Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
When the new City Hall opens at 3225 Main St. on Friday, Aug. 23, it will include a gallery space for public art displays.
During the grand opening the SHOCASE Public Arts Committee will host its first art show, “Grand Opening, Grand Art.”
The galley space has been established at the request of SHOCASE, a group of local citizens dedicated to promoting the arts in Sweet Home.
“There was a discussion about it with SHOCASE, and we started putting together this committee of dedicated people,” said Diane Gerson, SHOCASE president.
Committee member Ann Rosé said “there’s no place in town to exhibit art,” noting that the show will be a followup to the photo contest the committee used to find a photo for display as an interior wall mural in the new City Hall, representing Sweet Home.
“I just think it’s important to have art. I think it’s a part of the community, like a library or school.”
Terri Lanini, another committee member, added, “There’s a lot of bare walls that need art.”
“A number of city halls across the country display art,” said Lagea Mull, communications specialist with the city. “Art inspires people. When people can see the different talents their fellow citizens have, that’s really inspiring.”
“Sweet Home has a sort of a hidden culture of artists that we don’t know about,” Gerson said. “We wanted an avenue (so they can) express themselves and show their work and be honored.”
“To flush out these hidden talents,” Rose said.
“We need a place to show off what we have,” Gerson said.
“It’s Sweet Home culture,” said committee member Chris Chapman. “We want to make it visible in the community.”
The old City Hall, 1140 12th Ave., will close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9.
“Aug. 12, we’ll be open for business at this location,” Mull said while at the new City Hall.
The SHOCASE Public Arts Committee will operate a rotating display in the City Hall lobby. It will be on display for the public when City Hall is open.
The committee is accepting two-dimensional art for Grand Opening, Grand Art until Aug. 15. Artists may submit up to three pieces.
Artists must reside within the Sweet Home School District, and the art must be of a “family friendly” nature. It must be mounted on or in a rigid frame with a hanging wire.
The art will be juried by the art show committee. Each selected entry will hang from one week prior to opening until one week after the show closes on Dec. 15. Members of the public will be able to vote for their favorite piece during the first week of the display. The art receiving the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award.
In December, the committee will display children’s art. Details will be available later.
East Linn Museum and the Sweet Home Rock will have revolving displays in City Hall, celebrating Sweet Home’s history. The Sweet Home Rock and Mineral Society will have a display in the new City Hall during the fall and may have further displays in the future.
Chapman said that Gerson and her family are donating a display case built by her son Eric Gerson and Ridgeway Woodworks of Lebanon.
No sale of artwork will be conducted in the gallery, but prices may be listed. All sales must be done privately outside of the venue.
A community-based show, no entry fee will be collected.
For more information about the art show, visit artinsweethome.org or like Art In Sweet Home on Facebook. To submit art, visit artinsweethome.org/artist.