Pictured: Oak Savanah (Yamhill), infrared photograph by Rich Bergeman

in “Witness: Earth & Sky”

In This Newsletter

• From the Executive Director
• Art Rescue Call for Donations
• In the Galleries: Two shows opening April 3: “Witness: Earth & Sky” and “Consume & Dispose”; Spring Members Gallery & Gift Shop; Upcoming: “Forever in Blue Jeans: A Mid-Career Retrospective of Hilary Pfeifer”
• Calls to Artists: 2027 – 2028 Biennial Call; Regional Collage Show; “Mayor’s Teen Art Show”
• Art Education: Summer art camps & labs registration open; Spring term highlights; Introducing Steve Steinaway

• Whiteaker Printmakers: Introduction to Screen Printing Workshop; BIG INK print dates; Multi-Color Single Plate Etching Workshop; April Open Studio dates
• Eugene Darkroom Group: Box Camera Photo Walk; Photo book launch party
• Club Mud: Throw-a-Thon for Empty Bowls
• An Easy Way to Give
• Quarterly Thanks

Get creative this Spring at the Art Center!

Spring is a season of renewal — a time when new ideas take root and creativity begins to bloom. At the Art Center, we see this spirit reflected in every studio, classroom, and gallery as artists of all ages explore, experiment, and express what matters most to them.

Artistic expression is more than a skill; it is a way of understanding ourselves and one another. Whether it’s a child discovering new colors for the first time, a teen finding their artistic voice, or an adult returning to creative practice, art offers a powerful means of connection, growth, and transformation.

Your engagement makes this possible. It ensures that our programs remain open, welcoming, and accessible — nurturing creativity at every stage of life and strengthening the bonds that make our community vibrant.

Thank you for supporting the Art Center!

We are now accepting your donations of art through September. Donations sought include paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and arty objects of all sorts. Please do not bring us unprotected pastels and charcoal drawings as they present handling and display problems.

Please bring your donations to the Art Center office during open hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm and Saturdays, 12:00 – 4:00 pm when exhibits are on display (please check our current exhibit dates).

Two Shows Open April 3rd:

The Art Center presents two shows that open on April 3 and are on display through April 24. In the Main Gallery is “Witness: Earth & Sky,” featuring the work of Rich Bergeman and Amanda Thomas. Both artists focus on landscape, with Bergeman emphasizing the appropriation of the land and Thomas its despoliation.

In the Salon Gallery is “Consume & Dispose,” showcasing the work of Jennifer Bucheit and Ralf Huber. Bucheit comments through her art on American consumerism, while Huber poignantly illustrates the human cost of child labor.

Two Artist Talks will be held, one on Saturday, April 4, from 1 – 2 pm, for “Witness: Earth & Sky,” and the second on Saturday, April 18, from 1 – 2 pm, for “Consume & Dispose.” The public is invited to hear the artists share their visions at these free events.

Pictured: The Chimney Sweeper by Ralf Huber

Spring Members Gallery & Gift Shop

Thirteen artists are featured in the Spring Members Gallery, including Barbara Breaden, Brooke Chang, Sarah Rose de Villiers, Annie Fulkerson, Mary Garrard, Jon King, Dori Koberstein, Jan Lintz, Paul Machu, Patti McNutt, Sally Schwader, Laure Shipley, and Melissa Sikes. The Spring Members Gallery opens on April 3 and is on view through July 17.

Pictured: Mothering, paper collage by Dori Koberstein in the Spring Members Gallery

Upcoming...

“Forever in Blue Jeans: A Mid-Career Retrospective of Hilary Pfeifer,” May 8 – June 5, traces Pfeifer’s roots in Eugene and her formative relationship with the Art Center, where she first studied as a young artist, while surveying 25 years of work that spans sculpture, collage, installation, and public art. The show also highlights eight artists – Deborah Dailey, Hannah Goldrich, Barbara Kensler, Marcia Macdonald, Terry McIlrath, Jerril Nilson, Lynn Peterson, and Greg Wilbur - who have been influential mentors and touchstones throughout Pfeifer’s career.

Pictured: Tree, Tree, Tree by Hilary Pfeifer

2027 – 2028 Biennial Call: Maude Kerns Art Center is currently accepting submissions for the next biennium of exhibits. 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. Established, mid-career, and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 11:59 MST. Artists may submit online or by mail. Mail applications must be postmarked by May 2. There is a $35 application fee. To apply: BIENNIAL CALL

“Piecing It Together: A Regional Collage Exhibit”: Maude Kerns Art Center is hosting an open call for local and regional artists working in the medium of collage. The exhibition is scheduled for June 19 – July 17, 2026.

