Oregon ArtsWatch
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Oregon ArtsWatch is a non-profit arts and culture journalism organization that explores the arts and their intersection with the wider culture in Oregon and the Northwest.
The three-time winner of the award for male poet of the year has extended his reach by collaborating with a Portland band, Cowboy Jazz.
Tualatin resident Tom Swearingen wins cowboy poetry award — again • Oregon ArtsWatch
The three-time winner of the award for male poet of the year has extended his reach by collaborating with a Portland band, Cowboy Jazz.
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February 14, 2026 at 11:02 PM
The three-time winner of the award for male poet of the year has extended his reach by collaborating with a Portland band, Cowboy Jazz.
The 8-year-old anthology of literature and visual art grew out of founder Rich Perin’s “grudge” with the publishing industry and a desire to “capture a place, a moment in time.”
Buckman Journal: ‘We print stuff that we enjoy’ • Oregon ArtsWatch
The 8-year-old anthology of literature and visual art grew out of founder Rich Perin’s “grudge” with the publishing industry and a desire to “capture a place, a moment in time.”
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February 14, 2026 at 1:27 AM
The 8-year-old anthology of literature and visual art grew out of founder Rich Perin’s “grudge” with the publishing industry and a desire to “capture a place, a moment in time.”
News briefs: Rilling was the Bach Fest's artistic leader for more than 40 years. Plus: Havoc and a sudden two-year shutdown at the Kennedy Center; Mardi Gras goes marching into Portland.
Helmuth Rilling, longtime leader of the Oregon Bach Festival, dies at age 92 • Oregon ArtsWatch
News briefs: Rilling was the Bach Fest's artistic leader for more than 40 years. Plus: Havoc and a sudden two-year shutdown at the Kennedy Center; Mardi Gras goes marching into Portland.
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February 13, 2026 at 11:12 PM
News briefs: Rilling was the Bach Fest's artistic leader for more than 40 years. Plus: Havoc and a sudden two-year shutdown at the Kennedy Center; Mardi Gras goes marching into Portland.
While Diane Arbus's most famous images are iconic, the retrospective on view at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features twenty of her lesser-known but equally compelling photographs.
An absence of flattery: Diane Arbus at JSMA • Oregon ArtsWatch
While Diane Arbus's most famous images are iconic, the retrospective on view at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features twenty of her lesser-known but equally compelling photographs.
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February 13, 2026 at 11:03 PM
While Diane Arbus's most famous images are iconic, the retrospective on view at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features twenty of her lesser-known but equally compelling photographs.
Gore Verbinski's first feature in nine years stars Sam Rockwell as a traveler from the future bent on preventing an AI apocalypse. Plus: Olivia Colman and John Lithgow in "Jimpa," and Cecil B. DeMille's last silent film restored in 4K.
FilmWatch Weekly: ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ with Sam Rockwell, plus Icelandic drama ‘The Love That Remains,’ and more • Oregon ArtsWatch
Gore Verbinski's first feature in nine years stars Sam Rockwell as a traveler from the future bent on preventing an AI apocalypse. Plus: Olivia Colman and John Lithgow in "Jimpa," and Cecil B. DeMille's last silent film restored in 4K.
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February 12, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Gore Verbinski's first feature in nine years stars Sam Rockwell as a traveler from the future bent on preventing an AI apocalypse. Plus: Olivia Colman and John Lithgow in "Jimpa," and Cecil B. DeMille's last silent film restored in 4K.
Davóne Tines and Ruckus present a rousing multi-genre program of music from Stephen Foster to George Frideric Handel and Sam Cooke.
“What is My Hand in This?”: A powerful call for a better world • Oregon ArtsWatch
Davóne Tines and Ruckus present a rousing multi-genre program of music from Stephen Foster to George Frideric Handel and Sam Cooke.
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February 12, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Davóne Tines and Ruckus present a rousing multi-genre program of music from Stephen Foster to George Frideric Handel and Sam Cooke.
Dance review: At White Bird, the company's "This Is Risk" looks ahead and back on its 40-year history as its dancers delve into the roots and realities of the African Diaspora.
Urban Bush Women take a challenging risk • Oregon ArtsWatch
Dance review: At White Bird, the company's "This Is Risk" looks ahead and back on its 40-year history as its dancers delve into the roots and realities of the African Diaspora.
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February 12, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Dance review: At White Bird, the company's "This Is Risk" looks ahead and back on its 40-year history as its dancers delve into the roots and realities of the African Diaspora.
January concerts featuring A Notion, A Scream, In Medio, Resonance Ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock®, Oregon Chorale, and Evenstar Ensemble.
