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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 28, 2017)
ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, January 28, 2017 Artists and health care East Oregonian Page 3C KENNEWICK T he imminent repeal of the Affordable Care Act will no doubt have repercussions for persons working within the arts. Historically artists in the United States have always dealt with a lack of health care: The health care system is structured in such a way that access is determined by one’s ability to pay for it. By and large most artists, musicians, writers, etc, live on an extremely tight budget if they are living off their work at all, or else they supplement their income with a “day job” that may or may not come with employer-provided health insurance. I asked a range of persons from within northeastern Oregon how their access to health care, through its many forms — be it employer- provided insurance, J.D. private insurance with a Kindle federal subsidy, socialized Comment medicine through the Indian Health Service, or otherwise — have impacted the ability to produce art. Pendleton Center for the Arts executive director and book maker Roberta Lavadour recently started receiving health coverage through the PCA but is worried that removing the ability to deny coverage due to preexisting conditions could jeopardize that. “Even though I have employer provided health insurance right now I could lose it due to rheumatoid arthritis,” she said. Prior to having health insurance Lavadour says, “My wellness program was to go donate blood so I knew I wasn’t anemic and my blood pressure was good.” When she eventually paid for a private health insurance plan, its premium was $300, which doubled after her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. When the ACA went into effect her premium was reduced. “To be able to make art, you have your life grounded and feel secure in the world so you can feel confidence in expressing your point of view and not going bankrupt or being homeless because of a medical emergency,” says Lavadour. “To know my entire safety net could be wiped out by one operation is terrifying.” Enterprise recording engineer and country singer-songwriter Bart Budwig embodies this statement. He found that the coverage offered to him through the ACA was a contributing factor in allowing him to pursue the entrepreneurial task of being a self-sustaining musician, as well as prevented him from sidetracking his career. “I’ve been covered since January of 2015,” says Budwig. “I’ve pretty much — to my knowledge — had full coverage. Last year I had to go to the ER for a kidney stone. With my kidney stone I would’ve had to have a job to help pay it off, which would’ve made it so I couldn’t be a full-time artist.” Prior to transitioning into working full-time as a musician, Budwig had a full-time job as a certified nursing assistant in Moscow, Idaho, which did provide him with insurance though it still required him to pay a $100 monthly premium. “I’m super thankful to have it,” Budwig says of his current coverage. “I’ve been way more productive being able to focus on art. I’ve recorded between ten and twelve albums this past year and there’s no way I could’ve done anything close to that if I had a full-time job on top of making music. Most artists are happy doing something they love, so if they have their basic needs met it makes a really big difference.” Northeastern Oregon’s most well- known artist, James Lavadour, expresses ambivalence about the impending repeal of the ACA since he is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes resceives care through the Indian Health System and is also on Medicaid. Lavadour acknowledges there are inherent risks in being a working artist, lack of health care access being one of them, but that shouldn’t be an impediment to pursuing vocation. “I worked a long time without health insurance. It’s a risky, no-guarantee kinda business — you do it whether you have health insurance or not. You find a way to get by though.” However, a repeal of the ACA may affect the services that Lavadour receives. The ACA includes a permanent reauthorization of the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act, which authorizes the federally-administered Indian Health Service. His Medicare coverage may be affected as well since the proposal transforming Medicaid into a block grant program has been one of the