OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION: Friday, October 1, 2010 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
Continuing the tradition of supporting contemporary Oregon artists, Coos Art Museum opens its galleries to new works by artists from around the state. The CAM Biennial provides Oregon artists an opportunity to exhibit their work within an art museum setting without the extensive jurying process. The artwork exhibited in the CAM Biennial range from paintings to photography, ceramics to glass, textiles to metals and more.

Click here for a Tour of the Galleries

Coos Art Museum Announces the CAM Biennial “People’s Choice” Award Winner – Nov. 17, 2010

Coos Bay – The votes have been counted and the public has spoken. Healing Mask, a raku ceramic wall-piece by Laurie Lee of North Bend, has been selected as the First Place – People’s Choice winner in the 2010 CAM Biennial. As a result of this selection she will be given a one person exhibition at the Museum in October 2011.

Lee is a graduate in advertising design and marketing from Boise State University and has been involved in artistic pursuits her entire life. She came upon the technique of raku, which is a ceramic method that is both exhilarating and unpredictable. She has been working on perfecting the firing of large free-form pieces and designing her own glazes for about 30 years. Known locally as the past owner of Java Jones Coffee House, she is currently working as a full-time artist. Her most recent works include a series of masks and leaf bowls. Lee is also creating paintings with subjects related to the healing arts. Her goal is to combine art with the healing arts and to open a center in the North Bend area offering a place for musicians, artists and healing under the same roof.

Other artists who received public attention and were awarded ribbons include: Roland Miranda (Charleston) who was awarded Second Place for his photograph Light at the Edge of Forever and Donald Sanné (North Bend) who was awarded Third Place for his acrylic, Legend of Haynes Inlet. Kimberly Wurster (Coquille), Vanessa Jorgensen (Coos Bay), Gloria Tinker (Leaburg) and Susan Lehman (Bandon) all received Honorable Mention.

Coos Art Museum has been a cultural focal point of Oregon’s scenic Southern Coast since 1966. It occupies an historic 1936 Art Deco US Federal Building in downtown Coos Bay. The museum offers a wide range of arts activities including exhibitions, art classes and lectures. Hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday. Museum admission: $5 general, $2 students and seniors, free to museum members.