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Alex V. Cipolle, aka Alexandra Cipolle, was Eugene Weekly's arts editor from 2012 until 2017. She formerly wrote as Alex Notman.
1935 Oregon passes the Uniform State Narcotic Act, criminalizing cannabis 1936 Reefer Madness, cult classic anti-pot propaganda film, premieres 1937 U.S. Congress passes “Marihuana” Tax Act, “effectively criminalizing marijuana” nationwide 1952 The Boggs Act requires mandatory prison sentencing for cannabis possession offenses 1968 The Grateful Dead play first Eugene show at Erb Memorial Union Continue reading
With the potential high for another ballot measure this November to legalize recreational cannabis use, EW thought it time to take to the streets to ask the people what they think. What did we learn? In our tiny, unscientific random sampling downtown of Eugeneans actually willing to talk about pot on record, the overwhelming response was in favor of legalization. However, that was pretty much the only thing people agreed on. The devil is in the details and those details still need some major hashing out, but there’s no better time to start hashing than the present. Continue reading
Graphic art renegades Blunt Graffix host Gojira, a group art show featuring the work of dozens of printmasters such as Tim Doyle, Anna Witt and Print Mafia. “Gojira” is Japanese for Godzilla, so look for spewing flames and paths of destruction at the opening reception 7 pm Friday, April 18, at Blunt Graffix’s studio, 1040 Tyinn St., No. 3; live music provided by Godzilla vs. Battlesnake and the Mothras. Need more time to inspect all the two-tone scales on Zilla’s tail? Blunt Graffix hosts an open studio noon to 6 pm Saturday, April 19. Continue reading
Tonight is the last night for the Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts (DIVA) at its 280 W. Broadway space downtown and they want you to come party with them for their "Marker Monday" fundraiser; $5 suggested donation at the door. From 6 to 8pm, DJ Chris Long will spin tunes and Blue Dog Mead refreshments will be available. DIVA's press release says a "free Copic marker to first 120 guests – tag and draw on our gallery walls." So skip happy hour and head to DIVA and support your local arts. DIVA is currently looking for a new space downtown. Continue reading
Irene Hardwicke Olivieri and Jo Hamilton may not be native Oregonians, but their art seems to spring from the earthy soul of this region. Both artists’ work has strong ties to craft movements, activism and community (whether that consists of people or animals). Now living in Oregon, Olivieri and Hamilton also both work in a large-scale format and display an immaculate attention to detail. However, their work is wildly different — Olivieri creates nature-infused oil paintings and Hamilton constructs urban “crochet paintings” of people and cityscapes. Continue reading
For further evidence that Tiny Tavern seriously shreds as a live venue, head down Friday, April 11, for Basque punk/nu-metal band Berri Txarrak (“Bad News”), a power trio from Spain that plays high-octane alt-rock, meshing the anthemic assault of Judas Priest with the angsty crunch of early grunge. Founded in 1994, this outfit has recorded with Steve Albini and toured with Rise Against, and they sing in their native tongue. Long live Basque metal! Continue reading
Just announced: Cuthbert’s summer lineup is beginning to fill out with Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover from Community) May 9, the Indigo Girls and Joan Baez June 25 and Slightly Stoopid July 9. In other news, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies will headline the 12th Annual Sasquatch Brew Fest June 7 at Ninkasi Brewery. Continue reading
Calling all muralists! Four bridge pillars are waiting to be someone’s canvas at the new Washington Jefferson Skatepark, which, once complete (grand opening is slated for June 21), will be the largest covered and lighted public skate park in the nation. The city is hosting a tour of the facility 10:30 am Thursday, April 3. Interested artists should register by contacting isaac.r.marquez@ci.eugene.or.us or call 541-682-205; applications must be submitted by 2 pm Friday, April 11. Continue reading
Catch a cozy eve of tunes at Sam Bond’s 9:30 pm Friday, March 28, with Eugene’s swampy, New Orleans-tinged foursome The Long Hello and Spokane’s achy-breaky folk rock outfit the Marshall McLean Band. If you can peel your eyes away from the stage, check out the mystical paintings of Jayme Vineyard for Last Friday Art Walk. Continue reading
Looking over the barre, I see Broadway wet with dawn dew, the morning foot traffic beginning to pick up. Standing there on my tippy-toes, knees bent, arms holding onto the ballet barre for balance, I’m in full “power leg” mode at Barre3. Luckily, the passersby can’t really see my sweaty struggle (I checked; the double windows provide a sort of one-way glass effect). This is good because my legs are starting to get the shakes — that sweet spot where the muscles are forced to surrender and reform. Continue reading