few replacement options voiced. Whatever the ACA replacement looks like, it is hoped that it won’t unintentionally lessen the flourishing cultural scene in northeastern Oregon by dissuading artists from pursuing their craft in order to focus on more pressing issues of how to pay medical bills. Roberta Lavadour remains cautiously optimistic about her prospects for the continuation of her health coverage, though other may not be as fortunate. “I may be okay now that I have insurance through [the Pendleton Center for the Arts] — since I’m already in there they may not kick me off because it’s not a private plan. It’s such human nature when something isn’t affecting you personally to put it in the back of your mind. It’s human nature to say, ‘I’ve got mine, you’re not working hard enough.’” ■ James Dean Kindle is a Pendleton musician and executive director of the Oregon East Symphony. Contact him at jamesdeankindle@gmail.com. Contributed by Lindsey Evans “Night Air,” an oil painting by Lindsey Evans of Umatilla is among the featured artwork during the Feb. 4 gallery open- ing of Badder Ink Tattoo Shop/Art Gallery in Kennewick. Tattoo shop/art gallery features local artists By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian A New York City tattoo artist, Badder Israel, is opening a new shop in the Tri-Cities. Several area artists are featured in the gallery opening of Badder Ink Tattoo Shop/ Art Gallery in Kennewick. The opening reception, which includes a pair of DJs and artists from New York, Washington and Oregon, is Saturday, Feb. 4 from 5-10 p.m. at 7520 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. Free food and drinks will be available from 6-8 p.m. The work of Oregon artists include Ozark Hippie (AKA Kim La Plant of Hermiston), Lindsey Evans of Umatilla, Shaelynn Marie Boyd of Hermiston, Olivia Trendy (AKA Olivia Steffey of Hermiston), Allison Sharrard of Pendleton and Jacob Gunnels of Pendleton. La Plant’s moniker refers to her Arkansas roots. She is a self-taught artist who added watercolors to her repertoire a few months ago. The Hermiston woman has mostly worked with charcoal, acrylics, carving and wood- working. When symptoms of lupus flared up, La Plant looked for a new medium to dabble in. “My hands got tired, so I tried it and fell in love,” she said about watercolors. Evans, too, has some physical limitations that impact her ability to work on projects. Past bouts with cancer and injuries have taken a toll on her body. Although she had plans to attend art school in her younger days, Evans put her talents on hold during her law enforcement career. When she retired, Evans was at a loss for things to do. “I don’t have many hobbies because my body is pretty messed up,” she said. “Then I realized I can paint, just slowly.” Evans got to know Israel while he worked on her back tattoo. During the long sessions, he encouraged the Umatilla woman to pick up a brush again. Calling herself a hobby artist, Evans has enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of painting. Working in Contributed by Ozark Hippie “She Chose Peace,” a watercolor by Ozark Hippie — AKA Kim La Plant of Hermiston — is among the featured artwork during the Feb. 4 gallery opening of Badder Ink Tattoo Shop/ Art Gallery in Kennewick. oils is perfect, she said, as she can only paint for short periods of time. The two pieces Evans is showing — the “Night Flight” series — took a year to complete. They are black and white portraits of an owl and eagle in flight — “Night Owl” and “Night Air.” One of La Plant’s friends told organizers at Badder Ink about her Ozark Hippie artwork. They reached out to La Plant and the show will feature eight of her watercolors. Both women are looking forward to the gallery opening. “I’m excited for the opportu- nity to support my friend Badder in the Badder Ink and Art Kartel,” Evans said. For more information, text/ call 347-743-9651 or visit www. facebook.com/kennewick. badder.ink. ——— Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalge- sini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539 WHAT TO DO Festivals Performance jazzes up familiar tunes Melonville Comedy Festival WALLA WALLA — A fresh and jazzy spin on familiar TV and movie themes will be performed by the Dmitri Matheny Group during an upcoming show in Walla Walla. “Jazz Noir” includes new works and jazz classics, including a Noir Medley of cinematic favorites — “Touch of