On Saturday, Nov. 18, arts lovers and culture fans will be gathering at the Lincoln City Cultural Center for a special occasion: the activation of the newly completed Cultural Plaza project. After five years of fundraising and nine months of construction, the Plaza’s art installations, accessible pathways and pedestrian friendly spaces are ready for the community to enjoy. Those who attend will be among the first to “activate” the Plaza, through arts activities scheduled from 11 am to 3 pm.
The Cultural Plaza Activation Party schedule will include a grand ribbon cutting, musical performances, dancing, art-making, and complimentary lunch and beverages – and the first reading of “Why They Came,” the original community poem written for the Poetry Path. This will be a family friendly event with free entertainment and activities enjoyable for guests of all ages.
The celebration will occur rain or shine, with plans to move indoors if the weather is not ideal. The Cultural Center will be giving out free Plaza-themed merch and lunch, courtesy of NW Natural, will be provided while supplies last. All are invited to attend—RSVP is encouraged but not required — call 541-994-9994 or email zoe@lc-cc.org.
Attendees can also help the Cultural Center “activate” the Plaza by completing a scavenger hunt activity and receive a free prize upon completion. Additionally, take part in a community art project to commemorate the event, enjoy live performances from a selection of local artists, take part in dedicating the Lincoln City Rotary Club’s Musical Area, and hear speeches from LC community members. Representatives from Shapiro Didway Landscape Architects, Civil West Engineering and Cascade Civil Corp., partners in the Plaza Project, will be on hand as well. Find the full schedule at www.lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.
Inside the LCCC, stop by the Chessman Gallery to see Angela Haseltine Pozzi and Nicola Bianca Pozzi’s show, “Unhuman”. In the Fiber Arts Gallery, see the “Coral Reef Project”, an immersive exhibit featuring crocheted artwork from over 100 Oregonian fiber artists. Take-home Art Kits will also be available by donation, as always.
“We’re inviting our whole Lincoln City community, whether you live here full time or just consider us ‘your place’ on the coast. We’ve all pulled together to make the Cultural Plaza a reality,” says LCCC Executive Director Niki Price. “We are beyond excited to finally be done with construction and invite the Lincoln City community into our new space.”
The Lincoln City Cultural Center is located at 540 NE Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367. Galleries will be open 10am-5pm the day of the Plaza Activation Party. For inquiries, please email zoe@lc-cc.org or call 514-994-9994.
