Experience Oakridge Uptown: Art Works celebrates a Grand Opening on June 3 at 1st Friday Art Walk with glass blowing, and Lot Dawgs joins the fun

Memorial Day is barely over, and more events are happening the first weekend in June in the uptown district.

Five uptown businesses are highlighted in 1^st Friday Art Walk, Friday June 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Local art (for the most part) is featured in 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse, Art Works, Boho Chateau, and Mane Street Coffee.  Jeana Fern, owner of Lot Dawgs, is setting up her food cart, joining the fun. Stay uptown as long as you like enjoying the walking neighborhood. We’ll be there until 7:00 p.m. at least.

This art walk is the Grand Opening for Art Works, the newest of several businesses to feature a variety of artisans. Owner, Toni Wassenberg is featuring glass blower, Ciara Cuddihy Hernandez. She will be set up for glass blowing demonstrations promoting a glass blowing studio and classes. Fine artists Terry DeLoach and Dee Sidwell exhibit their work alongside a number of artisans from other disciplines. One of those artists is jewelry maker Kelly Kia who will provide live acoustic music during the event.

Photographer, Krys Carter, has a permanent display in 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse. Carter’s photography highlights local landscapes and flora. Joining him, Keenan Rae Olson is exhibiting colorful whimsical/fantasy paintings you need to experience in person. Grab a pint and take a good look around.

Leather artisan, Michelle Slaven will be on hand exhibiting a selection of her work at Boho Chateau which includes hand stitched leather bags, wallets, clutches, and a very handsome growler fitted in leather to strap on a mountain bike. Slaven’s original designs are made exclusively from Oregon Leather, a distinction that sets her work apart in addition to impeccable craftsmanship. Other large collections in Boho include mixed media artist, Deborah Mills Hoopes.  Karen Clark and Sharon Carlson are twin sisters from Westfir who sell prints of their original watercolor and oil paintings. Mindy Shosmith’s pottery is on prominent display, alongside tole, plein air, and watercolor paintings by late, longtime residents Dorothy Hill, Dr. Poole, and Ruth Niemi.

The warm atmosphere at Mane Street Coffee features Sissy Cutchen’s work this month. Cutchen falls under the folk-art category with bright and whimsical design on glass. Go in and say hello to baristas Wendy and Mary then grab one of many offerings on the menu at Mane Street Coffee while you browse.

For the first time Lot Dawgs will be on the art scene. Jeana Fern’s hot dog cart is serving up variations on a sizzling summer tradition. Lately she’s been serving traditional dogs with onions and sweet relish. Chicago dogs are dressed with dill pickle, tomato, onions, and peppercini. The Reuben is made with pastrami, kraut, onions, dill pickle, and Thousand Island. We’re excited to have Jeana join us and add to the uptown experience.

Just prior to 1^st Friday Art Walk from 3 to 6 p.m. check out Westfir Oakridge Local Food Hub, our community’s first Farmer’s Market. Beautiful produce and herbs from local farms and gardens along with baked goods from Wild Rye Bake Shop are featured booths on the west side of the Methodist Church.

Not to be missed are the following neighboring businesses: Middle Fork Bistro, The Corner Bar, and Deep Woods Distillery. We support local business and hope you’ll join all of us.

Directions to the uptown district: From Highway 58, turn north at the stoplight by Ray’s Market onto Crestview, then right onto East 1st Street.

1^st Friday Art Walk

Media Contact: Janet Hansen

Scout 66 PR

615.390.1401