Most of us, when we hear the word "salon," think of a place people go to get their hair done. We get images of mirrors, chairs, aprons, and flashing scissors, and in our minds' ear, we hear background music, hair dryers, and chit-chatting. In the art world, however, the word salonhasan entirely different meaning. With roots in France and Italy, this kind of salon is a gathering of art-minded people in a room where art of any kind can be displayed, explained, and/or performed. Just south of Bandon in neighboring Port Orford is such a salon, happening once a month, at the home and Roaring Sea Arts studio of the very talented, kind, and diminutiveDonna Roselius.
An invitation to sit and enjoy at Roaring Seais extended to all, and the cover charge is simply a snack and a bottle of wine. Folks start arriving around 12:30, and presentations begin around 1 with a musical announcement of some kind from Donna. Those who have set aside the afternoon are in for a treat.
There are many regulars at the Roaring Seasalon, including multi-talented, self-taught brothers Luke and Strider Kachelein who are college students in Germany and perform during school vacations. Bassoonist Cathleen Willliams, pianistNate Malamud, flautist Julia Phillips typically play, and poets/writersWeld Champneys and Joseph Byrne typically come to share their prose.
The Roaring Sea Arts Salon is no small-time talent show. Indeed, the participants are extremely talented, but the quality of art shared quickly demonstrates to audience members that these artists (who range in age from 10 to near 90 years old) are some of the best on the South Coast. It would seem much more fitting to be dressed up, sitting in a concert hall than in the living room of Ms.Roselius' home.
If the incredible food, wine, music, storytelling, and company at Roaring Sea weren't enough, the setting for the salon is just as incredible. All around the home/studio are pieces of art of a variety of mediums and styles from around the world, all fascinating to see. A room at the back of the home is stocked and open for anyone to try their hand at paints, ink, pastels, and more to create their own addition to the gallery. From the enclosed deck of the home are outstanding views of the ocean and surrounding forest.
For more information about Roaring Sea Arts Salon and a musical schedule, contactDonna Roselius at 541-332-4444 or Suzanne Monks at 541-332-0540.