Telling our stories: Oregon choirs singing in the New Year • Oregon ArtsWatch
January concerts featuring A Notion, A Scream, In Medio, Resonance Ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock®, Oregon Chorale, and Evenstar Ensemble.
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February 11, 2026 at 11:35 PM
January concerts featuring A Notion, A Scream, In Medio, Resonance Ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock®, Oregon Chorale, and Evenstar Ensemble.
The film has its world premiere February 14 at Medford's Holly Theatre, and screens at Portland's Hollywood Theatre April 4.
‘Ernie & Emma’: Bruce Campbell talks his Oregon-shot, change-of-pace comedy about a man sent on a mission by his dead wife • Oregon ArtsWatch
The film has its world premiere February 14 at Medford's Holly Theatre, and screens at Portland's Hollywood Theatre April 4.
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February 11, 2026 at 9:25 PM
The film has its world premiere February 14 at Medford's Holly Theatre, and screens at Portland's Hollywood Theatre April 4.
Theater review: Sam Steiner’s comedic play at 21ten Theatre neatly balances humor and hope.
Good grief: ‘You Stupid Darkness!’ combats the world’s damp demise with compassion, laughs … and donuts • Oregon ArtsWatch
Theater review: Sam Steiner’s comedic play at 21ten Theatre neatly balances humor and hope.
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February 10, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Theater review: Sam Steiner’s comedic play at 21ten Theatre neatly balances humor and hope.
Theater review: Artist Rep’s thriller takes a surreal turn in Portland writer Kallan Dana’s dark puzzle of a play.
No place like home: A road trip through a father and daughter’s nightmares • Oregon ArtsWatch
Theater review: Artist Rep’s thriller takes a surreal turn in Portland writer Kallan Dana’s dark puzzle of a play.
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February 10, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Theater review: Artist Rep’s thriller takes a surreal turn in Portland writer Kallan Dana’s dark puzzle of a play.
In the midst of its 79th season, the adventurous orchestra suddenly announces its immediate dissolution.
Portland Chamber Orchestra calls it quits • Oregon ArtsWatch
In the midst of its 79th season, the adventurous orchestra suddenly announces its immediate dissolution.
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February 10, 2026 at 5:14 PM
In the midst of its 79th season, the adventurous orchestra suddenly announces its immediate dissolution.
The sounds of contemporary Portland music: 45th Parallel Universe's Pyxis Quartet dives deep into music created by five of the city's finest composers.
How we Listen to Each Other: The Portland School II • Oregon ArtsWatch
The sounds of contemporary Portland music: 45th Parallel Universe's Pyxis Quartet dives deep into music created by five of the city's finest composers.
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February 10, 2026 at 2:11 PM
The sounds of contemporary Portland music: 45th Parallel Universe's Pyxis Quartet dives deep into music created by five of the city's finest composers.
Arndt, who was at work on his own long novel, was also a great connecter who bound other writers warmly together: "a provider, a nurturer, a guardian angel."
Steve Arndt, ambassador of Portland’s literary community, dies at age 77 • Oregon ArtsWatch
Arndt, who was at work on his own long novel, was also a great connecter who bound other writers warmly together: "a provider, a nurturer, a guardian angel."
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February 9, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Arndt, who was at work on his own long novel, was also a great connecter who bound other writers warmly together: "a provider, a nurturer, a guardian angel."
The artist's show at PPSTMM gallery explores themes of surveillance, borders, and the uncanny. Several of the works employ a birds-eye view that is at once visual and psychological.
Raul J. Mendez’s paranormal bureaucracy • Oregon ArtsWatch
The artist's show at PPSTMM gallery explores themes of surveillance, borders, and the uncanny. Several of the works employ a birds-eye view that is at once visual and psychological.
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February 9, 2026 at 10:40 PM
The artist's show at PPSTMM gallery explores themes of surveillance, borders, and the uncanny. Several of the works employ a birds-eye view that is at once visual and psychological.
The awards, to be presented April 20, honor writers in categories ranging from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and children’s literature.
Literary Arts announces finalists for 2026 Oregon Book Awards • Oregon ArtsWatch
The awards, to be presented April 20, honor writers in categories ranging from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and children’s literature.
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February 9, 2026 at 5:20 PM
The awards, to be presented April 20, honor writers in categories ranging from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and children’s literature.
Her book, Watson says, is about a girl who learns how "to hold her grief and also her joys and her dreams, and learn that that is what living is, holding it all at the same time."
