Oakridge Arts Council book mark contest draws enthusiastic response

By JAN CHRISTENSEN/for The Herald  —  A few months ago, while we were trying to get our new Board of Directors voted in, Jules Ariosa and I almost simultaneously mentioned a bookmark contest for Tree Planting Festival (TPF). She mentioned that the library had one and it seemed successful.

I was thinking we should have one for the festival because the 70th is a big deal and we’re always hoping to get more people into the art gallery. We didn’t have much time so I forged ahead with our idea. I designed the flyer and Art Council printed out about 500. Jules Ariosa put flyers around the uptown area, while Robert Woodson covered Westfir.  Peggy Marconi took them to the schools and got the art teachers involved. I love the art of the young ones, they are so colorful! And Robert Christensen covered a lot of Hwy 58.

Peggy Marconi and I decided to donate $25 each so we could have a winner from the 18 and younger and an adult winner. The entries were all from the local area but were judged by some locals at the Three Legged Crane where the entries were displayed. Several out of towners, who dropped in looking for a meal or to wet their whistle, voted as well. They were thrilled to participate in the voting. One woman donated $20 because she thought it was all so great!

For such a short time frame, we were pleased to have about thirty five children and adults who participated. Thank you everyone for your entries. Be inspired to continue drawing and look forward to things coming soon to the Gallery!

Look for the flyer during the parade

The two winning bookmark entries will go onto a flyer we will hand out as we walk the TPF parade. The flyers tell the reader things they may not know about the Oakridge Art Council Gallery. Local artists offer classes there. There will be some kids events coming up for the summer. We think there are a lot of people who don’t know that art council exists. We hope this will bring them into the gallery so they can be impressed by the artwork of their local community.

Save the flyer

Along with the keepsake bookmarks, there are two tickets for drawings on these TPF flyers…so DON”T throw them away!! The drawing for these two prizes will take place on July 1st.

Weldon Oliver, one of our local artists,  has offered a seat in one of his upcoming painting classes this year. That is a value of at least $35. All supplies are included and even if you think you can’t paint…he is an amazing instructor. He guides you along, so that you will be inspired to paint your heart out after his class!

The second drawing is for a Sourdough Cracker of the month from Lady Sourdough. On the 1st of each month for a year, you will get a bag of yummy crackers, your choice of flavors. This is a $72 value.

 

So last, but not least…the winners are:

 

I was able to contact Jenny Kalmbach who was so thrilled to win the adult category. While talking about upcoming events, we came up with ideas and that she would be a great asset in the gallery. We want to make plans with her for summer events for the kids in our community. And this is how it all works. Connecting to people!

I am having to do some investigating to find the 13 year old winner, as he didn’t put a phone number on

the entry. I am contacting a school teacher, but she is away at a volleyball tournament in Portland right now. We will track him down eventually and will provide a picture.

We want to encourage people to come see us at the Oakridge Art Council gallery on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Make it part of the tour you take your out of town guests on. Quite often an artist will be there working at their craft and you would be welcome to watch, ask questions, or be given a personal tour of the gallery. There are some very talented people in this area.

 

Jan Christensen

OAC Secretary

7 days without laughter makes 1 WEAK