This is a story of local Oregon (art) history. During the early sixties through the seventies when there was a revolution in thinking across the country, the effects were not only felt in San Francisco at Berkeley, but also in small country places like Mt. Angel College in the Willamette Valley. This October the Benedictine and the Mt. Angel College alumni group will host an all-school reunion at the Oregon Garden Resort. The Dovetail Art Gallery in Silverton will be coordinating an art show with work from both instructors and students from the art department.
A unique group, teachers like Bruce West, Jim Shull, Pat Love, Lee Kelly, John Haugse, Gen Wilson-Barnhart, Leland John, were working there, to name a few, along with students like Pam Altree, Ann Altman, Lee and Josie Christiansen, Antonia Jenkins, Charles Hannegan, again just a few of the many people that went on to have distinguished and rewarding careers.
Of that time Lee Christiansen says, “For such a tiny little school the arts department was humming. They had a lot going on…it seemed to be a hub of activity. There were a lot of creative writers at the school too, and their contribution to the energy level was driving it higher all the time.” Pam Altree states, “In retrospect it was a magical time, no matter what was going on…it changed my life.”
Many of these artists stayed in the area and continue to work in Silverton, Mt. Angel, and Salem. This community of artists, brought here over 40 years ago through the college, continue to impact their community with the positive influence of their art. We invite you to join us at the MAC Aluminatti art exhibit, maybe to recapture some of the energy and stories that made this small town school such a memorable place for so many.
Gallery opening reception
- First Friday, October 2nd (6:30–9:00pm)
MAC Reunion Weekend
- Friday, October 9th: reunion reception (6:00–8:30pm)
- Saturday, October 10th: gallery hours (10am–2pm)