The Around Oregon Biennial exhibition leaves The Arts Center’s, or TAC’s main gallery on Saturday September 6. On deck is Weight, an exhibition by Washington artist Crista Ann Ames. It questions familiar feminine tropes in art and art history.
Raised on a small subsistence farm, Ames’ work draws from personal experiences with pastoral life, animal husbandry, women’s craft and fertility.
The coil-built clay human figures in this exhibition, Ames sees as vessels, re-imagined classic sculptures, historic narratives and symbolism. Her practice embraces both craft and the concept of “personal as political”, and thus she bridges the gap between myth and lived experience, resulting in transformed stories and feminine monuments that tell contemporary truths of trauma, joy and womanhood.
About the Artist
Crista Ann Ames is a ceramics and mixed media sculptor. Through the layering of mythological and contemporary iconography, Ames questions familiar feminine troupes in art and art history. The sculptures she creates re-examine classic sculpture while re-imagining historic narratives and symbolism.
Ames attended Washington State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics with a minor in Art History and Disability Studies. While receiving her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Montana she began studying dance and movement to help inform the way she sculpts the figure. She has been an artist in residence and exhibited at A.I.R. Valluaris in France, Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Center in Denmark, the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Santa Fe Art Institute, Red Lodge Clay Center, Gallery One Visual Arts Center, and The University of Montana. Ames is currently a studio artist and curator living in Ellensburg, Washington.
Weight starts Thursday, September 18, falling on the same day as this month’s Corvallis Arts Walk. The opening reception for the new exhibit is slated for the same day at 7 pm.
So, what else is happening at TAC this month, let’s see.
Leaving the Corrine Woodman Gallery Sept. 19
Beyond Time is an immersive installation by Korea-born Eugene-based artist Kum Ja Lee, presenting a thoughtful exploration of temporality through the use of transitory light, diverse fibers, and mixed media. By weaving together Eastern and Western philosophical concepts, Lee creates a compelling visual dialogue that reflects her cultural identity and artistic process.
The installation transforms the exhibition space into a sensory and tactile environment, encouraging viewers to move through it contemplatively.
Coming to the Corrine Woodman Gallery Sept. 23
Shut Up, an exhibition by artist Kathy Ross, explores the intersection of function and form while confronting society’s acceptance of noise pollution.
With a whimsical style, Ross repurposes detritus into dynamic sculptures, confronting society’s acceptance of noise pollution.
Pop TAC is back
TAC is always excited to gather the arts community whenever and however it can. In this instance, it’s an evening of connection, conversation, and creativity. Pop TAC is a quarterly event that celebrates friendship, local creativity, and the simple joy of raising a glass together.
We received an email about the evening that said, “This event is designed to appreciate the people who make our community thrive, recognize the art that inspires us, and honor the spirit of fun that distinguishes Pop TAC from anything else. Join us for drinks, light bites, and a chance to mingle in true Pop TAC.”
Thursday, September 25, 6 – 8 pm at 4 Spirits Distillery. 21 and over. No registration required, but space is limited, so first come, first served. For more info.
Call to artists
As TAC puts it, “Calling all Oregon Poets!” You, too, can be featured on the Corvallis Poetry Marquee. Here’s your chance to see your poem in the Spotlight. Submit your poem before Sunday, September 14, 2025, 11:59 pm to have it featured in 2026. Click here for more information.
Workshops and classes
2nd SATURDAYS at TAC: Celebrate National Wildlife Day by creating your own owl mask while learning about the amazing world of birds and wildlife with a special guest organization, the Mid-Willamette Bird Alliance. Go on down to TAC and get creative while honoring the winged wonders around us. All ages welcome.
Saturday, September 13, 1 – 4 pm. Click here for more information.
Figure Drawing Session: Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned artist, this uninstructed figure drawing session with a nude model provides a great way to sharpen your observational drawing. Bring your own materials and enjoy a mix of short and long poses.
Tuesday, September 23, 6 – 8 pm. Ages 18 to adult. At the Corvallis Museum, 411 SW 2nd St., Corvallis. $25 a session. Click here for more information and to register.
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