In the Gallery

“Vivid Existence” by Riley Hoagland

Opening reception on Friday, Feb. 16

LINCOLN CITY — The Chessman Gallery, inside the Lincoln City Cultural Center, is pleased to bring you an exciting new exhibit by Riley Hoagland entitled “Vivid Existence.” The public is invited to the opening reception with the artist, 5-7 pm on Friday, Feb. 16. A virtual gallery tour will be posted on the Cultural Center’s Facebook page on Saturday, Feb. 17.

In this inaugural show, Riley Hoagland brings bold colors, overline work and symmetry to art. A professional inventor, woodworker and sewist, Riley pulls together multifaceted visions to create “Vivid Existence.” This show includes large paintings featuring dazzling patterns, which can be viewed using 3-D glasses, and a large fabric installation.

Riley began his career in the arts in 2016 after letting go of the thought “I’m not an artist.” He found a handmade wooden box containing 30 paints on a walk, left just outside a dumpster. Shortly thereafter, created his “Six Year Series” painted on the back of his successful 2016 political campaign banner. The idea to use diffraction glasses came by way of a visiting friend who looked at that series and saw the 3D effect.

Riley has served his community as a volunteer since 2011. As the first Planning Commissioner and a City Councilor of color, his experiences have rippled into the installation art piece of “Vivis Existence,” symbolizing connection and the power that connection and understanding can bring to a community or an individual. He credits the beauty of the Oregon Coast as his main inspiration.

The Chessman Gallery is located inside the Lincoln City Cultural Center, at 540 NE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. The center and its public galleries are open 10am to 5pm Wednesday through Sunday, and by appointment. For more information call 541-994-9994, head to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org, or become a friend on Facebook.