Twenty-two members participated in the annual BAAA show at Eden Hall on the SWOCC campus, with a total of 54 pieces of artwork. The gallery space was filled with artwork spilling into the lobby. Artists were encouraged to bring new and/or experimental artwork to show a range of medias and techniques. Besides the paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic, there were quite a few pieces in mixed media, collage, some digitally created artwork and ceramic.
The reception on November 3rd was very well attended by members. By having the reception at noon this year, we were able to engage more students who were on a lunch break between classes, answering their questions and describing materials and techniques.
BAAA has had a long connection with Southwestern. Our records show that in 1991, the first year of BAAA as an organization, a show was scheduled for October in the Eden Hall gallery. But, local artists in what was to become BAAA, were showing artwork, teaching and taking classes on the college campus
even before the art department had its own building. The art department was originally located on the 5 th floor of Tioga Hall. In 1983, Eden Hall was opened with “state-of-the-art, purpose-built studios for painting and drawing, ceramics and sculpture, printmaking, and a dedicated fine arts gallery” according
to James Fritz, the current head of the art department. James’ predecessor, Carol Vernon, was committed to “bringing the greater Coos Bay community to campus and offering the widest variety of culturally enriching events and building strong community relationships around art exhibits”. This spirit continues at the college and thrives through our own organization and activities.
~Wendy Whitaker