(Above: Final MoonSet by Susan Applegate, one of the many artists who have been part of the Maude Kerns Art Center in the past 75 years.)

Edited by Randi Bjornstad

The Maude Kerns Art Center opens its latest show, LEGACY: 75th Anniversary Exhibit, with a celebration at the center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025.

The show includes works by 75 selected artists whose creations have been important to the development and history of the nonprofit MKAC., founded in 1950 by a varied group of artists. They included the center’s namesake, Maude Kerns, who was known internationally for her “non-objective” art, defined as abstract art that focuses on color, texture, shape,  and line rather than identifiable figures, scenes, or objects.

The exhibit includes works by many of those earliest members, such as LaVerne Krause, artistic couple Anne and David McCosh, Mike Van, James Bartell, Sylvia Seder, Ron Tore Jansen.

In addition to the artwork, the show brings out many other items to help explain the center’s history, including archival materials, binders showing art center programs through the decades — including the Art and the Vineyard Festival, Clothesline Sale, and the Jello Art Show — that have been staple events of the community.

Members of the public who visit the show are encouraged to take part in an oral history project by entering a special Story Booth and recording their own memories of the center and its importance in their lives.

Celebration of the 75th anniversary will continue throughout the year. The opening on May 16 will include remarks by Michael Fisher, the center’s executive director. The exhibit will run through June 20.

LEGACY: 75th Anniversary Exhibit

When: May 16 through June 20, 2025, with opening celebration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16

Where: Maude Kerns Art Center, 1910 E. 15th Ave., Eugene (corner of 15th and Villard streets)

Regular gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday when exhibits are on display

Information: 541-345-1571 or mkartcenter.org

The nonprofit Maude Kerns Art Center always has stressed education as well as promotion of already experienced artists. This undated photo shows artist and early center member LaVerne Krause with a group of children attending an art class.