Pictured: Still from Dendrostalkers, film by Julia Oldham, featured in “Beyond the Print,” opening April 4

In This Newsletter

Get creative this Spring at the Art Center!

Please join us on Friday, April 4, from 5 – 7 pm for the Opening Reception of “Beyond the Print,” featuring an incredible group of local printmaking artists including Mika Aono, Tallmadge Doyle, Sarah Grew, Julia Oldham, and Libby Wadsworth. The exhibit aims to explore the medium of printmaking through the innovative use of materials and techniques.

Printmaking has had a long and rich history at the Art Center, beginning with Sylvia Seder, one of the founding Art Center artists, and LaVerne Krause who started the UO printmaking program in the 1960s and served as the Art Center’s Gallery Chair. In the 1980s Oregon Printmakers Studio was housed in the Center’s printmaking studio (a converted carport!). And just this year the Center acquired Whiteaker Printmaking Studio, further expanding our educational opportunities and printmaking facilities.

On Saturday, April 26, the Art Center hosts our 2nd annual “Studio Tour” spring fundraiser. This year’s tour highlights the studios located in and nearby Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood. Participating studios include Clay Space, The Oblivion Factory, Chris Paulson Studio, John Rose Studio, Whiteaker Printmakers, and Wildling Collaborative Arts, and features work from 31 local artists. Don't miss your chance to visit these amazing studios and get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. The event also features a special raffle of artworks donated by the participating artists. Help support the Art Center and register today!

Thank you for supporting the Art Center!

All my best,

Michael Fisher

Executive Director

Pictured, left to right: MKAC Printmaking Studio; Gaggle of Geese, lithograph by Sylvia Seder; Whiteaker Printmakers Studio

Saturday, April 26:

Six Studios! 31 Artists!

Reserve your spot for the Art Center’s 2nd annual Studio Tour, which takes place on Saturday, April 26, from 11 am – 4 pm. This year’s tour features six special studios – Whiteaker Printmakers, Clay Space, John Rose Studio, Chris Paulson Studio, Wildling Collaborative Arts, and The Oblivion Factory - and showcases 31 artists working in a wide variety of mediums. A selected number of studios provide artist demonstrations.

The Studio Tour is a fundraiser for the Maude Kerns Art Center. The cost is $45/person and includes a full-color Studio Tour Guide and one free raffle ticket for a chance to win artworks donated by participating artists. Additional tickets are $5 each, and five for $20. Raffle items will be on view at the Art Center.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support Maude Kerns Art Center and, at the same time, tour studios, meet artists, and view a wealth of wonderful art!

Pictured: Jayme Vineyard displays work at Wildling Collaborative Arts for the 2025 Studio Tour

Artworks and arty objects of all sorts are needed for our popular Art Rescue Sale, to be held October 11 & 12. October may seem far away, but you might be sorting and downsizing your collections now. All donations benefit Maude Kerns Art Center 100% and are eligible for a tax deduction. 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).

Maude Kerns Art Center is thrilled to announce the promotion of current Printmaking Studio Coordinator, Kiley Kuntz, to the full-time position of Whiteaker Studio Director. Since joining the Art Center staff in 2024, Kiley has been busy working and training with Whiteaker Printmakers Studio founders Heather and Paul Halpern.

The Art Center is happy to announce that Dean Lamoureux has joined the Board of Directors. Dean brings a background in design and construction to the Board. He is a partner of almost 30 years at Rainbow Valley Design and Construction, and a graduate of the Interior Architecture Program at the University of Oregon. When asked about his interest in the Art Center, Dean said: “I believe that the mission of MKAC aligns with my personal and creative goals around art and craft.”

Welcome, Dean!

Opening on April 4: Beyond the Print

The Art Center is proud to present “Beyond the Print,” featuring the work of local artists Mika Aono, Tallmadge Doyle, Sarah Grew, Julia Oldham, and Libby Wadsworth, opening with a public reception on Friday, April 4, from 5 – 7 pm. “Beyond the Print” is on view through May 2.