Collage has a rich history creating community. The collage community is generous and welcoming while demonstrating what salvage, collaboration, creativity, and healing can look like. Join us to celebrate scissors, ephemera, and glue!

Entries in 2D and 3D collage in all media will be considered, including drawing, painting, digital, printmaking, textile, photography, mixed media, sculpture, as well as any other forms of assemblage and material. Deadline: Sunday, May 3 at 11:59pm PST. For the prospectus and to apply, visit COLLAGE

“Mayor’s Teen Art Show,” September 11 – October 2: Teen artists ages 13 – 19 years living in the greater Eugene area are invited to submit original 2- and 3- dimensional artwork for the 27th Annual Mayor’s Teen Art Show, September 11 – October 2. 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. Artists can fill out the form via JOTFORM or may email all requested info to the Director of Exhibits at exhibits@mkartcenter.org.

Application deadline: Sunday, May 31 at 11:59pm PST.

Summer Art Camps & Labs – Registration Open!

Registration is now open for the Art Center’s 2026 summer arts programming, including weekly Youth Art Camps (ages 6-11), Middle School Art Labs (ages 11-15), and High School Art Labs (ages 15-17). To view the complete schedule and to register visit Youth Camps, Middle School Labs, and High School Labs.

Spring Term

Below are some highlights of our Spring Class Schedule. Visit SPRING CLASSES for the complete lineup of Spring classes and workshops.

Adult: Ages 18+

Beginning Oil Painting

Mondays, April 6 – June 1*

*No class May 25

6:00 – 8:30 pm

Register here!

Explore the fundamentals of oil painting. You will be introduced to the tools and techniques of this medium, such as paint mixing, value study, and color theory. Aided by instructor demonstrations, you will learn how to paint landscapes, create atmospheric abstract art, and work from still-life displays. The last two weeks will be dedicated to harnessing the techniques and tips you have learned as you work to complete your own oil painting. Beginners, fear not! Oil painting is forgiving. No experience is necessary.

Youth: Ages 6–11

Discover Drawing & Painting

Wednesdays, April 8 – May 27

4:00 – 5:30 pm

Register here!

Enjoy some creative time and have fun with fellow budding artists in this popular 2-D art class! Your instructor will help you discover new ways to draw and perfect your painting techniques. Through class demonstrations, you will learn all about color, line, and shape to add variety to your artwork. Experiment with all kinds of art materials, including pencils, pastels, watercolors, and tempera, as you create your very own masterpieces. During the last class, we will celebrate our work in a Class Art Show!

Middle School: Ages 11-15

Acrylic Essentials

Thursdays, April 9 – May 28

4:00 – 5:30 pm

Register here!

Join us in this class, where we'll work toward completing finished acrylic paintings by learning the foundations. Students will get hands-on practice, working with color mixing, lighting, and composition, all through engaging exercises. As students progress, they will be able to apply what they have learned to more independent projects. Ultimately, students will leave with the skills needed to successfully paint with acrylic paints.

Family Art Workshop: Ages 6+

Thingamabobs

Saturday, April 11

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Register here!

Have some fun and get creative with the whole family during this exciting new workshop! Create whimsical small sculptures using found and recycled objects inspired by the playful assemblage art of Rowland Emet. You will use your imagination and everyday items to make inventive kinetic (moving) sculptures. No experience needed.

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.

The Art Center is very happy to welcome Steve Steinaway to our staff. He replaces outgoing Director of Education Tony Hooks. Steve, who has a background in animation and digital media, is no stranger to the Center, having taught watercolor classes and instructed last year’s summer art camps. He was recently honored as the Art Center’s 2025 Instructor of the Year.

Asked about his aspirations for the Education Program, Steve said: “I’d love to build on what’s already working while creating more opportunities for students to keep growing and developing their skills over time. I’m especially interested in adding new levels or pathways so students can continue learning as they progress.” Welcome, Steve!

In March, Club Mud ceramicists generously donated their time and talents during a Club Mud Throw-a-Thon to create bowls for Food for Lane County's Empty Bowls Sale. This important fundraiser takes place Friday, May 1, from 4:30 – 7:00 pm, at the 5th Street Market and Alley.

Pictured: Club Mud member Don Clarke proudly displays part of his output for the Empty Bowls fundraiser

Introduction to Screen Printing

April 25 & May 2, 10 am – 4 pm

Learn More Here!

