Oregon Arts Commission Fellowships Include Two Eugeneans

Yesterday, the Oregon Arts Commission announced the recipients of its annual fellowships, given to “performers and writers of exceptional talent and demonstrated ability, professional achievement and continuing dedication to an artistic discipline.” The cash awards ($3,000 each) can be used “to complete work in progress or embark on a new body of work, undertake research, study or experiment with new materials or media.”

Among the 13 winners were two Eugeneans: writer Debra Gwartney, who in 2006 co-edited Home Ground with Barry Lopez, and trumpeter Brian McWhorter, who teaches at the UO and is frequently mentioned in Brett Campbell’s music columns. Congratulations to both of them â€”Â and all the other recipients!

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!