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THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016
Photos by Joshua Bessex/The Daily Astorian
A piece by Gabriela Helesicova on display at the Norblad Hotel and Hostel.
“... What brought me to Astoria,” by Loren Candela hanging up at the Nor-
blad Hotel and Hostel.
Art scene: Community supports the artists
ation. A public bulletin board for net-
working, professional development op-
portunities, dialogue, and engagement
among professionals in the arts and
culture community may also be found
on the Art in Astoria Facebook page.
The recent Hostel Takeover exhibi-
tion was produced and curated by Paul
Caruana, Gabriela Helesicova, and
Marco Davis.
The idea of the exhibition was to
host up-and-coming artists with exhi-
bition space. In its nontraditional ven-
ue, I believe it to be one of the most
important exhibitions in Astoria this
year. The casual less assuming deliv-
ery forged new foundation to a cul-
tural and generational gap within the
patronage of the North Coast arts.
Continued from Page 1C
In this unconventional boom of
makers and musters we see many
handmade aesthetic marks in many
avenues, storefronts, and businesses
both in forms of art and craft built for
utility and simply for “art’s sake.”
Ingredients
A number of community organi-
zations are strengthening key com-
ponents vital to a working artist:
• Recognition, via grants, and awards
from established and newer sources;
• Exhibition and performance op-
portunities, creative workspace.
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Not all artists do it for the money,
but all artists need to buy materials
and pay for continuing opportunities
and expenses.
The recently formed Art Council of
Clatsop County is conducting a broad
study to determine the economic im-
pact of the arts on our communities.
I’m optimistic that the data will con-
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tions and assist in efforts to secure
funding from private and public sourc-
es so that we can expand our arts and
tourism based economy.
Earlier this year Astoria’s oldest
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Arts, overhauled its board of direc-
tors. The Fiber Arts Academy went
its separate way and the new board
put in place a strong strategic plan of
supporting the full range of creative
mediums and disciplines, including
literary and performing arts. The focus
remains support for artists and proj-
ects in the greater Astoria area, but
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‘Getting after it’
As the North Coast continues to be
a catch of artists looking for opportuni-
ties both in root and in commercial gal-
lery representation, I think we need to
take note. We are fortunate our commu-
nity is the rare exception of generous
Gabriela Helesicova stands by her custom-designed wall at the
support for the arts. So many people
Norblad Hotel and Hostel.
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ting after it,” like the newest kid on the
sponsor for the international humani- gleaners and sculptors. A national resi- block the Astoria Arts and Movement
Center, which continues to expand op-
tarian effort by the OBON Society to dency program is also on the horizon.
portunities for performers and dancers.
assist American and Allied veterans
Networking
And the community gem the Lib-
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ArtinAstoria.com provides a net- erty Theater — in which I look for-
families in Japan.
The group’s competitive art- working tool. It is an active website ward to serving as a member of the
LVWLQUHVLGHQFH SURJUDP $9$ DLU directory of artists from all media and new board of directors — raising the
has been expanded to two three-month disciplines, along with gallery and potential for expanded programming
programs for local artists, including business owners, civic leaders, and and opportunities for local performers.
Creatives are complex and unique in-
free studio space. Contributions to the supporters of the arts in the greater As-
program from local businesses provide WRULD DUHD LQFOXGLQJ &ODWVRS 3DFL¿F dividuals, like wild animals they need our
vouchers for supplies and food. This and Wahkiakum counties. The aim is support, resources, and space to grow.
Darren Orange is a painter in
\HDU$9$DLUZLOOSDUWQHUZLWK5HFRO to strengthen and promote the arts by
ogy to provide space for object artists, means of communication and cooper- Astoria.
Annie Eskelin uses cardboard to create broad strokes in her paintings.
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