Portland’s Renée Watson wins Newbery Medal for ‘All the Blues in the Sky’ • Oregon ArtsWatch
Her book, Watson says, is about a girl who learns how "to hold her grief and also her joys and her dreams, and learn that that is what living is, holding it all at the same time."
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February 7, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Her book, Watson says, is about a girl who learns how "to hold her grief and also her joys and her dreams, and learn that that is what living is, holding it all at the same time."
The artistic director of the Oregon Coast Jazz Party was described as “such a fine musician" who "brought joy to every gig or occasion."
Newport remembers jazz clarinetist Ken Peplowski • Oregon ArtsWatch
The artistic director of the Oregon Coast Jazz Party was described as “such a fine musician" who "brought joy to every gig or occasion."
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February 7, 2026 at 4:25 AM
The artistic director of the Oregon Coast Jazz Party was described as “such a fine musician" who "brought joy to every gig or occasion."
The Legislature has found an extra stash of cash, but an increase in arts funding isn't assured in the face of pitches ranging from schools to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Arts and culture supporters urged to lobby for funding at 2026 Oregon Legislature • Oregon ArtsWatch
The Legislature has found an extra stash of cash, but an increase in arts funding isn't assured in the face of pitches ranging from schools to the Portland Trail Blazers.
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February 6, 2026 at 2:26 PM
The Legislature has found an extra stash of cash, but an increase in arts funding isn't assured in the face of pitches ranging from schools to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wright, who creates sound sculptures and self-crafted instruments that lean toward the mythological, gives a performance that lets "all the parts of me out to play."
Jennifer Wright’s ‘Echolocations’: Making music and the instruments, too • Oregon ArtsWatch
Wright, who creates sound sculptures and self-crafted instruments that lean toward the mythological, gives a performance that lets "all the parts of me out to play."
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February 6, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Wright, who creates sound sculptures and self-crafted instruments that lean toward the mythological, gives a performance that lets "all the parts of me out to play."
Plus: a joyless "Dracula," the horror film "Whistle," and underground auteur Jon Moritsugu's "Numbskull Revolution."
FilmWatch Weekly: German stunner ‘Sound of Falling,’ Japanese anime ‘Scarlet,’ and more • Oregon ArtsWatch
Plus: a joyless "Dracula," the horror film "Whistle," and underground auteur Jon Moritsugu's "Numbskull Revolution."
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February 5, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Plus: a joyless "Dracula," the horror film "Whistle," and underground auteur Jon Moritsugu's "Numbskull Revolution."
Organizers emphasize that grants are going to marginalized groups and people from around Oregon — and there is a long list of recipients so far.
A third round of grants opportunities announced for America 250 Oregon projects • Oregon ArtsWatch
Organizers emphasize that grants are going to marginalized groups and people from around Oregon — and there is a long list of recipients so far.
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February 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Organizers emphasize that grants are going to marginalized groups and people from around Oregon — and there is a long list of recipients so far.
"Real grief strikes down to the bone": The artist's exhibit at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education softens the blow with the sands of time.
Trauma and Cara Levine’s ‘Without End’ • Oregon ArtsWatch
"Real grief strikes down to the bone": The artist's exhibit at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education softens the blow with the sands of time.
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February 4, 2026 at 8:56 PM
"Real grief strikes down to the bone": The artist's exhibit at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education softens the blow with the sands of time.
Review: Wendy Westerwelle enthralls audiences in Don Horn’s new play about Columbia Sportswear’s “One Tough Mother,” Gert Boyle, at triangle productions!
‘It’s Not All About Me’: Three Portland icons make a winning show • Oregon ArtsWatch
Review: Wendy Westerwelle enthralls audiences in Don Horn’s new play about Columbia Sportswear’s “One Tough Mother,” Gert Boyle, at triangle productions!
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February 4, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Review: Wendy Westerwelle enthralls audiences in Don Horn’s new play about Columbia Sportswear’s “One Tough Mother,” Gert Boyle, at triangle productions!
100 years after the release of his first book, an evening of jazz and poetry at Alberta Abbey Feb, 7 will celebrate the lasting legacy of the great poet of the Harlem Renaissance.
Celebrating Langston Hughes and ‘The Weary Blues’ • Oregon ArtsWatch
100 years after the release of his first book, an evening of jazz and poetry at Alberta Abbey Feb, 7 will celebrate the lasting legacy of the great poet of the Harlem Renaissance.
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February 4, 2026 at 5:51 PM
100 years after the release of his first book, an evening of jazz and poetry at Alberta Abbey Feb, 7 will celebrate the lasting legacy of the great poet of the Harlem Renaissance.