The Very Little Theatre, a cornerstone of Eugene’s cultural landscape for nearly a century, is on the brink of an exciting transformation. Plans are under way to renovate and remodel one of the oldest theatres in the country, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community engagement for generations to come.

The vision

Founded in 1929, the Very Little Theatre has long been a sanctuary for performers and audiences alike. However, with the passage of time, the theatre has outgrown its space. The expansion broadens community accessibility and elevates the experience for volunteers and patrons, all while preserving the theatre’s distinctive charm. 

The project’s significance

“At the moment the set for the next show is starting to be built on the stage,” explains Ron Evans, executive director. “And a bunch of community groups, including dance companies, children’s theatre groups, and others are contacting us to use the space, and we can’t fit them in because of the set being built.”

The Very Little Theatre plans to build a new scene shop as an addition to their main stage building, so all the sets then can be built in the scene shop, freeing up the main stage for use by community groups and smaller theatre programs.

The theatre’s renovation and expansion project carries immense importance on multiple fronts:

• Preserving heritage: The renovation efforts will safeguard the building’s architectural and historical significance, allowing future generations to appreciate the richness of Eugene’s performing arts heritage.
• Fostering artistic growth: The upgraded facilities will provide artists with cutting-edge resources, empowering them to explore their craft to its fullest potential. This investment in the creative process is expected to yield more compelling and impactful productions.
• Strengthening community bonds: The Very Little Theatre has been a space for people from all walks of life to come together, forging a sense of unity and shared cultural experiences. The renovation project ensures this tradition continues, guaranteeing the theatre remains a vital nexus for community engagement.
• Enhancing accessibility: The project places a strong emphasis on accessibility, making the theatre more inclusive for all members of our community. This commitment reflects the theatre’s dedication to serving a diverse and vibrant audience.

“This renovation isn’t just about updating a building; it’s about revitalizing a space that holds a special place in the hearts of so many,” continues Ron Evans. “The Very Little Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone for our community for nearly a century. It’s where people come together to share stories, to learn, and to connect. This project is about ensuring that legacy continues for generations to come.”

A beacon of artistic expression

Ron Evans explains, “We are truly a community theater. We welcome anyone who wants to be a part of telling the story. You don’t have to have any experience. You can literally walk in off the street and say, ‘I’d love to get involved.’”

The Very Little Theatre has been run by volunteers since 1929, when a bunch of people wanted to do a show. Ron is the first permanent executive director. “You can walk in off the street here and say, I’d like to get involved with the lights or working backstage. Where do I find out how to audition?” Each show features people who have never acted before in their whole lives.

With a clear vision, unwavering dedication, and community support, this project will breathe new life into the theatre, securing its place as a beacon of artistic expression in the Willamette Valley for years to come. We urge the Oregon Legislature to fund the Very Little Theatre’s expansion.

The post Breathing New Life into Very Little Theatre: A Vision for the Future appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Nestled in the heart of Salem, Riverfront Park is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving nature’s beauty while celebrating cultural diversity. The Eco-Earth Globe sits at the center of the park. Crafted over five years by local artists, students, and volunteers, this historic attraction has weathered the elements for two decades. Now it needs restoration to match the park’s growing vibrancy.

Originally an acid ball used in the wood pulp processing at the former Boise Cascade operation, the globe was transformed into a stunning work of art by local artists and high school students 20 years ago. Over 86,000 tiles depict the world, reflecting the rich diversity of life on land and water. Beyond the tiles, 200 special icons represent various cultures, religions, and events. Any weather-damaged icons are being repaired or recreated by the original artists, along with current local high school students.

Throughout the year, Riverfront Park hosts a myriad of annual events, from the vibrant World Beat Festival to the Ironman Triathlon. Families gather for summer movies, while the holiday tree lighting ceremony ushers in the festive season. Additionally, the park hosts numerous walk/run and cultural events.

The driving force behind restoring the Eco-Earth Globe is the Salem Parks Foundation, a group of dedicated volunteers with a passion for enhancing the city’s parks. Committed to filling gaps in park budgets, the foundation channels resources towards amenities that might otherwise be overlooked. This all-volunteer team, led by board president Carol Snyder, contributes their time and effort to improving Salem’s livability.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal and designation as a local historic landmark, the Eco-Earth Globe is a powerful symbol of cultural diversity and global harmony. Its intricate design and icons remind visitors of the interconnectedness of all nations and peoples.

Restoring this cherished monument is estimated to cost $400,000, a sum partially shouldered by the city, leaving $300,000 to be raised. Community members have raised $70,000 from donations, and they were hoping to receive $150,000 in CREF funds from the Oregon Legislature.

The Salem Parks Foundation has been tirelessly working to secure funding, rallying individuals and seeking grants from organizations like the Oregon Cultural Trust and Oregon Community Foundation. Every contribution brings them one step closer to revitalizing this symbol of unity.

Through the dedicated efforts of the Salem Parks Foundation, this landmark can be restored to its former glory. With the support of the community, the renewed Eco-Earth Globe can continue to inspire generations to come. We urge the legislature to fund its restoration.

The post Restoring the Eco-Earth Globe in Salem’s Riverfront Park appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Living in Portland or other Oregon cities, it’s easy for residents to immerse themselves in the arts. But Grant County is an hour and a half from the nearest movie theater. You’d have to travel over three hours to Boise or The Gorge if you want to see a big-name band. And the nearest art museum is in Boise. Several years ago, Grant County was an arts and cultural desert in the desert.

