The Oregon Arts Commission, in conjunction with The Ford Family Foundation, announced the names of 23 artists who will receive Career Opportunity Grants with a total of $61,744 awarded. Scottish-born, Portland-based fiber artist Jo Hamilton received $1,500 for the Contemporary Northwest Visions exhibit and accompanying catalog opening April 1 at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. Although Hamilton paints as well, her crochet “paintings” of people and cityscapes are her signature work. Got grant envy? Oregon artists can apply for the next round of grants by April 7; for more info visit oregonartscommission.org/grants/career-opportunity.
Also at the Schnitz: The ASARO exhibit featuring the work of the Assembly of Revolutionary Artists of Oaxaca (spawned from the 2006 uprisings in Oaxaca, Mexico) opens Feb. 11.
Daughter of Triton, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, runs at The Red Cane Theatre (1077 Chambers) Feb. 6 through March 22. Presented by the Phoinix Players with director Mary Huls at the helm, Triton will give the fairy tale a modern rock ‘n’ roll spin. For more info, visit theredcanetheatre.yolasite.com.
It’s rare that First Friday ArtWalk and Second Saturday South Willamette Art Walk (SSSWAW?) take place in the same weekend, but luckily for arts hounds, that is the case for Feb. 7 and 8. Hosted by Oregon Arts Commissioner Libby Tower, First Friday starts 5:30 pm at DIVA Gallery with artist Dan Chen’s majestic wildlife studies. Next, not to be missed: The Jazz Station is hosting an exhibit dedicated to “black history, cultural identity, honoring diversity, and contributions of musicians of color to the local jazz scene,” featuring the work of local artists Lillian Almeida, Melissa Nolledo, Marina Hajek and Yvonne Stubbs. Feb. 8, head down to Willamette and see burgeoning painter Sarah Refvem’s work at Capella Market and the colorful mixed media pieces of Madison Skriver and Zach Rathbun at 16 Tons Café (with free wine tastings). Also on the walk: the Eugene Poetry Slam at Tsunami Books featuring Noah Schnaubelt.