Whiteaker Printmakers is offering an Introduction to Screen Printing Workshop with Brit Howard! In this two-weekend workshop, Brit will walk you through the entire screen-printing process and you’ll create an 11"x17" black and white poster.

Mark your Calendars – BIG INK Print Dates!

Saturday and Sunday, April 18 & 19, 1 – 4 pm

Learn More Here!

Free to Attend!

Whiteaker Printmakers is hosting BIG INK this year! Stop by the studio between 1 – 4 pm to see the largest etching press in Oregon in use! Artists who participated in the workshop spent months prepping and carving their large woodcuts. You won’t want to miss it!

Pictured: BIG INK exhibition at ARTSPACE

Multi-Color Single Plate Etching Workshop

May 8th, 9th, & 10th, 9 am – 5 pm

Link to Register!

Only 3 seats left! Master Printmaker Yuji Hiratsuka is teaching his Multi-Color Single Plate Etching Workshop again. Yuji is a renowned printmaker with shows across the globe. Collections of his work are in The British Museum, Tokyo Central Museum, Panstwowe Museum in Poland, Cincinnati Art Museum, the Portland Art Museum, and more!



Pictured: Pineapple + Head by Yuji Hiratsuka

April Open Studio Dates

April 16 & April 30, 6 – 9 pm

Link to Register!

Beginners and experienced printmakers are welcome to join us for one of our Open Studio Sessions in April. Sign up to get 3 hours of studio time, access to tools, use of our inks, and help using equipment!

Box Camera Photo Walk

Eugene Darkroom Group will be hosting its first-ever Box Camera Photo Walk! The walk is open to everyone! A classic box camera is not required, but we encourage you to bring a camera with the least number of controls: "toy" cameras, Brownies, etc. Of course, all cameras are welcome!

The walk will take place in Cottage Grove on Saturday, April 4th, from 1 to 3 pm. We will meet at the amphitheater in Bohemia Park. In case of inclement weather, we will announce any change or cancellation on our website Event Page and our Discord in the “Events” channel.

Photo Book Launch Party

Eugene Darkroom Group is excited to announce the publication of their newest photo book, The Light We Keep, Volume 2. With works from EDG members as well as the broader community, The Light We Keep clocks in at 135 pages of photographic art in both black and white and color.

Come join us for the Photobook Launch Party on April 17th from 5 to 7 pm at Caffè Pacori (255 Wallis St, Suite 3, Eugene). EDG will be selling the book at cost plus a dollar ($30 total). And if you've never been to Caffè Pacori, it's worth the trip!  See you there! 

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 contributed their time, talents, and treasure for the benefit of Maude Kerns Art Center during the months of January, February, and March.

Budget & Finance Committee: Michael Fisher, Caroline Passerotti, and Fred Tepfer

Facilities Committee: Michael Fisher, Ann Bumb Hamilton, Michael Heffernan, Dean Lamoureux, Cathy Simard, Nancy Silvers, and Alice Strong

Exhibit Sponsorship Committee: Louise Bishop, Susan Castillo, Clare Feighan, Michael Fisher, and Alice Strong

Art Rescue Committee: Ann Bumb Hamilton, Annie Leadingham, Katie Mason, Scott Morris, Cathy Simard (Chair), Alice Strong, Jean Walker, and Linda Wheatly

Winter Fundraiser Committee: Louise Bishop, Ann Bumb Hamilton, Susan Castillo, Michael Fisher, Caroline Passerotti (Chair), Alice Strong, and Fred Tepfer

Bathroom upgrade: Don Jenson and Peter Tag

Opening Receptions: Lilah Basile, Linnea Birchmeier, Dana Burall,L Marx, Kimberly Roudebush, and Orion Sweet

Office Assistants: Monika Aldabe-Sullivan, Tina Heffernan, Kimberly Roudebush, Tracy Somervell, Tyler Stromme, and Wendy Strong

Gallery Greeters: Abby Adebawo, Faye Cohen, Leanne Ellis, Sue Gottschalk, Abby Jackson, Judith B. Mangold, L Marx, Sonya Roberts, Tracy Somervell, Phoebe Soulis, Wendy Strong, and Orion Sweet

Exhibits Assistants: Tina Heffernan, Abbey Jackson, L Marx, and Michael Whitenack

Education Assistants: Elsie Ferber, Anneliese Loveland, Maire Moone, Sonya Roberts, and Alexandra Sielicki

Open Studio Facilitator: Marsha Wells Shankman

Newsletter Design: Kris Gruber of Crystal Impressions Graphic Design