum. The LCHM exhibit features archival paintings on paper, correspondence, and personal objects.

Maude Kerns Art Center is currently accepting submissions for its 2025 – 2026 Exhibits Season. Local, regional, and national artists (individuals and groups) working in 2- and 3-dimensional mediums, as well as installation art, are invited to submit their work for consideration. Solo, group, and/or themed shows will be curated based on the content, quality, and number of submissions. There is a $35 application fee. Submission deadline: Monday, April 15, 11:59 pm (MST). For the complete prospectus or to apply, visit www.mkartcenter.org.

Mayor’s Teen Art Show: Teen artists ages 13 – 19 years living in the greater Eugene area are invited to submit original 2- and 3-dimensional artwork for the 25th Annual Mayor’s Teen Art Show, September 6 – 27, 2024. Original 2- and 3-dimensional media will be considered, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking, digital art, video art, collage, fiber art, costumes or wearables, jewelry, and assemblage. Awards offered include cash prizes, art supplies, and more, including the Mayor’s Choice Award.

The submission deadline is Friday, May 31. Applications may be submitted on paper or digitally from our website: www.mkartcenter.org.

Artist's Tip - Lights, camera, straighten! When applying to call to artists this season, keep in mind the quality of photographs submitted. Well lit, straight-on photographs of one's work with no background or minimal white background is advised. Tips like these and other strategies that can be used to make your portfolio stand out will be explored in our upcoming class "Intro to Documentation and Web Design" taught by Brenna Hansen. Visit Class Info.

The week of April 8th marks the start of our Spring term art classes with after-school programs beginning the week of April 15th. We have spots remaining in many of our adult, youth, and middle school programs as well as in weekend workshops so please check our website for a creative opportunity! Visit Spring Classes for the complete Spring schedule.

Spring Classes for Middle School Students

Our after-school program focuses on building skills around foundational art elements and principles. Middle schoolers can expand their skills and build confidence in a variety of mediums in these project-based classes. 

Explorations in Acrylic Painting

Mondays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

April 15 – June 10

*No class May 27

Register Here!

Roll up your sleeves and learn acrylic painting! We will paint subjects such as stylized animals, outdoor and city scenes, and a painting of your own design. For the first projects, we will work from an example painting that the instructor provides, getting familiar with the process and various techniques. As we progress, you will work more independently on your own project ideas. Focus on developing painting techniques like color mixing, color temperature, painting in layers, and composing with shapes.

Working with Watercolor

Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

April 16 – June 4

Register Here!

Take a deep dive into different methods of watercolor painting! Learn how to load your brush with several colors of paint and experience wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, or dry-brush painting techniques. We will discuss controlling paint and color theory. Students will paint abstract and/or realistic watercolor paintings. Discover reverse color painting inspired by Kendra Norton who uses an ultra-fine black marker to create intricate details. No experience is necessary.

Drawing and Illustration

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

April 17 – June 5

Register Here!

In this class, we work on a series of drawing and illustration projects focused on character, environments, and storytelling. Each lesson covers a concept that will help you develop your art style and unique voice. You’ll learn about proportions and posing a figure (human figures, anthropomorphic animals, and animal characters), as well as expressive marks, pattern making, tone, value, and composition. We will also try different mediums, including ink, pencil, watercolor, markers, and colored pencils. 

Upcoming Weekend Workshop

Practice Painting the Head

Two Saturdays, April 13 & 20

12:00 – 4:30 pm

Register Here!

Refine your figurative oil painting practice over two Saturdays with instructor Deni Wohlgemuth. In this workshop, you will focus on skills and methods that help you learn the anatomy and expressive qualities of the head. For the first Saturday session, Deni will provide an extended demonstration of head painting from a live model. After observing the lay-in and partial work-up process, students are invited to begin their lay-in for the head study. This will serve as the basis for developing the head study the next weekend. Some figurative painting and drawing experience is needed. Enjoy this very special workshop series!

Family Weekend Workshop

Fun for the entire family!

Art Down Under!

Saturday, April 27

1:00 – 3:30 pm

Register Here!

Get ready to learn about the art, history, and culture of Australia's Northern Territory! We will embark upon an exploration of Aboriginal art and learn about contemporary colorful dot paintings! The instructor will guide you and your family members through free-hand drawing and stenciling and other easy techniques that lead to a finished dot painting. Join us for a fun-filled Saturday!

Artist Services Spring Classes

Working artists and enthusiasts can learn the basics of developing a professional portfolio and website in these special classes.

Basic Portfolio Development 

Tuesdays 

12:30 – 3:00 pm 

April 30 – June 4

Register Here!