One day painter Kim Randleas realized how many artists were scattered around the county without an arts & culture community. She floated the idea of creating an arts center, and 250 people showed up to the first open house. Funded by the $1,200 raised at that first gathering, the Painted Sky Center for the Arts (PSCA) was born in 2018. As the only first and only brick-and-mortar arts organization in Grant County, the center’s yearly revenue is now $400,000 five years later.  Until July of this year, PSCA was mostly run by volunteers.

PSCA now operates the county’s first and only after-school art program, along with many other classes such as visual arts, leather working, ceramics, photography, fiber arts, literary arts, and many more to come. The art center’s executive director, board members, staff, and volunteers are committed to developing an art-centric, equitable community focused on healthy living through the arts. PSCA offers a neutral place where everybody can leave their politics behind and just have fun. Residents might find themselves participating in a pottery throw-down or learning about writing, drawing, or making a leather bracelet.

After years of being spread out in three different locations in Canyon City and John Day, the arts center needs a multi-use permanent space to continue thriving and expanding. They currently operate next to the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site, offering opportunities for cultural partnerships.

PSCA is growing quickly and busting at the seams of their current space. For example, the leather department and visual arts department have to share a classroom, the children’s classroom has limited space, and the center lacks room for large events. The small space limits what they can offer to the community.

“Our dream is to have a dedicated space for each art medium, space to hold public art exhibits, and eventually a performing arts department. Our goal is to someday purchase our own building. Unfortunately that goal is on hold because of the failed CREF funding from the Oregon Legislature,” says Valerie Munyon, the center’s first executive director. “Meanwhile, we are doing our best to raise funds and keeping our fingers crossed for the fall legislative session.”

A new building will offer opportunities for year-round livability and economic benefits to the whole area as a community hub. PSCA would be able to expand cultural offerings in the area by hosting conferences, exhibits, and performances. They expect a new center to increase their visitors by 250% in the first year and by 100% each year thereafter.

A thriving arts & culture community give people another reason to travel to eastern Oregon and invest tourist dollars there. Rural counties with arts organizations experience population growth three times higher than counties without arts institutions, according to “Rural Prosperity through the Arts & Creative Sector: A Rural Action Guide for Governors and States.” Arts-focused counties also have up to $6,000 higher incomes than rural counties that lack performing arts organizations.

See a video showing PSCA in action and learn why it’s so important to the health of Grant County. The center works with community counseling solutions and veteran services to offer art therapy. The county has a 16 percent poverty rate and high drug epidemic, and art has been proven to increase well-being, confidence, and hopes for the future; reduce isolation; and even open up career pathways for youth.

When one of our rural counties thrives, the whole state of Oregon thrives. We need to continue to invest in Grant County through PSCA.

The post Bringing joy to an arts desert: Painted Sky appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

Q: Which Oregon town hosted Debbie Reynolds, cast, and crew for the “Halloweentown” movie 25 years ago this summer?

A: St. Helens!

To this day, thousands flock to St. Helens every fall to visit filming locations and relive Halloweentown memories. The Columbia County Museum Association (CCMA) participates in the festivities in support of local tourism. It displays movie props and maintains a free interactive walking tour of filming locations for both Halloweentown and Twilight.

The museum in St. Helens is fully run by volunteers who are committed to its mission: to collect, display, preserve, and safeguard artifacts, ephemera, photographs, and research about Columbia County history.

“We are moving the museum from its present location in the historic Columbia County courthouse to another historic building that’s being renovated and restored, the John Gumm Building,” explained Les Watters, who grew up in St. Helens and has been museum curator since 2005.  “The new venue is more updated, appropriate, and accessible for displaying our collection. We’ll be able to share programs and exhibits we can’t today.”

The John Gumm Building will offer more space, accessibility, and environmental control protections for their collections. In the current building, the museum is located on the third floor without an elevator. This causes accessibility challenges to visitors and volunteers, and it also makes it difficult to move collections and bring and remove items for exhibits.

The museum staff and board are not sure how they will complete the project without CREF funds. They want to remain hopeful the project will go forward as designed. With occupancy planned for 2024, the project will continue without the funding, but on a more limited basis.

Traveling via the Oregon Trail, many pioneers landed in Columbia County. Preceded by explorers and trappers, they settled on the ancestral territory of the Chinook, Clatskanie and other tribes and bands, which relied on the Lower Columbia River for food, transportation, trade, medicine, and cultural and spiritual rituals. Preserving and sharing their rich and complex histories with residents and visitors is invaluable in creating a thriving cultural environment in Oregon.

We hope the Oregon legislature understands the value of funding volunteer-driven organizations like the Columbia County Museum Association and keeping history alive for Oregonians.

The post Keeping Columbia County’s history alive appeared first on Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.

The awards include a total of $728,759 to the Cultural Trust’s five statewide partners (Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Historical Society, and the State Historic Preservation Office) and $728,759 to 45 county and Tribal cultural coalitions that award an average of 450 additional awards annually in their communities.

The grants include 86 cultural development program awards. Congratulations to supporters of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon that received grants:

• Cultural Advocacy Coalition Foundation: $12,422
• APANO Communities United Fund, Portland: $20,144
• Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $32,584
• Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro: $7,18
• Caldera Arts, Central Oregon and Portland: $12,384
• Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland: $30,09
• Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Portland: $12,400
• PHAME Academy, Portland: $21,781
• Portland Art Museum, Portland: $22,11
• Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, Portland: $30,76
• Portland Opera Association, Portland: $31,669
• Portland Playhouse, Portland: $26,274
• Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $13,927
• Chehalem Center Association, Newberg: $35,171
• Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $27,085
• Lincoln City Cultural Center, Lincoln City: $19,849
• Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $8,480
• Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Grants Pass: $21,403

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