From post-Valentine’s date nights to comedy shows, star parties, kayaking, clam chowder, and artist’s talks, there is a lot to do this week, so find your fun!
February 16 – 18
Istanbul Rug Bazaar | All of the rugs at the Istanbul Rug Bazaar are hand-woven of pure, hand-spun wool, cotton, or silk; none are made by machine or of synthetic materials. Each piece is authentic, from its original region, and not an imitation. As a result, each is a unique, or one-of-a-kind collectible. Natural dyes are used, so the colors you see have variations made from elements found in nature, such as flowers, bark, and plants. Each rug is accompanied by a Certificate of Guarantee documenting its origin and composition. Lane Events Center, istanbulrugbazaar.com
February 17
Evynne Hollens’ Contemporary Songbook Project | Enjoy a celebration of musical theater composer, arranger, pianist, and conductor Jeanine Tesori. The most prolific and honored female theatrical composer in history, Tesori most recently won the Tony for Best Original Score for 2023’s Kimberly Akimbo. Other musicals include Twelfth Night, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Shrek The Musical, Fun Home, Caroline, or Change, and Soft Power. The Shedd, theshedd.org
February 17
“Speaking in Beads” Artist Talk | Indigenous artist Jenny Shuman shares her sublime and intricate beadwork, presents her book “Speaking in Beads,” and tells the fascinating story of her journey as an artist, including producing custom guitar straps worn by musicians such as Bob Weir, Oteil Burbridge, Duane Betts, Anders Osborne, Michael Franti, and more. Don Dexter Gallery, dondextergallery.com
February 17
Eugene Jiu Jitsu Championships | Experience the self-defense martial art and combat sport demonstrated by kids as young as 4 all the way through adults 50+. The doors will open at 7:30am for weigh-ins, and the competition will begin shortly after. Lane Events Center, americangrapplingfederation.com
February 17
Braised Restaurant Pairing Dinner | Extend your Valentine’s celebration at the Post-Valentine’s Pairing Dinner with food from Braised Restaurant and nonalcoholic cocktails from High Street Tonics. The three-course dinner begins with butter poached shrimp with tarragon citrus aioli. The main dish is braised pork shoulder with smoked pineapple salsa and celeriac mash, followed by a salt-and-pepper brownie with cherry cordial ice cream. This menu is gluten- and alcohol-free. Erin’s Table, icketleap.events
February 17
The Lounge Flavor tour | Taste and savor five different tasting stations of food and drink pairings exquisitely crafted by the chef at Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge. Leisurely dine and sip, and get access to a few incredible raffle prizes. Funds raised from the evening will support Kids First, Lane County’s children’s advocacy center. Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, kidsfirstcenter.net
February 17 & 18
35th Annual Swap Meet and Train Show | Meet with vendors from five different states at over 250 tables. Tickets may be purchased at the door, and admission is good for both days. Lane Events Center, wcmrrc.com
February 17 & 18
Frontier Heritage Fair | Learn about Oregon’s history. Take a step back in time to simpler days to experience life as it was in the 1800s. See people dressed in the attire of the era and watch demonstrations on tool-making and more. Lane Events Center, laneeventscenter.org
Through February 18
Pegasus Playhouse’s “Steel Magnolias” | Pegasus Playhouse (Scott Frazier-Maskiell, artistic director) announces their production of the beloved comedy “Steel Magnolias”, written by Robert Harling and directed by Scott Frazier-Maskiell. The play explores the power of multigenerational relationships within the walls of Truvy’s salon, where the play’s women laugh, grieve, and share their stories. Pegasus Playhouse, pegasusplayhouse.com
February 20
Väsen and Hawktail | Mikael Marin and Olov Johansson of Swedish duo Väsen will be joined by Hawktail, an exciting new band comprised of fiddle, mandolin and so much more! Enjoy an unforgettable night of music and song from these two dynamic groups. The Shedd, theshedd.org
February 21
Le Vent du Nord | Award-winning and highly acclaimed Le Vent du Nord returns for an exciting night of music! A leading force in Quebec’s Francophone folk music, this group’s vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions. Enjoy a joyful and dynamic live performance. The Shedd, theshedd.org
Through February 25
Cottage Theatre’s “Frankenstein” | The story of Frankenstein gets a gripping retelling in this 2011 stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 200-year-old novel. From its mesmerizing opening scene through its horrifying conclusion, Nick Dear’s Frankenstein offers a thought-provoking examination of the roots of good and evil. Cottage Theatre, cottagetheatre.org
Through February 29
“Distinct Visions curated by Emerald Art Center” | Don Dexter Gallery hosts a collection of artwork from seven artists who represent Emerald Art Center with their mature vision and consistent technique in their respective craft, through February 29. Don Dexter Gallery, dondextergallery.com
Month of February
Fire, Water, Earth, Air: Elemental Fiber Arts | The elements have an intrinsic and primal place in our lives. Whether we think about them or not, Fire, Water, Earth, and Air shape our lives from the most intimate to the most grand. Those elements are woven into stories daily and into the art on display. This collection of art quilts was created with those elements front and center by the Fiber Arts Group, Valley South. New Zone Gallery, newzonegallery.org
Month of February
Rebecca LaMothe – “One Woman’s View” | Paintings by Rebecca LaMothe are a personal dive, visually portrayed, into her inner life. “Inspiration for my paintings comes from deep within, as well as from the outer world, compelling me to express,” Rebecca states. New Zone Gallery, newzonegallery.org
Through March 1
Karin Clarke’s The Northwest Landscape | Karin Clarke Gallery presents a large invitational exhibit featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic contemporary and historical landscape painters. Each artist’s very distinctive work captures and celebrates the Northwest landscape in ways that deepen both our perception and appreciation of it. First Friday ArtWalks and Receptions take place February 2 and March 1 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Featured artists are Mark Clarke, Margaret Coe, Bets Cole, Carl Hall, Hart James, David McCosh, and Erik Sandgren. Karin Clarke Gallery, karinclarkegallery.com
Through April 20
“Duality” Marina Hajek (Herrera) | Don Dexter Gallery hosts “Duality,” a limited exhibition of bronze sculptures from Guatemalan American artist Marina Hajek (Herrera) from January 6 – April 20, 2024. Don Dexter Gallery, dondextergallery.com