This class series is designed for working artists who wish to build foundational skills for entering the art world. Over 6 weeks, you will spend the necessary time focusing on the concepts and visual characteristics that shape your work. You will emerge with the elements of a portfolio: an artist résumé, artist statement, biography, and a basic visual portfolio to begin seeking professional opportunities.

Intro to Documentation & Web Design

Tuesdays

6:30 – 8:30 pm 

April 30 – June 4

Register Here!

Learn to photograph your artwork and build a basic website for showcasing your art. Students will emerge from this class with a live website, including Home, About, and Image Gallery pages. No prior experience with photography or coding experience is needed to learn to create and build your web presence. All levels are welcome whether you are a hobbyist to emerging artist, or a seasoned practicing artist. We can support and learn from one another's creative and entrepreneurial goals.

In The Style of...

Mondays

6:00 – 8:30 pm 

April 8 – May 13

Register Here!

This six-week class combines a fascinating look at established artists with hands-on creative exercises. The first portion of each class will focus on an artist, their techniques, approaches, or methods used in their artmaking. Each class will be inspired by a new concept or technique, and the exercises may include elements of sculpture, collage, drawing, and printmaking depending on the highlighted artist. The last two classes allow students the opportunity to explore their individual style and project ideas inspired by the techniques and artists we explored.

Pictured: Student work inspired by the artist Lillian Blades

Open Studios

Open studios have a time moderator and offer an inviting atmosphere to keep your practice going. There is a $15.00 drop-in fee. Please see our open studio guidelines linked on our website for more information on the format of these classes.

Clothed Figure Painting

Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

April 11 – June 13

Register Here!

This figure painting Open Studio has 10 sessions. The model will be clothed and changes weekly. This class has one long pose.

Figure Drawing

Fridays, April 12 – June 14

AM Session: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

AM SESSION Register Here!

PM Session: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

PM SESSION Register Here!

This figure drawing Open Studio has 10 sessions. Open Studios are meant for personal practice without an instructor. Participants must bring their drawing supplies and paper. The model will be nude and changes weekly. The length of each pose will vary. Drop-ins are welcome or register for the entire 10 weeks.

Summer Art Education Intern Opportunity

The Maude Kerns Art Center is seeking a temporary Summer Arts Education Intern who will collaborate with our summer youth camps and young adult labs. The internship position begins June 10th and ends August 23rd with a holiday break during the week of July 1 – 5. 

Youth camps run 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. The middle school labs run 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Each week of our summer camps and labs has a different theme and will focus on working with a variety of art materials and processes.

Learn more about this internship on our website!

The Art Center currently offers scholarships for 50% of the cost of tuition for classes and camps. Scholarships are available for all age groups through the Susi Larsen & Cameron Serbu Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Madeleine Christenson Scholarship Fund. You can apply today on our website! 

Eugene Darkroom Group is proud to announce that we will be producing another book of photography in 2024, including work made solely by members of our darkroom. Our submission form for this book is now open, and we are happy to accept all analog work made by members of Eugene Darkroom Group. If you are not yet a member and would like to join, you can find information on our website about how to become a member and submit your work! More information on the book and the link to the submission form can be found on the homepage of our website: eugdarkroom.org.

Register for the Emerald Print Exchange

The Emerald Print Exchange wants YOU to participate in 2024! Register Here!

BIG INK Workshop

BIG INK returns to the WhitPrint studio for a weekend of giant woodblock printing, April 27 & 28.

Intro to Screen Printing

Brit Howard teaches an introductory screen-printing workshop on May 12 &19.

Art Rescue Sale Returns: October 5th & 6th

We are accepting donations of artwork now through September 27th. Please bring donations to the Art Center office during open hours: Weekdays 10:00 am – 5:30 pm and on Saturdays from 12:00 – 4:00 pm (when exhibits are on display).

We have partnered with Market of Choice to provide you an easy way to support the Art Center! It will only take a moment of your time to register and will help every time that you shop to support our programs and facility.

Here’s how:

Register your credit card. Each time that you use your card at any Market of Choice, Maude Kerns Art Center will receive 4% of your purchase price! Simply sign up at: eScrip Market of Choice and you will be prompted on how to enroll.

Thanks for all that you do to support the Maude Kerns Art Center. It makes a difference!

Thank You to the many volunteers, Board members, Staff, Art Center friends, and patrons who generously donate their time, talents, and treasure for the benefit of Maude Kerns Art Center.

MISSION STATEMENT

To nurture artistic expression and creativity in the individual and

to cultivate an appreciation and understanding of art and culture

in our community.