Pictured: Protect Your Light, Sisters, collage by Sarah Rose in “Piecing It Together,” opening on June 19

In This Newsletter

• From the Executive Director
• Art Rescue Donations Sought
• Save the Date! August 1: Maude’s 150th Birthday Party
• In the Galleries: Ongoing through Friday, June 5th: “Forever in Blue Jeans: A Mid-Career Retrospective of Hilary Pfeifer”; “Fruit of Our Labors” at GATA; Spring Members Gallery and Rolling Call to Artists: Upcoming: “Piecing It Together: A Regional Collage Show” opens June 19
• Call to Artists: 33rd annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit

• Art Education: MKAC survey; Summer adult registration; Summer Collage Lab and Printmaking Lab; Summer camp volunteers needed; student work highlighted
• Whiteaker Printmakers: Print Prompt meeting; 2nd Avenue Art Festival; Monotype Methods Workshop; June Open Studio session
• Eugene Darkroom Group: Summer class offerings at EDG
• Club Mud: New soda-firing capability
• An Easy Way to Give

Summer at the Maude Kerns Art Center is one of the most joyful times of the year. Our classrooms and studios come alive with imagination as children and young adults explore painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and more, discovering not only new artistic skills, but confidence, friendship, and the excitement of creative expression.

Summer art camps offer something truly special: the freedom to experiment, take risks, and see the world through fresh eyes. For many young people, these camps become treasured memories and formative experiences that inspire a lifelong connection to the arts. In a time when creativity and human connection are more important than ever, providing spaces where youth can create, collaborate, and simply have fun is essential.

Because of your support, the Art Center can offer welcoming, hands-on programs that nurture curiosity and make the arts accessible to families throughout our community. We are proud to continue this tradition of creativity and learning for the next generation of artists.

Wishing you a fun and creative summer!

Seeking Art Rescue Donations

We are accepting donations through September of paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and arty objects of all sorts. We accept all donations except for unprotected pastels or charcoal drawings which require special handling. 

Please bring donations to the Art Center Office during business hours, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5:30 pm and Saturdays, 12 – 4 pm, when exhibits are on display.

Maude's 150th Birthday Party!

Come raise a paintbrush to the Art Center’s visionary namesake and one of Eugene’s pioneering women!

Join us on Saturday, August 1, from 2 pm to 4 pm, as we celebrate artist Maude I. Kerns turning 150 years young with an afternoon of art, cake, color, and artistic exuberance. Maude’s 150th Birthday Party is free and open to the public.

Did you know? Kerns was head of the Art Education Department at the University of Oregon for 26 years but never attained the rank of full professor because she was a woman.

Sponsors:

Ongoing through June 5th

Don’t miss “Forever in Blue Jeans: A Mid-Career Retrospective of Hilary Pfeifer,” a stunning exhibit of Pfeifer’s multi-faceted work, including a tribute to eight artists who have been influential mentors throughout Pfeifer’s career. The exhibit traces her roots in Eugene and her formative relationship with the Maude Kerns Art Center, where she first studied as a young artist. “Forever in Blue Jeans” surveys 25 years of Pfeifer’s work, which spans sculpture, collage, installation, and public art. The Title Sponsor is Rainbow Valley Design and Construction.

Pictured: Gallery shot of “Forever in Blue Jeans”

Courtesy of Dan Kvitka

Spring Members Gallery & Gift Shop

The Spring Members Gallery, which is on view through July 17, features the work of thirteen artists, 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 Summer Members Gallery open Friday, July 31. New artists are encouraged to apply. Please see the Rolling Call below.

Pictured: Bag of Radishes, oil by Annie Fulkerson in the Spring Members Gallery

Rolling Call to Artists: The Maude Kerns Art Center is pleased to continue a search among its membership for new artists in the Maude Kerns Art Center Members Gallery & Gift Shop. What is special and sets MKAC’s Members Gallery & Gift Shop apart is that all work is by our member artists. It is a great source of pride to feature the work of our members. For the prospectus and application, please visit ROLLING

“Fruit of Our Labors" at GATA

Twenty-nine member artists exhibit their work in “Fruit of Our Labors” at the Gallery at the Airport through July 7. The exhibit was juried by artist Barbara Counsil Burney. Selected artists reflect on the bounty of the Willamette Valley and its people using a wide variety of media, including oil, acrylic, photography, colored pencil, ceramic, assemblage, fabrication, and more. The Gallery at the Airport is located inside the terminal’s main lobby.

