The PushPin Show

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts’ annual community art exhibition – The PushPin Show – returns to the Runyan Gallery at Newport Visual Arts Center December 3rd, 2023 – January 12th, 2024. This event marks the 33rd anniversary of the community-based show, which has been expanded to include not only work hung on gallery walls, but also small three-dimensional pieces on pedestals.

The PushPin Show recognizes creative talent throughout Lincoln County and brings together the resources of Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, the VAC, the diverse talents of local visual and literary artists, and the public — to celebrate and support local art. Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate, including beginners, emerging visual artists, established professionals, craftspersons, poets and literary artists, and hobbyists.

“The Visual Arts Center belongs to the community, and The Pushpin Show is an awesome display of the creative energy that is alive and well within Lincoln County,” said Chasse Davidson, director of the VAC, “At this show we celebrate all skill levels and all ages coming together under one roof to marvel at what can be held with 4 pushpins or less. You never know what you might see at The PushPin Show, and the reception is sure to delight!”

The public is invited to attend an opening reception at the VAC on December 3rd from 1pm-3pm. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees are encouraged to cast their vote for the sought-after “People’s Choice Award”. Voting will continue throughout the exhibition dates. (Last year’s winner of this honor was Sarah Heimlich, for her beautiful collage piece entitled “Raven”.)

Submitted artwork must be original and may not be AI-generated. Facsimiles or prints of original pieces will not be accepted, however, photographs and human-created digital art prints are eligible. Participants must be able to hang their work with no more than four pushpins, and/or three-dimensional pieces must be no larger than 8″ x 8″ at the base. Most artists will hang their own work (singular works only). The PushPin Show is a family-oriented community show, and therefore OCCA respectfully asks that submitted pieces be appropriate for audiences of all ages. Artwork may be offered for sale – or not – at the discretion of the artist.

Lincoln County artists who wish to participate should deliver their work directly to the Runyan Gallery at the VAC (777 NW Beach Drive at the Nye Beach turn-around) on either Thursday, November 30th from 2pm-6pm; Friday, December 1st from 10am-2pm; or Saturday, December 2nd from 12pm-3pm.

“It’s always exciting to see the vast variety of art on display at The PushPin Show,” said Darcy Lawrence, OCCA marketing coordinator, “I especially love seeing pieces from local youth. It’s just such a joyous and celebratory show, with a beautiful sense of community. I look forward to it every year!”