It’s the week of First Friday Art Walk so there are a lot of arts-related events, including artist receptions and new openings, going on. And, it’s Easter week so it finally feels like spring is really here. This Friday, enjoy an event in Springfield with the Communities of Color and Allies Network. Cottage Theatre opens its 23rd season, see four ballets, watch one of hip hop’s most celebrated female MC’s, watch 10–minute plays, or hunt for eggs in Lively Park.
April 7
First Friday: Welcome to Springfield! | Join a fun-filled evening of connection and celebration as First Fridays CCAN: The Communities of Color and Allies Network comes to Springfield! All are welcome at this fun-filled evening of connection and celebration with free food, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and chances to win prizes. 4:30-6:30pm. Bob Keefer Center, willamalane.org/events
April 7
Rick Bartow: Myth/Reality | Karin Clarke Gallery is proud to present a large exhibit by one of Oregon’s most admired artists Rick Bartow (1945-2016). Bartow was a member of the Wiyot tribe from Northwestern California. Widely collected in the Northwest in the course of his over 40-year career, Bartow has attracted national attention, and is represented in many museum collections, notably a commissioned sculpture for the Smithsonian/National Museum of the American Indian in New York. Just last year, four Bartow works were added to the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Reception April 7. Karin Clarke Gallery, karinclarkegallery.com
April 7
Maude Kerns Art Center Presents Two Shows Opening April 7: John Bauguess: A Life Through His Lens & Depth of Field: A Eugene Darkroom Group Exhibit | The Maude Kerns Art Center is proud to present two shows opening on April 7: “John Bauguess: A Life Through His Lens,” featuring the work of one of Oregon’s most important and talented photographers, and “Depth of Field,” showcasing photographs by members of the Eugene Darkroom Group. Opening reception April 7, from 5-7 pm. Both exhibits are on view through Friday, April 28. Maude Kerns Art Center, mkartcenter.org
April 7 – April 30
Cottage Theatre presents “Big Fish” | Cottage Theatre opens the second show of its 2023 season with a production of “Big Fish,” based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed Tim Burton film. Cottage Theatre, cottagetheatre.org
April 7 – May 20
Contemplate: New Works by Jon Jay Cruson | White Lotus Gallery is hosting an exhibit of works by Jon Jay Cruson, one of the most celebrated Pacific Northwest artists who has become known for explorations of space, shapes, and colors of the land. Opening reception April 8, 1-3 pm. White Lotus Gallery, wlotus.com
April 8
MEGGA Hunt | Get ready for a cracking good time! Celebrate springtime with the community at Springfield’s biggest annual egg hunt event. Join the party at Lively Park on Saturday, April 8 for an inclusive egg-travaganza perfect for the whole family. Five options are available, with fun and games for all ages and abilities. Bring friends and family along for a morning of inclusive fun! 9 am-noon, $6 in-district, $8 out-of-district, $8 day-of, Lively Park, willamalane.org/MEGGA
April 8
Sa-Roc | Wildcraft Cider Works will host Sa-Roc, one of the most vibrant MCs in the world today. Her crisp articulation, fiery delivery, and her elevated and insightful lyricism have often placed her within the same conversation as some of hip hop’s most notable artists. Wildcraft Cider Works, shop.wildcraftciderworks.com
April 8 & April 9
BOLD: Beyond Our Love of Dance | Join Eugene Ballet for BOLD, composed of four ballets by renowned choreographers Val Caniparoli, Eva Stone, Nicolo Fonte, and a world premiere by Eugene Ballet’s resident choreographer Suzanne Haag. This exciting mixed repertory program will be performed Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, April 9 at 2 pm. Hult Center, eugeneballet.org
Through April 9
The Northwest Ten Festival | NW10 returns for its 15th year co-produced by the NW10 team and Oregon Contemporary Theatre. “Ten-minute plays are the perfect space for exploring where theatre can take us,” says Inga Wilson, one of the NW10 producers. “Playwrights get an opportunity to test-drive new characters, stories and ideas in a small package.” Oregon Contemporary Theatre, octheatre.org
April 10
Ron Sexsmith | Three-time Juno award winning singer Ron Sexsmith brings his hallmark songwriting style to the Hult! His timeless blend of classic pop, contemporary folk, and roots-rock idioms has garnered him a dedicated following and international touring career. Hult Center, hultcenter.org
April 12
Wednesday Trivia at Drop Bear Brewery | Drop Bear Brewery hosts trivia night every Wednesday starting at 7pm. Doors open at 4 for the early birds. Join in for fun and great prizes while enjoying a beer and some food! Drop Bear Brewery, dropbearbrewery.com
April 12
EDSC Wellness Series: Ariel Yabek, LMFT — Mindfulness from a Relational Model of Care: Education & Practices to Promote Connection and Wellness | Psychotherapist Ariel Yabek, LMFT of Akindred Healing, LLC will give a special in-person presentation and Q&A from 6-8 pm. Two Wednesdays each month, EDSC invites a guest host to provide a community presentation addressing the relationship between good health and good sleep and offering their insights and unique perspectives. There will be a mindfulness kit and gift for each attendee. Space is limited. RSVP via Eventbrite to reserve a seat. Eugene Dental Sleep Center, edsc-wellness.com
Through July 1
Spring Museum’s “Stories of Labor in Springfield” | “Working Springfield: exploring labor in Springfield through local voices” is a new exhibit on display at the Springfield History Museum through July 1, 2023. Curator Maddi McGraw says that this exhibit is “a celebration of Springfield’s labor history over the past 175 years, and of the people who have made Springfield into the community it is today.” Springfield Museum, wheremindsgrow.org