The artists featured in this exciting exhibit extend the medium of printmaking “beyond the print” by the innovative use of materials and diverse techniques, creating unique and powerful visual statements. They share a common concern for and engagement with a world facing ecological collapse caused by climate change. Their hope is to reveal connections between works, ideas, and materials, to highlight the resiliency of nature, and engage the viewer in a conversation about contemporary challenges.

The public is invited to an Artist Talk on Saturday, April 19, from 2 – 3 pm at the Maude Kerns Art Center in conjunction with “Beyond the Print.”

“Beyond the Print” artist Sarah Grew intertwines art history, philosophy, natural science, and digital technology in her art practice, creating photographic installations that use historic printing techniques to address contemporary issues, particularly climate change. To see a video about her art practice, visit: GREW.

Pictured: Bioluminescent Life Form by Tallmadge Doyle in “Beyond the Print”

Oregon: Rain or Shine at The Gallery at the Airport

“Oregon: Rain or Shine” opens at The Gallery at the Airport (GATA) on April 17 and is on view through July 8. The show features the work of 30 Maude Kerns Art Center member artists, including work by exhibit juror Tara Kemp. A wide variety of two- and three-dimensional mediums are represented. The Gallery at the Airport is located inside the terminal’s main lobby.

Pictured: Yachats After the Rain, watercolor by Kaya Singer in “Oregon: Rain or Shine” 

Seasonal Members Gallery & Gift Shop

The Spring Members Gallery opens April 4, and includes the work of eight artists: Melissa Ghiglieri, Deb Babcock, Patti McNutt, Sally Schwader, Rebecca Mannheimer, Jeanne LaRae, Melissa Sikes, and Sarah Ciampa.

Work by Art Center members and Club Mud ceramicists is exhibited in the Members Gallery & Gift Shop throughout the year with artwork changing on a quarterly basis. For more information, contact Director of Exhibitions Liberty Rossel at exhibits@mkartcenter.org.

Pictured: Nurturing, oil painting by Jeanne LaRae on view in the Spring Members Gallery

Upcoming May 16:

“Legacy: 75th Anniversary Exhibit,”

May 16 – June 20, showcases the work of 75 invited artists who have made a significant contribution to the Art Center over the 75 years of its existence. Each artist displays one piece of work. This remarkable exhibit is a testament to the rich and varied history of the Art Center, which was founded in 1950 by a group of artists, including the Center’s namesake Maude I. Kerns. “Legacy,” which is on view through June 20, is held in conjunction with the year-long celebration of the Maude Kerns Art Center’s 75th Anniversary.

Pictured: Mortgage Burning, 1971. From left to right: Mike Van, Sylvia Seder, Doris Stasney (Junior League President), Jim Bartell, Ron Tore Janson, and Betty Stockman. A number of these founding members will have work in the Legacy Exhibit, including Mike Van, Sylvia Seder, and Ron Tore Janson.

Mayor’s Teen Art Show, September 12 – October 3

Teen artists ages 13 – 19 years living in the greater Eugene area are invited to submit original 2 – and 3- dimensional artwork for the 26th Annual Mayor’s Teen Art Show, September 12 – October 3. Original 2- and 3-dimensional media: paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking, digital art, video art, fiber art, collage, costumes or wearables, fiber art, jewelry, assemblage, etc. Work must have been done in the last 12 months. Work must be ready to display or hang (mat, frame) at the time of exhibit. Deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm. To apply, visit:

TEEN ART

Spring Term Class Highlights

Youth (6 – 11)

Printmaking Playground

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

April 9 – May 28

Register here!

Explore different ways to create printed images with paper and ink. Guided by our instructor, Wendy Strong, your child will learn to etch their drawing into a soft surface, ink it up, and stamp it down! Come and discover rainbow rolls, gelli prints, and all that printmaking has to offer. All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary.

