Eugene Invades Corvallis

David Jacobs-Strain

No, just kidding! But the Fall Festival kicks off in Corvallis' highly attractive downtown Central Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, and features several Eugene connections, especially David Jacobs-Strain, who plays the street dance Saturday night. Many Eugene artists, including glass artist Tamaris Landsman and ceramicist Kenneth Standhardt, dominate the sidewalks with their booths. Then there's food — most carts benefit various nonprofits — wine, children's activities and a big celebration of the 35th anniversary of the event along with 150th birthday of the town known as Beaver Central. I mean eco-central, actually — free bus service, free shuttle to the park because streets are blocked off, a bike corral … what more do we need?

A race, of course! On Sunday morning, you can run a 1K, 5K or 10K. Now that should bring some Eugeneans to town. If you didn't get enough community at the Eugene Celebration or you want a festival located in a cute downtown with a lovely downtown park (hmm, wouldn't that be a nice thing in, say, Eugene?), head on 99W to the two-day par-tay. More info, including registration for the races, available at www.corvallisfallfestival.com— but one thing to note: Corvallis' lovely festival, showing off its adorable downtown, doesn't charge for admission. That's right. It's free. See you in Beaver Country!

The Mayor's Art Show: Eclectic & Interesting

My Father Will Come by M.J. Wiens

K by Tallmadge Doyle

I'm often bemused by the selections at the Mayor's Art Show. But some pieces of this smorgasboard of Lane County talent look fresh on each visit. Here are some highlights; the show is so diverse and has such a range of talent, hard work and philosophical intent that there's almost no way to review it.

Some pleasant pieces appeal each time I go — like Kim Adams' sizeable abstract-tending seascape called untitled 'scape and Charles Search's Sea Sanctuary, an attractive photo that beckons toward the coast. Some, like John "Teach" Girard's massive, serious in intent yet seemingly tongue-in-cheek alien-abduction-motorcycle-fantasy Waiting for the Neighborhood Watch, exhibit both whimsy and evidence of much detailed work. Of the sculptures, William Pickerd's Shall We Dance, a gorgeous piece of alabaster and purple heart, and William Barnett's tremedous bronze, The Courtship of Lightning, are the most skillful. Tallmadge Doyle's K (Kepler's Star Map I), a complex etching/chin collé, makes homage to science and mathematical precision along with a gorgeous mix of colors.

And pieces depicting humans abound. I'll mention four: Diana Gardner's Beijing, an exquisitely shot and beautifully framed photo (massively underpriced and quickly snapped up), depicts the deeply lined face of an older man, cigarette dangling from his lips, his face an absolute study in resignation and potential despair. Zach Wilkins-Malloy's Mayor's Choice-winning Homeless (spray paint on cardboard) has a strong backstory (displayed on the wall) in protest of a Portland-like "sit-lie" ordinance in a California town. Roger Weise's Study of Torso in Green and Red might seem familiar because of its steadfast Cubist style, but that shouldn't detract from Weise's skill with the brush and his eye for a balanced, surprising composition. And M.J. Wiens, winner of one of the Juror's Choice awards, gives the viewer an arresting work with his drawing called My Father Will Come. But don't take my word for it. Go pick your own highlights at the Mayor's Art Show, up through Oct. 11 at the Jacobs Gallery.

In Our Name Hits Big in NY

To the surprise of exactly no one who saw the Eugene preview of Elena Hartwell's powerful In Our Name (see "Socially Responsible Theater" in the 8/2 EW for more info), the play was well received at NY's Fringe Festival. A reviewer at nytheatre.com called it "an important and haunting play that should be experienced by all," and an editor chose the play for Plays and Playwrights 2008 (pub date of February from The New York Experience, Inc.). Congrats to playwright, actor and director Hartwell and actor Rebecca Nachison, both of Iron Pig (www.ironpigpresents.com).