Art Station open at Larkspur Park
Bend Park and Recreation District announces that its newest facility is ready to welcome artists of all ages to the new Art Station at Larkspur Park. The new permanent home for art and enrichment programs is located at 1650 SE Reed Market Road and is open now for registration programs for preschool, youth and adults.
At 5,000 square feet, the newly constructed center features contemporary design, a lobby space, three classrooms including a clay studio with kiln room, gallery wall, office space and restrooms.
The surrounding natural area and trails are accentuated by large classroom windows, providing inspiration and space to create and play, while providing abundant natural light in the building.
“Inspired by the legacy of Arts Central and the old train depot former location at the Old Mill District, the new building offers a space for all to create, learn and connect with others,” said Catherine Ellis, BPRD recreation manager. “Opening the facility was a dream for several years and we’re thrilled to begin our first classes this week.”
In 2022, Art Station programs were moved from the train depot location and have been in a variety of BPRD and community locations while plans formed for the new home. The Art Station offers programs for all ages and multigeneration classes on days and times to complement activities at the Larkspur Community Center.
Clay Studio and Kiln Room
Clay is one of the most popular art programs, and the Art Station more than doubles capacity for classes. Activities include pottery, clay arts and ceramics with several mediums for preschool, youth and adults to learn and practice with twelve wheels and two kilns on site. The district will continue to operate its Harmon Clay Studio in addition to the Art Station to serve strong community interest.
View clay classes and register on the registration website.
Art and enrichment activities
Two multi-purpose classrooms will be used for broad activities including crafts, digital arts, drawing, glass arts, jewelry making, painting, mixed media, music, robotics, science, theater and no school day camps. See current offerings for youth classes and adult classes.
Grand opening and open houses
BPRD staff and art instructors will host a series of open houses this fall and winter, including an opening celebration on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1 p.m. to 3p.m. Community members are invited to tour the building, meet staff, enjoy an art demonstration and learn more about classes, workshops and rental opportunities available.
Monthly open houses will be offered on the second Saturday of each month – Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13 – and will feature art themes at each event. The events are free and drop-in for the public.
Art Porch donated by Bend Foundation
The entry to the Art Station includes 11 carved wood columns, inspired by Central Oregon’s old-growth juniper trunks, eroded by the elements, and the region’s outcropping of columnar basalt. The Art Porch columns rise 14 feet toward the sky and create a striking entrance and ability to display artwork on exterior banners. BPRD received a $25,000 grant from The Bend Foundation for this important feature of the facility.
Learn more on the Art Station webpage.
