Arts and Cultural Events in the Community

Soundwaves Summer Music Festival

The Soundwaves Summer Music Festival premiered in 2008 under the direction of renowned artistic director and conductor, Maestro Yaki Bergman. Yaki is the conductor of the Portland Chamber Orchestra and Walla Walla, Washington, Symphony, as well as guest conductor of orchestras world-wide. The festival consisted of four concerts featuring nine professional musicians from Portland, and world class pianist, Gerrald Robbins. The performances were heralded as a great addition to the culture and attraction of Lincoln City. The concerts were recorded and the music is played on the All Classical music stations, as well as locally and in the schools. For the summer of 2009, Soundwaves looks forward to presenting five concerts featuring two soloists and adding other musicians to the orchestra. A larger venue is planned at the new performing space at Chapel by the Sea in Lincoln City so that we may increase the number of guests attending. Soundwaves is also working on bringing music to the children of Lincoln City. It is the intention of Maestro Bergman to present a free concert for children and their families.

Children’s Summer Arts Workshops

Let There Be Arts, in partnership with the Lincoln County School District, has sponsored annual Children’s Summer Arts Workshops since 2004. The workshops are held at the Oceanlake or Taft Elementary school campuses for two to four weeks and are open to all children entering grades 1-10. Coastal visitors are welcome. The workshops vary each summer and have included a variety of mediums such as painting, tile making and mosaics, silk screening, computer arts, jewelry making, Japanese art and culture, mask making, drawing Japanese comics, calligraphy, recycled art, theater and more. Talented local artists and teachers conduct the workshops.

Childrens Saturday Arts

Let There Be Arts partners with Lincoln County School District and Neighbors for Kids in Depoe Bay to offer a variety of Saturday Arts classes and activities. The program has been held at both Oceanlake and Taft Elementary Schools for a series of Saturday morning sessions in a variety of mediums. For the past three years, Saturday Arts has been held at Kids Zone in Depoe Bay for the two Saturdays prior to the annual Wooden Boat Festival. Students attending produce on artwork focusing on the boat and ocean theme and their work is then displayed at the Festival.

Student Artshows in the Community

A rotation of artwork produced by students throughout Lincoln City is continually displayed at the local Starbucks. Student work has also been displayed at bookstores, the 4-C’s, and at the annual fundraising gala at the Freed Gallery. In addition, student artwork is featured in an annual show at Lincoln City City Hall.

Annual Fund Raising Gala at the Freed Gallery

This event has become one of the most popular, must attend parties of the year. Hailed as the main fundraiser for Let There Be Arts, the gala is held at the fabulous Freed Gallery and features local food, wine, a student art show and professional entertainment. For the price of a $50 ticket, guests also have the opportunity to purchase additional art, gifts, services donated by local and regional businesses and individuals. The highlight of the evening is the opportunity to purchase fine art by the artists featured at The Freed Gallery and donated to Let There Be Arts for the gala event. This event happens every year in the spring and quickly sells out.