Two new exhibitions opening in just the last week – yes, please. The Arts Center, or TAC, brings back the annually loved Howland Community Open and shows Emilee Cha’s contemporaneous exploration of traditional Hmong textile art too. This month also brings a prospectively magical Second Saturday and an intriguing call to artists for 2026. Plus, if you have kiddos – there’s an opportunity for a Spring Break Arts Camp.
So, without further ado, the rundown of all that’s TAC for February…
MAIN GALLERY: Howland Community OPEN
A perennial favorite exhibition, the Jim and Ruth Howland Community Open returns – we’re talking about over 300 artworks installed by a hearty team of volunteers, grouping them by category of content.
The annual tradition is an opportunity for everyone in the greater Corvallis area to exhibit artwork in The Arts Center Main Gallery. Artists of all ages and experience levels have been encouraged to submit one piece of original art for display.
The folks at TAC wish to remind everyone: you get to vote for the Howland People’s Choice Awards. The last chance to vote is during the Corvallis Arts Walk, on Thursday, February 20, until 7 pm. Click here for more information.
- Now – March 6, 2025, 12 – 5 pm
- February 22, 1 – 2:30 pm | Reception and Awards
- Friday, Saturday, March 7-8, 12 – 5 pm | Artwork Pick-up
CORRINE WOODMAN GALLERY: Threads, Emilee Cha
Emilee Cha’s exhibit Threads, explores traditional Hmong textile art called “Paj Ntaub” and its symbolic language through present day exploratory methods.
The exhibit highlights the meaning and origins of Paj Ntaub while also examining how cultural traditions, values, and art evolves.
The artwork showcases the fusion between American and traditional Hmong aesthetics by the use of traditional motifs and American fabrics and patterns. The vibrant geometric patterns demonstrate how traditional motifs and symbols are exhibited on our clothing. The use of multiple colors highlights the versatility within the use of traditional symbols.
For more information, click here.
- Now – March 1, 2025
- Thursday, February 20, 5:30 – 7 pm | Reception
2nd SATURDAYS at TAC
Pick up a free Weathergram kit now through Friday, February 7 at TAC, and create your own small, poetic artwork at home. Then, on Saturday, February 8, bring it back and take part in a special community moment as everyone gathers to hang them on the tree outside The Arts Center. As the wind carries them into the world, these fleeting messages will celebrate the beauty of art, nature, and letting go. It’s an opportunity, as the people at TAC say it, to be part of something meaningful and magical – sounds pretty sweet to us. Click for info.
- Saturday, February 8, 1 – 4 pm
FOR KIDS: Spring Break Arts Adventures
If you are looking for a fun, creative outlet for your kids and teens during Spring Break this March, TAC’s Spring Arts Adventures offers comic creation and film photography classes all week long. For more info, click here.
Four other quick arts notes
- 1st Thursday Artist Meetup, February 6, 5:30-7 pm.
- 2nd Saturdays at TAC, February 8, 1-4 pm | Bring completed Weathergrams to TAC on February 8.
- 3rd Thursday CAW, February 20, 4-7 pm | AAP resident artists open their studios for you to visit.
- 4th Tuesday Craft Night at the Library, February 25, 5:30-7 pm.
AND FINALLY, a Call to Artists…
Interested in having an art exhibition at The Arts Center in 2026? TAC annually accepts proposals from US artists working in all visual mediums. Through March 2, 2025, you can apply to exhibit in the Main and Corrine Woodman Galleries in 2026. It is free to apply.
Main Gallery exhibition proposals, click here. Corrine Woodman Gallery exhibition proposals, click here.
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