M.E.C.C.A.: The Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts

Calendar

Upcoming Events

New Exhibit for March:
Detritus

March 3-March 27


For the month of March, we will display the work of Marilyn Kent and Jill Mardin. Their exhibit is titled "Detritus." The two women artists' work incorporates found objects and mixed media in striking, sculptural wall based pieces. You're invited to our opening reception during the First Friday Downtown Art Walk on March 5th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Both Kent and Mardin point to art historical influences for their use of scrap materials. Kent notes that her current body of work is a response to sculptor Louise Nevelson's "painstaking attention to detail," while Mardin cites the impact of Dada and Outsider art as well as Joseph Cornell's sculptures on her work. Both artists also recognize that the creative process has helped them grow after painful experiences in their lives.


Making Tarps for Haiti

March 20, 11-3pm


Ruby Sprengle, a U of O Product Design student has the great idea of creating tarps by fusing plastic bags together for the homeless in Haiti. As the Haitians face the rainy season, they're finding there are not enough water proof shelters. Ruby is now redirecting a previous project to help Haitians and needs our help in collecting plastic bags and constructing tarps. If you're interested and would like to find out more, visit Ruby's blog
Utility Quilt. You can bring your plastic bags for Ruby to MECCA during our open hours.

TARP MAKING EVENT AT MECCA, MARCH 20, 11-3PM. BRING IRONS! (irons will not be damaged by plastic)
Let's help support Ruby in her resourceful humanitarian efforts!

Ongoing

Crafty Birthday Parties at MECCA!

Are you or your child crafty and creative? Then consider MECCA for your next birthday party. We have a great space and will provide a guided recycled art activity for your party goers. All materials included. We have a partial kitchen and fridge for cake and refreshments. We charge a sliding scale fee of $6-10 per person for a 2 hour party. For more information call Mija at 302-1810. You can view and print our party registration form.

First Friday Art Walks.

Every First Friday, stop by MECCA as you stroll the Art Walk. We have monthly art exhibits on display and our studio and materials exchange is open to the public as well. It's an excellent time to experience the creative possibilities of MECCA!

Community Art Workshops (For Teens and Adults)

At MECCA's downtown studio, 449 Willamette St., Eugene, OR (right next to the Amtrak Station)

MECCA offers community workshops on a variety of topics, including silk screen and printmaking. See the Workshops page for listings of upcoming classes.

Weekend Art Activities for Kids

Saturdays, Drop in 11am-3pm, At MECCA's downtown studio, 449 Willamette St., Eugene, OR (right next to the Amtrak Station)

See the Workshops page for a schedule of upcoming activities!

Open Studio

Tuesday, 10am-3pm
Wednesdays, 10am-3pm
Thursdays, 10am-3pm & 6pm-9pm
Saturdays 11am-3pm

Come chat, snack, create. and share ideas with other crafty folks! Bring your own materials, or rummage through our inexpensive supplies.

See the Open Studio page for more information.

ATC (Artist Trading Card) In-Person SWAP

On the last Sat of every month, 11am - 12:30 pm
at MECCA, 449 Willamette St., Eugene, OR (right next to the Amtrak Station)

Join MECCA and other community artists at our downtown studio. We'll provide refreshments, MECCA goodie bags and a technique demo for all who attend. You don't know what an ATC is? Well here is Wikipedia's definition: Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art about the same size as baseball cards and thin enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets. The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origin in Switzerland. The cards are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold.

See the Open Studio page for more information.