Oregon is well
known for its outdoor life. Last year I focused on some of Oregon’s hiking
trails, so this year I decided to turn my attention to a few of artistic
offerings of Oregon. Oregon is filled with people who love art in its myriad
forms whether they are participating in its production or enjoying someone
else’s endeavors or both, like me.
The Oregon theatre community
chooses plays and musicals that span a wide variety of topics, points of view,
and genres. From professional theatres like Portland Center Stage in Portland
and Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland to smaller theatres like Brushcreek
Playhouse in Silverton, Albany Civic Theatre in Albany, and Majestic Theatre in
Corvallis, there are opportunities for both professional and amateur actors and
actresses in Oregon. In just the past few years I’ve had the pleasure of
attending Sex with Strangers, Ain’t Misbehavin’, A Streetcar Named Desire, Dog
Sees God, Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, and Les Miserables among others.
Several ballet companies, like the Eugene Ballet, offer
interesting and sometimes surprising shows like a ballet based on The Great
Gatsby or one based on Dark Side of the Moon album by Pink Floyd. Both were breathtaking
performances.
The Portland Art Museum is a wonderful place to fuel
one’s inspiration. They often offer special collections in addition to their
collection. Every visit I’ve made to the Portland Art Museum has sparked my
creativity.
The Oregon coast offers several glass blowing shops where
one can buy beautiful pieces by the glass blowers as well as watch pieces being
made. Some, like Jennifer Sears
Glass Art Studio, offer a glass blowing experience/class where one, along
with the assistance of a professional, makes their very own piece of blown
glass. I’ve participated in this even twice, making a paperweight in 2009 and a
bowl in 2014. I cherish my pieces and highly recommend trying this experience!
There are several festivals throughout the state
highlighting the beauty, diversity, and vast array of talent to be found in
Oregon’s diverse landscape. I’ve sold books at the Wilsonville Festival of the
Arts in Wilsonville, a family friendly event where the main attraction is work
by local artists as well as The Florence Festival of Books in Florence. I loved
watching the kites take flight at the Summer Kite Festival in Lincoln City a
few years ago. The array of tulips with Mt. Hood in the background at Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
in Woodburn is
Whether one wishes to hike a mountain, enjoy other
people’s artistic endeavors, or try one’s hand at artistic expression, or all
three, even in the same day, Oregon welcomes one and all.
Leave a comment to be randomly selected to receive a
signed copy of my book of poetry, Vulnerability in Silhouette: Poems.
T. L. Cooper is an author and poet whose work aims to
empower and inspire through an exploration of the human condition. Her poems,
short stories, articles, and essays have appeared online, in books, and in
magazines. Her published books include a collection of short stories, Soaring Betrayal, her Silhouette Poetry Series, and a no vel, All She Ever Wanted. She grew up on a
farm in Tollesboro, Kentucky. When not writing, she enjoys yoga, golf, hiking, and
traveling. She currently lives in Albany, Oregon with her husband and three
cats.
See more of T.L. Cooper using these links:
Oregon sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I wish you good luck and God's Blessings....
Please do NOT add me to your drawing
Thanks!
PamT
I knew Oregon was special, now I know how much. Love the arts, especially theater. I also love poetry, even write the occasional non-haiku. Doris
ReplyDeleteOregon is a marvelous place and the theatre alone is calling me to visit soon. Thanks for sharing your part of the state with us. Clare
ReplyDeleteOnce of my uncles lives in Oregon and he said what he loved about it was that one day he could drive to the beach and the next play in the snow in the mountains. Thanks for the lovely article.
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