Pictured: Old Oregon by Indra Stern-Hayworth in “Fruit of Our Labors”

Upcoming...

“Piecing It Together: A Regional Collage Show,” opening with a free, public reception from 5 – 7 pm on Friday, June 19, features 69 local and regional artists from Oregon, California, and Washington working in the medium of collage. “Piecing It Together” showcases the inventiveness of collage artists, who use a surprisingly diverse variety of media, from found objects and bricolage to digital transfer art. The exhibit is on display through July 17.

The jurors for “Piecing It Together” were Kellette Elliott, co-founder of the Pacific Northwest Collage Collective and teacher; Beth I. Robinson, Kolaj magazine featured artist and conservator at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art; and Judy Vogland, artist represented by RiverSea Gallery in Astoria and Sitka Center for Art and Ecology guest instructor.

Pictured: Renewed Conversation, mixed media collage by Dianne Erickson in “Piecing It Together”

Día de los Muertos Exhibit: The Maude Kerns Art Center is accepting submissions for our 33rd annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit, which takes place October 16 – November 6.

All artists, working in all mediums, are eligible for this juried call. Artists may submit 1 - 5 pieces. There is a $20 application fee. Work must be original and must focus on the Mexican Day of the Dead, which blends the ancient harvest rituals of the Aztec god of death and the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days. The celebration honors the dead and acknowledges the link between the communities of the living and the dead. Applications due by Sunday, August 9, 2026.

DIA 2026

Maude Kerns Art Center Survey

We're always buzzing with ideas for new classes at Maude Kerns Art Center, and there's no better way to find out what excites you than by hearing directly from you! We invite you to share your thoughts in this quick survey. Your feedback is essential in helping us craft classes and programs that you’ll love. Let your voice be heard! Please CLICK HERE to take the survey!

Summer Adult Registration

Get creative this summer! Adult class registration is officially open, and we’re excited to welcome artists of all skill levels into the studio. Whether you’re looking to try something new, sharpen your skills, or simply make time for creativity, our summer classes offer a fun and inspiring space to learn, create, and connect. Please CLICK HERE to check out our complete list of summer classes!

Summer Camps and Labs

Summer Camps are almost underway and the excitement is building! From creative art projects to new friendships and unforgettable summer memories, there is so much in store this season. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to sign up and join the fun before camps begin. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an inspiring and creative summer adventure. For the complete Summer Camps and Labs schedule, visit SUMMER.

Below are highlights from the middle-school and high-school offerings.

Collage Lab (Middle School)

July 6 – 10

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

REGISTER HERE!

Explore art through layering and creative storytelling! Using a mix of pictures, patterns, and mixed media, you will explore how images communicate ideas. You will improve your design principles like balance, contrast, and scale, while also developing your own artistic style.

Printmaking Lab (High School)

June 29 – July 3

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

REGISTER HERE!

Students explore hands-on printmaking techniques to create bold, original artworks. You will learn the full creative process - from sketching and carving to inking and pressing - while experimenting with texture, layering, and color. Guided by an experienced instructor, participants build technical skills and leave with a collection of prints that reflect their personal style. No experience required.

Summer Camp Volunteers

Classroom volunteers needed for assisting instructors and students 6 – 11 years old with various art activities during our weekly, themed Summer Camps. Volunteering available any week between June 22 and August 21 for mornings (8:15 am – 11:45 am) or afternoons (11:45 am – 3:15 pm). If interested, please fill out our volunteer form HERE or on our website.

Student Work

We’d like to showcase some of the amazing art being done in our adult classes. These pieces were created during our Watercolor Fundamentals class.

Pictured:

Top: Left to right, artwork by Carissa Henniger and Mary Camu

Bottom: Left to right, artwork by Zac Bond and Tiodoso Bear Bustillo

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.

