Exploring Layers Opens in Coos Bay

Santa Fe Fences:  Sculpted by Time, Sand and Sun

Diane Born

Last night the Exploring Layers exhibit, SAQA Oregon's third juried show (in case you forgot!) opened at the Coos Art Museum in Coos Bay.  What a great day we had!  In the afternoon we went on a planned journey to Paulette Lander's brand spanking new studio, then to the Oregon Bay Realty gallery, about which I've written already, then to the Pacific Gallery, then to new SAQA member Sharon Leahy's studio/home.  Wow --- what fun!  Diane Born, Paulette, Sharon, Lynda Christiansen and I were the SAQA members on this jaunt, and we finished up at the CAM at 5pm for the reception.  Downstairs we saw the opening of their big juried show, Expressions West.  It's a lovely show, but surely suffers from lack of fiber pieces…..I wonder if the prospectus is written this way or if fiber artists just don't realize what a coup it would be to be in this show.  Never mind; up the elevator we went to the brick-lined gallery, and Exploring Layers.  It looks wonderful on the brick, and they hung it imaginatively.  They have an unusual hanging system there, but they made it work, and they moved some of the pieces "into" the room foot to enhance the "layers" effect.  I would have to say that the gallery was a little crowded, but every piece is up and they seemed very, very happy to have a quality SAQA exhibit there again (they used to pay to bring in national SAQA shows, but budgets don't allow that these days).  SAQA member Anne Daughtry was there, and I think I've covered the SAQA members who attended; I hope so; speak up if I missed you.  And a little past 6pm, in walked our juror, Renee Couture, with a couple of other staffers from the Umpqua Valley Arts Center in Roseburg, where the show will be next winter.  Renee was thrilled to see the pieces in person.  I hope lots of you SAQA Oregon people can get to Coos Bay to see the show there; it will be up until June 28th.  I had a camera in my purse but never took a shot; maybe Diane Born can post one?  It was crowded, festive, and the margaritas afterward were well earned and much appreciated!  Many thanks to Paulette and Sharon for setting up the "tour," too --- it was terrific! 

Georgia French