Nature has done a spectacular job in creating for Bandon some of the finest art in the world in its beaches, ocean and wildlife. Bandon’s humans, however, create some very fine art of a different sort.
Bandon’s creative presence is evident in music, numerous galleries, community theater, dance, and educational programs. A stroll through Old Town and a few short drives takes folks through galleries displaying all types of visual arts.
Entertainment in Bandon
The Sprague Theater, located in the Bandon City Park between the library and The Barn Community Center is the home base for children’s and community theater as well as an annual film festival and musical and dance performances. The theater was built in 1999-2000 with the initiative of the Bandon Lion’s Club and funds gathered from grants and fundraisers to bolster entertainment in Bandon. Since its first stage play South Pacific in September, 2000, the theater has hosted dramas, comedies and musicals, dance recitals, a wide variety of musical concerts, the annual Cranberry Festival’s Cranberry Court coronation, weddings, memorials, movie festivals and more. Key presenters at the Sprague Theater include The Bandon Playhouse, New Artists Productions, MarLo Dance Studio, Bandon School District, and the Bandon Showcase.
Cape Blanco Country Music Festival had its debut in summer, 2014. Approximately 15,000 people came to the beautiful Sixes area south of Bandon to listen to performers such as Brad Paisley, Eric Church and Pam Tillis. Just three miles from the promontory of Cape Blanco, the setting and weather were perfect for the festival, and the small towns nearby offered festival goers campgrounds, lodging, shopping, restaurants, and everything else they needed. The 2015 festival promises as headliners Blake Shelton and Florida Georgia Line.
The Oregon Coast Film Festival takes place at the Sprague Theater each fall. Categories of films will include historical and cultural documentaries, tourism/outdoor/recreational documentaries, student videos, animation, shorts, and feature-length films. Professionals and amateurs are encouraged to submit their films. Besides the films, the festival includes a workshop, reception, speakers, and awards.
Visual Arts in Bandon
Bandon is fortunate to have a number of galleries beautifully displaying its local talent.
Second Street Gallery, located in Old Town and in existence since 1983, features local art as well as art from the Pacific Northwest as well as other regions of the U.S. and around the world. Be prepared to be stunned as you spend time wandering through the space, taking in jewelry, photography, woodcarving, glass, paintings, metal, hand knits, and much more. They gift wrap and ship.
Sage Place, focused on “keeping jobs in Bandon” exhibits the creations of local artists. Their collection includes paintings, photography, woodcarving, jewelry and glass. Sage Place also offers Creative Workshops for children and adults and include topics such as stained glass, glass fusing, beading, drawing, painting and more.
Art By The Sea is an artists’ cooperative in Old Town where members create, exhibit and sell their art. The featured art ranges from painting to cards to pottery and more. New pieces are added often, and the art on the walls changes twice a month. The good folks at Art By The Sea are happy to gift wrap and ship art, and they host art classes year round.
Riverside Studio, open since 2013, specializes in pottery and basketweaving. The artists there bring their own rich cultural histories to their work and share their knowledge and skills through classes they offer to the public.
Vines Art Glass is located south of town by just a few miles. There, Bryce Dimitruk creates and sells glass ornaments, pots, vases, perfume decanters, tumblers, ducks and lamps.
Whether you lean toward the visual or performing arts, there’s no shortage of entertainment in Bandon. Come discover for yourself where nature meets art on the beautiful Oregon Coast.