Middle School (11 – 14)

Drawing and Illustrations

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

April 9 – May 28

Register here!

Develop your unique drawing and illustration style in this class! Through a series of projects focused on characters, environments, and storytelling, you'll explore concepts like proportions, posing, expressive marks, pattern making, tone, and composition. We’ll study example illustrations for inspiration and experiment with mediums like ink, pencil, watercolor, markers, and colored pencils. Join us to blend traditional art, stylized illustration, and comic-style techniques!

Adults

Artful Mending

Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

April 9 – May 28

Register here!

Join us for a fun, hands-on class that combines creativity with practicality! In this course, you’ll learn how to mend clothes with artistic techniques such as embroidery and patchwork. Whether you’re fixing a torn sleeve or giving a whole new look to a pair of jeans, you’ll gain the skills to breathe new life into your wardrobe and reduce waste. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this class will guide you step-by-step in creating beautifully mended garments.

Hand Binding Art Books

Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

April 10 – May 29

Register here!

Come join us for this fun class series to learn basic bookbinding methods, then use this knowledge to create your own unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing art books. In addition to learning binding techniques, you will gain an understanding of bookbinding types, book anatomy, and the tools that are needed to create handbound books. To explore these artistic book forms further, we will be using different materials like recycled papers, magazines, fabrics, beads, ribbons, and more. You will have the opportunity to personalize your books with hand stitching, painting, drawing, and writing to express your ideas, feelings, and visions.

April Weekend Workshops

Travel Painting

Saturday, April 12

10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Register here!

Have you ever wanted to paint on the go? Join us in making your very own travel watercolor palette and even get started using it! Come empty handed and leave with a fully functional travel palette, ready to begin painting en plein air!

Pulp to Paper

Saturday, April 12

1:00 – 3:30 pm

Register here!

Relax, get creative, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of spring during this afternoon workshop! Learn how to transform various plant pulps into beautiful paper art, including eco-friendly seed paper that you can plant and grow! You’ll explore endless pulp possibilities. Great for the Family!

Summer Term Opportunities!

Instructors: The Art Center is looking for experienced instructors to join our teaching team for this Summer Camp season, June 16 – August 15. Instructors must have a strong passion for the growth of young artists and the patience to be encouraging when students struggle with projects. We offer weekly programs:

Youth (6 – 11 years old), 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Middle School (11 – 14 years old), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

High School (14 – 17 years old), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

For full details and to fill out a proposal form, click here!

Volunteers: The Art Center is looking for education volunteers to help as classroom assistants for our Summer Camp Program!

Benefits include:

• Experience in an education environment
• Meeting and inspiring young artists
• Connecting with the local community

If you are 16 years of age or older, please fill out our online volunteer form here!

Summer Arts Education Internship: The Maude Kerns Art Center is seeking a Summer Arts Education Intern who will assist our Arts Education Director and support our summer programs. The position begins June 11 and ends the week of August 18, with a holiday the week of June 30 – July 4. The intern's workday begins at 8:00 am and ends at 3:15 pm. For more details and to apply, click here!

*To apply for instruction opportunities outside of the summer season, click here!

Scholarships

The Art Center currently offers scholarships for 50% of the cost of tuition for classes. Scholarships are available for all age groups through the Susi Larsen & Cameron Serbu Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Madeleine Christenson Scholarship Fund.

To be considered, applicants must fill out the application prior to registration and payment. You can apply today on our website.

Intro to Copper Plate Etching:

Saturday April 12, 10 am – 4 pm

Join Noelle Herceg at Whiteaker Printmakers for her single-day Intro to “Copper Plate Etching” workshop! Discover the intaglio method of etching in this introductory workshop, designed for those eager to learn a timeless printmaking technique. Etching involves incising lines into a metal plate to create intricate designs that hold ink and from which you can make multiple prints. If you enjoy drawing, this is the printmaking process for you!

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!

We want to thank the many volunteers, Board members, Staff, Art Center friends, and patrons who contribute 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.