Eugene Weekly

Eugene’s biggest dance event of the year, Dance for a Reason (DFAR), celebrates its 20th year 7:30 pm Friday, Jan. 24, at the Hult; $20. This year the nonprofit recital will benefit the School Garden Project and feature more than 20 dance organizations and groups including Kindrid Tribal Belly Dance, Crazy Diamond Hoop Troupe, Kings Krew and Ballet Fantastique. Continue reading →

Oregon’s story wouldn’t be complete without Ken Kesey, and OPB took that to heart with “Ken Kesey,” part of its Oregon Experience film series. The one-hour special premieres 7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 16, at the McDonald Theatre; tickets are free on a first-come, first-served basis at mcdonaldtheatre.com or at the door. OPB TV will air the special on Jan. 20 at 9 pm.   Continue reading →

“Whatever satisfies the soul is truth,” wrote Walt Whitman in the preface to Leaves of Grass. By this logic, there may be no better truth than art and music, both of which will come to life in “American Luminosity: Our Poets, Our Composers, Our Art” 7:30 pm Friday, Jan. 10, at UO’s Beall Concert Hall. Continue reading →

First Friday ArtWalk opens 2014 with bright colors and natural themes. Hosted by arts writer and photographer Bob Keefer, the walk starts at 5:30 pm at The New Zone Gallery, which is hosting Natural Connections featuring the mixed-media art of David Race and Kathleen Howard Piper. Then to Urban Lumber for Wood Turnings Inspired by Nature, with the exquisite wooden bowls and plates of Tom Borener from Muse Woodcraft. The next stop is EW’s top pick: Do not miss the acrylic and oil paintings of Philomath-based artist Carolee Clark at Out On A Limb. Continue reading →

He dreams of Eugene in ink: San Diego transplant Thomas Fernandez is the artist behind this week’s cover illustration, bringing to life the slide dream of another local artist, Jud Turner (see cover story). For this illustration, Fernandez drew the outlines in ink, scanned the work and filled in the color digitally. In September, the 23-year-old moved to Eugene, where he says the lower cost of living has allowed him to focus more on art jobs and less on graphic design. Continue reading →

World-famous photographer Imogen Cunningham bought her first camera at the age of 18. This wouldn’t be especially special except that the year was 1901 and women in photography were a rarity. Renowned for her unique, black-and-white botanical compositions and portraits, the late Portland-born photographer’s work is now on display at Springfield’s Emerald Art Center through Dec. 28. EAC called the exhibit its “ultimate coup of the year,” but that’s only half true; it’s a cultural gift for the whole community.   Continue reading →

When Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, he probably did not foresee it being told via acrobats, stilt dancers and jugglers. But that’s exactly what Portland’s Wanderlust Circus is doing, accompanied by bohemian chamber orchestra 3 Leg Torso, with “A Circus Carol” 8 pm Friday, Dec. 13, at McDonald Theatre. In what other context are you going to see Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future (as well as Hanukkah Past) doing aerial stunts? Humbug? More like hum diddly!   Continue reading →

Eugene Contemporary Art’s 5th Public Process artist residency is coming to a close: The painter and ceramicist from Georgia, William Ruller, will be giving a free lecture 7 to 8 pm Dec. 5 at the Wave Gallery. The following night, 7 to 9 pm Dec. 6, ECA will host Animula at the Wave, featuring art produced while Ruller was in residency (free).   Continue reading →