December  22, 2021 3:15 a.m.

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

The Art Gallery at Umpqua Community College will reopen in January, after an 18-month hiatus.

A release said it will be open for free to students and the public on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning on January 3rd.

The first show will feature the work of Los Angeles-based photographer Richard Greene, who brings “an optic-twisting perspective to urban landscapes”. Green’s “Abstract Architectural” exhibit creates temporary optical illusions using exteriors and colors of grouped buildings.

A UCC release said the showing is one of several that were postponed when the gallery closed due to the pandemic, following the Winter 2020 term. 5 other artists are in the new show, including Rich Bergeman, a photographer from Corvallis.

Susan Rochester, Chair of Arts and Humanities at UCC said, “The Art Gallery’s primary focus is to showcase the work of quality artists for the education and cultural benefit of our students and residents of Douglas County”. Rochester said the exhibits are scheduled to correlate with current curriculum. She said that Greene’s art aligns with the upcoming term’s focus on a foundation in elements and principles of design and color theory.

The new show will continue until February 2nd.