Art Show in Florence Brings Out Talent Around Central Oregon Coast

Published 08/18/25 at 4:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Diving into the fun times and repose of one central Oregon coast town just became a little more cultured.

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) is bringing a splash of local creativity to the coast with its August exhibit, “Summer Fun,” now on display at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center Art Gallery.

“This is a very cool, colorful, and tactile exhibit from FRAA,” said Bettina Hannigan, president and CEO of the Chamber. “It’s a perfect reflection of the energy and vibrancy of summer in Florence.”

The show features a wide range of three-dimensional works, including a whale-themed vase by Siobhan Holden, a lifelike felted Gold-Crowned Kinglet bird by Donna Mlinek, and Tidepool Touch by Cleo Goss - a hands-on installation that blends natural and artistic elements.

“Cleo wants visitors to touch everything in it,” said FRAA member and exhibit coordinator Kristin Anderson. “Some parts are found objects like shells, while others are crafted to mimic nature. It’s a sensory experience that connects art with the coastal environment.”

Mlinek’s felted bird sculptures are known for their realism and detail. “Donna is a bird enthusiast who creates exact replicas of real birds,” Anderson said. “Each one takes considerable time to craft, and the detail is astonishing.”

The exhibit also features works from an extensive variety of FRAA artists, including:

Crystal Barnes – Resin
Kat Cunningham – Acrylic Collage
Debra Fralick – Greeting Cards
Debi Ford – Ceramics
Harriet Goldman-Greene – Print from Marble Stonecut
Siobhan Holden – Ceramics
Claudia Ignatieff – Oil Painting
John Leasure – Oil Painting
Teakki Legg – Watercolor & Ink
Karen Marie – Watercolor & Ink
Karen Mohr – Watercolor Painting
Brigitte Parker – Oil Painting
Christine Santiago – Photo on Canvas
Robin Siewell – Watercolor Painting
Lauren Suveges – Acrylic Painting
Patti Williams – Oil Painting
Teresa Zook – Textile

FRAA is a nonprofit organization with an art center located at 120 Maple Street in Florence. The artists featured in this exhibit represent a portion of FRAA’s 180+ members and sponsors, all united in the mission to support the arts and position Florence as a regional arts destination along the Oregon coastline.

The Chamber’s Visitor Center is located at 290 Highway 101 and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays through August from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For more information about FRAA, call 541-997-4435. To learn more about the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, contact Bettina Hannigan at 541-997-3128 or email Bettina@FlorenceChamber.com.

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