The state of Oregon instituted “Honorary Artists of Oregon Day”, also known as “Oregon Art Day” in 2015, designated to celebrate art and artists, to promote art education in Oregon and to encourage engagement in artistic endeavors.

Cannon Beach Arts Association (CBAA) honored the day by providing a variety of art workshops for students at Seaside High school on April 14th and the students at Cannon Beach Academy on April 28th. More than 400 students were able to participate in these Oregon Art Day events sponsored by the Cannon Beach Arts Association.

Summer Peterson, CBAA’s Marketing and Educational Director organized and coordinated the 2-day event. Honorary artists participating at Seaside High School included Sharon Amber, Cynthia Wolf, Monica Hanlin, Betty Gearen, Jakub Kukla, Ben Rosenberg, Marchi Wierson, Olivia Joy Carroll, Anna Hoye, Mary Lyn Gough, Michelle Valigura, Karen Weiss, Lori LaBissoniere O’Neil, Tara Spires-Bell, Jen Hoff and John Hoff.

Workshops offered at Seaside High School ranged from monotypes and printmaking, cyanotypes, graphite drawing, T-shirt design, auditioning techniques, poetry writing, sugar skull collage, pastel ink resist, paper making, and more.

Honorary artists Summer Peterson and Ashley Foster-French instructed students at Cannon Beach Academy in an ink resist workshop along with a workshop on acrylic color mixing and floral painting.

Seaside High School principal Jeff Roberts said that “Art Day is really a special event that very few students throughout the state will have an opportunity to take part in”. CBAA’S Arts Educational Director Summer Peterson added “I believe an event like Oregon Art Day is integral to self-expression and self-discovery, which benefits mental and emotional health, builds confidence, and supports students who are in the process of creating their own futures.”  

Students will have another opportunity this summer to participate in amazing art events as Cannon Beach Arts Association celebrates its 21st year hosting the annual Summer Art Camp. Camp is scheduled for July 17-21, 2023 at the Cannon Beach Community Church.

Visit the CBAA’s website for detailed information on course content and registration for Summer Art Camp at https://www.cannonbeacharts.org/artcamp2023. Scholarships will be available.  

The community is also encouraged to “Sponsor a Student” for Summer Art Camp, and other donation opportunities are available. This enables the organization to offer more scholarship opportunities, while keeping costs low for parents by allowing CBAA to provide all necessary materials and healthy snacks during the week. Visit the CBAA’s Summer Art Camp link for more information.

Cannon Beach Arts Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, funds and enhances the arts, and supports artists in Cannon Beach and the region through education, events and exhibits, while providing opportunities for over 200 artists each year. For more information, please visit the Cannon Beach Arts Association website https://www.cannonbeacharts.org/  or call 503-436-0744. CBAA’s Gallery is located at 1064 S. Hemlock St. Cannon Beach, OR 97110, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.