Personal Experience
CAC member, Sherlyn Dendy, has been making art at OSLP Arts and Culture for 8 years. She regularly takes advantage of open studio time when she stays from the beginning to the end.
Sherlyn also takes classes and especially enjoys learning new techniques. Her current favorite style to explore is abstract painting. This is different from most of her work as a figurative painter.
Sherlyn says, “I love that I can paint whatever I want” and wishes there was even more open studio time. She has artwork on display throughout the community and has sold many pieces. One hangs in our CAC meeting room!
What We Saw On Our Visit
CAC members recently visited OSLP Arts and Culture where we saw artists in action during open studio. They were knitting, painting, and drawing. So much creativity was flowing! Other open studio activities available are ceramics, printmaking, and photography. Still more class offerings in addition to visual and 3D art are music, American Sign Language, Nia, and cooking, which is hosted by Eugene Adaptive Recreation at Hilyard Center. The gallery’s fantastic current exhibit, Obscura, features masks celebrating culture and costume.
Accessibility
OSLP Arts and Culture is for everyone 18 and older regardless of ability. It is an inclusive program for our whole community. Everyone pays for classes directly, but people with disabilities can be accompanied by their paid Direct Support Professional or Personal Support Worker.
The main question everyone hears when they come in the door is, “What do you want to do?” Instructors empower new and experienced artists to find their passion. They even match dedicated budding artists with professional artist mentors. The studio is physically accessible too.
Background
OSLP Arts and Culture is one of the four programs at Oregon Supported Living Program (OSLP). The other programs are Community Inclusion and Employment, Supported Living, and Residential Services.
OSLP Arts and Culture started in “the little red house” in 2011 when OSLP rented extra office space. A staff request to bring in art supplies for 2 participants quickly turned into a 35-participant program and very soon a packed house exhibit. The program was born!
The program, first called Little Red House moved to its current location on 4th and Lincoln in Eugene in 2013 and changed its name to OSLP Arts and Culture. They now serve over 500 people per year and have 150 pieces of art on display in the community in various changing exhibits at local businesses.
Look for OSLP Arts and Culture art next time to go out to lunch! And come to the gallery for Eugene’s monthly First Friday Art Walk. It’s a different exhibit each time!
How to Get Involved
You can register for classes at artsandcultureeugene.org. The program hosts “Snapshot Tours” for any group who wants to learn more. Classes are 10 weeks long and start quarterly. The next term begins in April.