Artists put in a shift for ‘Transformations’

Ceramicist Ally Wood

The Lincoln City Cultural Center opens its annual Members Show, "Transformations," this Friday, July 10, with an exhibition celebrating the many ways artists turn ideas, materials and inspiration into finished works of art.

An opening reception begins at 5 pm on Friday with wine, light refreshments and an opportunity to be among the first to view the exhibition, which remains on display through Aug. 30 in the Chessman Gallery.

Each year, members of the Lincoln City Cultural Center bring new and surprising works into the gallery for the annual showcase. Visitors can expect to encounter hand-sculpted fabrics, pottery, iron sculptures, paintings and much more. No matter how many times someone has visited the Members Show in the past, there are always new artists, new techniques and new themes to discover.

This year's theme, "Transformations," explores the idea of profound change in form, appearance, nature or character. The exhibition celebrates the ways artists transform raw materials into finished works and how the creative process itself can change both artist and audience.

The act of taking an idea and turning it into a physical work of art is a transformation. So is molding a lump of clay into a vase, converting a blank canvas into a painting or gathering discarded materials from a beach and turning them into a whimsical sculpture. In many ways, art itself is an act of transformation, making the theme a natural fit for the annual members exhibition.

The Members Show is traditionally held during the height of the summer visitor season, giving the cultural center's artists an opportunity to share their work with both local residents and visitors from around the region. The exhibition also serves as a celebration of the artists and supporters whose membership helps sustain the cultural center's arts and educational programming throughout the year.

A virtual gallery tour will be posted on the center's Facebook and Instagram pages.

"Transformations" runs through Aug. 30 in the Chessman Gallery at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.