When Diana Yochkova Smith performs, audiences see her passion and skill. Many see the name “Diana Smith” and dismiss the olive complexion; they assume she is a Caucasian American belly dancing. That is incorrect on multiple levels. Smith is an immigrant from Bulgaria who takes dance classes in Springfield. Her[Read More…]
Author: SARINA DORIE for The Chronicle
Art talk about the Cottage Grove Art Walk
COTTAGE GROVE — With the sun finally shining but the summer heat not fully bearing down on us, it is the most inviting time of year to go to the Cottage Grove Art Walk on the last Friday of the month. All one needs to do is look for the[Read More…]
Crafty market in Springfield showcases local artists
SPRINGFIELD — I have lived in Springfield for almost fifteen years. As an artist and instructor of classes at Willamalane, I am always surprised when I learn about events from press releases that I receive as a journalist, advertising events that have been going on in my community that I[Read More…]
Pinhole cameras: Thinking inside the box
If you are an art enthusiast who frequents the Emerald Art Center in Springfield, New Zone Gallery or PhotoZone events in Eugene, you will have seen the work of local photographer Gene Tonry – perhaps without even knowing it. Back in the 1970s when Tonry was a college instructor, he[Read More…]
Springfield celebrates arts, culture with awards
SPRINGFIELD – The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement as the Wildish Community Theatre presented the inaugural Springfield Arts and Culture Awards on April 8. “It has been my thought for some time that the arts community in Springfield could be strengthened with an annual focus on the individuals and organizations[Read More…]
February art scene: Check every corner for treasures
SPRINGFIELD — The Island Park Gallery at Willamalane’s Adult Activity Center returned to the art walk in February with a reception that included complimentary refreshments, live piano music by Chuck Dinsfriend, shuttle service to and from downtown, and featured local artist Ellen Gabehart. Gabehart is a local artist who originally[Read More…]
No Art Walk? No problem
Art aplenty despite no formal event SPRINGFIELD – During the winter months, the Springfield’s Second Friday Art Walk often has fewer venues participating because there aren’t as many art enthusiasts interested in walking from building to building in the cold and rain. For that reason, Island Park Gallery at Willamalane’s[Read More…]
Space: Janet Sweeney’s artistic frontier
SPRINGFIELD — Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of art enthusiasts enjoying the space-themed paintings at the Willamalane Adult Activity Center. Instead of participating in the Second Friday Springfield Art Walk, WAAC is featuring one artist who is showing through Jan. 17. Lovers of space and all things[Read More…]
December Springfield art scene a must-see
SPRINGFIELD — This month, the City Hall Gallery treated art enthusiasts to art by three different artists. Charro & Escaramuza Photography Exhibition displayed photography and a reception at the art walk for the book Los Origenes Hispanos de Oregon. Escaramuza is a female equestrian event originating in Mexican culture. Americans[Read More…]
Time to vote—for a favorite piece of art
SPRINGFIELD – When one sees a photograph of a photograph, something is lost in translation. The colors and lighting aren’t the same. Even the most beautiful artwork is far less impressive. The pieces chosen in the Second Friday Downtown Springfield Art Walk guide, advertised online, or even showcased in this[Read More…]