Evil,” “Laura,” “Chinatown,” “Vertigo,” “Taxi Driver” and “Blues in the Night.” The performance also features an original Crime Scenes suite, a dreamlike series of vignettes linked together with voice-over narrative in the hard-boiled detective style of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. The event is Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 Contributed photo by Hank Hirschfeld p.m. at the Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth St., Walla Walla. Tickets, which are $24-$29 for adults and $18 for students, are available at www.phtww.com or by calling 509-529-6500. •Saturday, Jan. 28; 8 p.m. •Hermiston Conference Center, 415 S. Highway 395 www.melonvillecomedyfestival. com $35. Features Dwight Slade, Ga- briel Rutledge and Chase Mayers. No- host bar and food available. Robert Burns Supper •Saturday, Jan. 28; 2 p.m. •Elks Lodge $30/couple, $17/single. In its 20th year, the event celebrated the poet Robert Burns with food, fun and a toast to the Scottish national poet. The Big Read •Thursdays through Feb. 9; 7 p.m. •Various venues in Wallowa Coun- ty www.fishtrap.org Most events free. This year’s book is “The Things They Carried,” a novel by Tim O’Brien. The Feb. 9 screen- ing of “Good Morning Vietnam” is $5. Event finale ($10) features a ‘60s Fashion Show, potluck dinner and dance party Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering •Feb. 17-19 •Ellensburg, Washington, various venues www.ellensburgcowboygathering. com $90/weekend pass, $35-$55/indi- vidual days, free/downtown venues and open mics. A whole host of cow- boy fun — poets, Dutch oven cook- ing, vendors, fiddle contests, demon- strations and free kids’ activities. Musicians include Barbara Nelson of Pendleton, 2012 Academy of Western Artists’ Will Rogers Cowboy Award winner, and main stage performers Waddie Mitchell, Juni Fisher, Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band and the Cowboy Celtic Band. Art, Museums & Authors Photography Club Exhibit •Monday-Thursdays; 11 a.m-7 p.m., •Friday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave. www.hermistonlibrary.us Free. Best photos from past year by club members on display. “this page intentionally left blank” •Monday-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. •Betty Feves Memorial Gallery, BMCC, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Free. Features collage art of Cory Peeke, director of Nightingale Gallery and art professor at Eastern Oregon University. Gallery also open by ap- pointment by calling 541-278-5952. Runs through Feb. 9. Biennial Faculty Exhibition •Monday-Fridays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. •Nightingale Gallery, Loso Hall •Eastern Oregon University, La Grande www.eou.edu/art Free. Gain an in-depth look at the recent studio practices of exhibiting professors Jaime Gustavson, Nathan Prouty, Michael Sell, Jessie Street and Kerri Rosenstein. Runs through Feb. 10. Student art display •Monday-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn St., Baker City www.crossroads-arts.org Free. Features art created by stu- dents of Baker County. Runs through Jan. 28 New Year 2017 •Tuesday-Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. •Peterson’s Gallery, 1925 Main St., Baker City www.petersonsgallery.net Free. Features a collection of some of the most sought after and requested artists represented at the gallery in 2016. Runs through Jan. 31. First Saturday Spin-In •Saturday, Feb. 4; 1-4 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. Free. Fiber enthusiasts can drop in and bring a project to work on. Coffee, tea and work space provided. “The Path of Totality” •Monday, April 3; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., art accepted •Friday, April 7; 5:30-8 p.m., open- ing reception •Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn St., Baker City www.crossroads-arts.org $15/members, $20/non-members. Up to three pieces accepted by ama- teur and professional artists depicting the theme inspired by the upcoming Aug. 21 total solar eclipse. Show and sale runs April 7-29. Music Jilt “Jazz Noir” •Friday, Feb. 10; 7 p.m. •Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth Ave., Walla Walla www.phtww.com $24-$29/adults, $18/students. A fresh and jazzy spin on familiar TV and movie themes will be performed by the Dmitri Matheny Group. Staci Collins er. •Friday, Feb. 10; 6-9 p.m. No cov- •Nookie’s/Hermiston Brewing Co., 125 N. First