Print Prompt Meeting

Wednesday, June 3, 1 – 2 pm

If you're looking to get involved in the printmaking community, Whiteaker Printmakers is hosting a seasonal "Print Prompt" for printmakers to get inspired! Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting, share the prints they've created for spring's "Botanicals & Bugs" prompt, and hear about the new summer prompt! Bring snacks, yourself, and fun ideas for the new summer prompt: "Pathways" RSVP to attend in person!

2nd Avenue Art Festival

Sunday, June 14, 11 am – 4 pm

Free to attend! Clay Space's 2nd Avenue Art Fest will be held in the parking lot on 2nd Avenue between Polk St. and Taylor St., rain or shine, with plenty of nearby parking available. Featuring over 30 local artists showcasing pottery, jewelry, paintings, blown glass, and printmaking, the festival promises something for every art lover. Whiteaker Printmakers will be providing free printmaking demonstrations and tours of their studio.

Monotype Methods Workshop

Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 4 pm

Former director and founder of WhitPrint, Heather Halpern, is returning to teach a workshop exploring multiple monotype techniques! This workshop introduces beginning, intermediate, and advanced artists to various monotype printmaking methods. Learn a variety of expressive methods, including: Trace, Watercolor, Additive, and Subtractive Monotype! WORKSHOP!

Pictured: Fern Ridge by Heather Halpern

June Open Studio Session

Thursday, June 25, 6 – 9 pm

Sign up for WhitPrint's monthly open studio session. Bring a block, plate, or project to work on and print. The studio director is there to help with all questions about process. Use of equipment, tools, and inks comes with admission. OPEN STUDIO

New Soda-Firing Capability: Four Club Mud ceramicists, Jon King, Karen Washburne, Kat Franken, and Johnny McPhearson have worked together to introduce a new firing process in the Club Mud outdoor kiln. Soda firing is an atmospheric firing process that introduces sodium oxide (soda) into the hot kiln. Inside the kiln, the soda vaporizes and interacts with the red-hot surfaces of both glazed and unglazed pots leaving flashes of color and glaze, and often a shiny or slightly pebbled texture.

Pictured: Jon King shows off the interesting surface effects in a soda-fired mug

Summer Classes at EDG:

Eugene Darkroom Group just added a series of classes in June, July, and August that provide instruction for everything you need to know to work in film photography. Classes with darkroom sessions are limited to two participants.

Workshop: Black & White Film and Darkroom Processes

Saturday and Sunday, June 20 & June 21, 9 am – 2 pm each day

Limited to two participants

During this weekend workshop, you will learn (or refresh) all the skills you need to shoot, develop, and print with analog black & white photography. We will cover the basics of manual camera function, shooting on black & white 35 mm film, developing a short roll of film, creating a contact sheet, and enlarging a photograph onto 5” x 7” photo paper. There will also be an opportunity to become a member of Eugene Darkroom Group.

Bring a film camera with you. All other materials will be provided; ideally, the camera should allow manual controls, but even a point-and-shoot is fine. If you need to borrow a camera, please let us know by email after you register.

Manual Camera Function & Shooting Basics

Thursday, July 9, 6 – 8 pm or Monday, August 3, 10 am – noon

Up to five participants

This class is for those who are interested in working in a darkroom but are unfamiliar with shooting film. The instructor will guide you through the basics of manual camera function and shooting on black & white 35 mm film to prepare you for the work in the darkroom.

B/W Film Processing for Beginners

Thursday, July 16, 6 – 8 pm or Monday, August 10, 10 am – noon

Limited to two participants

This flexible and customizable course is designed for beginners and those seeking a refresher in processing their own black and white film (35 mm or 120 format). The instructor will guide you through all the intricacies of developing your own film. Bring an undeveloped roll of b/w film (that you have already shot) with you, and we’ll provide equipment and chemistry!

B/W Darkroom Printing for Beginners

Thursday, July 23, 6 – 8 pm or Monday, August 17, 10 am – noon

Limited to two participants

This class is designed for beginners and those with limited previous experience making black and white prints in a darkroom. The instructor will guide you through the basics of darkroom printing. Bring a developed roll of b/w film with you and we’ll provide everything you need to make your prints!

All classes are listed and available for registration on our Community Education page. 

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 have contributed their time, talents, and treasure for the benefit of Maude Kerns Art Center.