The boardwalk along the Coquille River is looking particularly colorful lately, thanks toan unusual, annual art show featuring local and regional artists. Neat, but how original is that, really? you might ask. Many things make the Bandon Boardwalk Art Show unique.
Every year since 2002, this particular show is installed al fresco on the rail along the Coquille River waterfront on the edge of Old Town. The pieces are on display during the sunny months from May until September and areperfectly placed for those strolling along the boardwalk to enjoy.
The Bandon Boardwalk Art Show is open to all professional and amateur artists in the greater community, and boards for paintings, collages, etc are available starting in March. A mere $10 fee covers the price of the board and prizes.
Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place in 4 different categories: under age 13, ages 13-18, over 18, and Peoples Choice. The winners in the three age group categories are determined by a small group of judges. The Peoples Choice winner can come from any age group and is voted on by the general public. Free ballots for the People's Choice are available at Bandon Bait and Tackle, and voting closes September 6.
All of the art in each years show falls into a different theme announced early in the year, and there is often a local and/or educational component to the theme. 2017s theme, for example, is Blossoms, Butterflies, and Bees," celebrating native plants and the pollinators they depend on to grow and thrive. There is a strong student showing this year as many artists are involved in the Go Native! program which teaches youth about native horticulture and regional animal habitat.
Do your best to make it down to the boardwalk this summer to see the talent in the color and beauty in this particularly relevant art show. If you miss it, dont worry, the art often reappears in the Bandon Professional Building and the Bandon Coffee Cafe later in the year.
The Bandon Boardwalk Art Show is sponsored by the Port of Bandon and Bandon Professional Center. For more information, visit the Bandon Boardwalk Art Show Facebook page or the Port of Bandon website.
