An archive of news releases detailing the Arts Commission's developments, actions, and impact throughout Oregon.
An archive of news releases detailing the Arts Commission's developments, actions, and impact throughout Oregon.
Salem, Oregon –Trayshun Holmes-Gournaris of Monmouth, a senior at Oregon School for the Deaf, is the 2022 Oregon Poetry Out Loud state champion. Holmes-Gournaris was one of 11 finalists who competed at Friday’s Virtual Poetry Out Loud State Contest. He advances to the national Poetry Out Loud competition, to be held virtually on May 1 (semifinals) and June 5 (finals). Maria Daniels, a sophomore at St. Stephens Academy in Beaverton, was named runner up. If Holmes-Gournaris is unable to participate in the national competition Daniels would be invited to represent Oregon.
Salem, Oregon – Eleven Oregon high school students who won their school Poetry Out Loud contests will compete for the state championship at the 2022 Oregon Virtual Poetry Out Loud State Contest at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 11. The contest will be streamed live on the Oregon Arts Commission’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel. The host of the 2022 Oregon State Contest will be Joaquin Lopez, a performing artist, musician and mental health counselor whose work is grounded in personal transformation, self-expression and Latino Queer identity. Lopez currently serves as co-Creative Laureate of Portland.
Salem, Oregon – Leading a group of 10 Oregon visual artists awarded 2022 Individual Artists Fellowships, Tracy Schlapp will receive the Oregon Arts Commission’s honorary 2022 Joan Shipley Award. The other artists awarded 2022 Fellowships are Mika Aono, Heather Goodwind, May Maylisa Cat, Laura Camila Medina, Susan Murrell, Hampton Rodriguez, Alejandra Salinas, Pace Taylor and Amiran White. All 2022 Fellows receive $5,000 awards.
The Joan Shipley Award is named for Oregon arts leader Joan Shipley, who passed away in 2011. Shipley was a collector, philanthropist and supporter of many arts and humanities organizations. In 2005, she and her husband John received an Oregon Governor’s Arts Award. Many in the arts community also counted her as a mentor and friend.