St., Hermiston Roots & Boots Concert •Friday, Feb. 10; 8 p.m. •Rivers Event Center, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission $69.99/premium, $49.99/general, $125/VIP. Features Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Terri Clark. VIP in- cludes seating in the first two rows, a meet-and-greet pass and more. Chamber Winds •Postponed •Hamley Slickfork Saloon, 8 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton www.oregoneastsymphony.org $20/adults, $15/students, se- niors, $45/family. New date to be an- nounced. Night life •Saturday, Jan. 28; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission DJ music Martin Sexton Karaoke w/DJ David •Sunday, Jan. 29; 7 p.m. •The Scarlet Room Foundation for the Arts, 2820 N. Road 72 Pasco www.thescarletroomfoundation. com $23. The singer/songwriter per- forms for a Scarlet Room fundraiser. Also includes Brady Goss of Wallowa County. Quinell •Friday, Feb. 3; 9 p.m. No cover •Hamley Slickfork Saloon, 8 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton Gala Ball •Saturday, Feb. 4; 6:30 p.m. •Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo $25/couple, $15/single. Enjoy dancing, desserts and music with Frazer Wambeke. Formal attire. For tickets, contact info@snoroadwinery. com or 541-376-0421. Cale Moon •Saturday, Feb. 4; 9 p.m. No cover •Midway Tavern, 1750 N. First St., Hermiston •Saturdays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston •Saturdays; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla Whiskey Wednesday Game Night •Wednesdays; 3-7 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo 64. Digital Karaoke •Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston LOL Comedy Jam •Thursdays; 8 p.m. No cover. •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. Feb. 2: Gibran Saad and Nico Ad- jemian; Feb. 9: Tyrone Hawkins and Max Faulkner. Mac’s Trivia Night •First Thursday of month, 8 p.m. No cover •Mac’s Bar & Grill, 1400 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton 21 and older. East. Drink. Think. Teams of 2-8 compete in trivia contest with other teams. Live host and prizes. Wine tasting •Fridays, 4-8 p.m. •Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo. Open Mic •First/third Friday each month, 8 p.m.-midnight •The Packard Tavern, 118 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton www.facebook.com/groups/pend- letonopenmic Zerba Cellars Wine & Choco- late Tasting •Friday, Feb. 3; 4-7 p.m. •Alexander’s Chocolaterie & Vino Bistro, 363 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. Stop in and sample the award-winning wines paired with chocolates and shop for Valentine’s Day. Karaoke w/DJ David •Fridays; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla DJ and dancing •Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Cimmi’s Late Night Martini Lounge •Fridays; 9 p.m.-midnight •Virgil’s at Cimmiyotti’s, 137 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. Features martinis, mix- ology and music. Theater, stage & film “The Producers” •Jan. 28, Feb. 3-4, 10-11; 7:30 p.m. •Jan. 29, Feb. 5; 2 p.m. •1130 Sumach St., Walla Walla www.ltww.org $15. Hilarity ensues during the Mel Brooks comedy musical when a producer and his accountant aim to stage a flop to bilk backers out of their money. Valentine’s Comedy Dinner Show •Saturday, Feb. 11; 6 p.m. •Sub Zero Restaurant & Lounge, 100 W. Highway 730, Irrigon $10. Alex Elkin from 6-8 p.m., Lucky Coyotes dancing starts at 9 p.m. Flat screen TV giveaway, raffles and coupon for meal discount. Call 541-922-4374. “RENT” 20th Anniversary Tour •Monday, Feb. 27; 7 p.m. •Toyota Center, Kennewick www.yourtoyotacenter.com $37-$82 (tickets via www.ticket- master.com). The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical fol- lows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. Hot tickets •RENT 20th Anniversary Tour. Feb. 27, Toyota Center, Kennewick. $37-$82 via www.ticketmaster.com •Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend: April 13-16, Las Vegas. Early bird four-day pass ($140) through March 15 via www.vivalasvegas.net •Northwest World Reggae Fes- tival: (music, camping, food, vendors) July 28-30, Marcola, 20 miles north- east of Eugene. Super early bird prices ($100) through Feb. 1 via www.nwwrf. com ——— Want to get your event listed in our calendar? Send information to com- munity@eastoregonian.com, or c/o Tammy Malgesini, 333 E. Main Street, Hermiston, OR, 97838.
