‘Art in the Parks’ at Smith Rock, others

Five Oregon artists will deliver special presentations about the history and cultural significance of their craft at state parks across Oregon during the month of June.

“Art in the Parks” is sponsored by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) along with the University of Oregon’s Oregon Folklife Network (OFN), the Oregon Arts Commission, and the Oregon Cultural Trust.

“The program is a great opportunity to work with heritage and arts organizations to showcase cultural traditions in Oregon while also bringing people out to enjoy scenic state parks,” said Roger Roper, deputy state historic preservation officer with OPRD.

Each artist will appear with a folklorist from the OFN, the state’s designated folk and traditional arts program, in collaboration with a local arts organization. The featured events and presenters are:

* “The Roots of American Folk Music,” by singer Mark Ross and folklorist Emily West, in collaboration with the Salem Art Association. Ross will perform old time music on banjo, mandolin, harmonica and other instruments and provide an entertaining look at the history of folk music in Oregon. June 8 , 2-4 p.m. at Silver Falls State Park. Located 20 miles southeast of Silverton off OR-214 S.

* “The Art of Fly-Tying,” by fly fisher and fly-tyer Sherry Steele and folklorist Riki Saltzman, in collaboration with the Rogue Gallery and Art Center in Medford. Steele will discuss fly-tying’s significance in Oregon fishing traditions and folk art and showcase the many types of materials used to make flies. Attendees can try tying their own fly with provided supplies. June 15, 10 a.m.-noon and 7-9 p.m. at Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area. Located 10 miles southwest of Prospect on OR-62 W.

* “Traditional Karuk Basket Weaving,” by weaver Wilverna Reece and folklorist Emily West, in collaboration with Arts Central of Bend. Reece will explain the intricacies of gathering materials for Karuk baskets and demonstrate traditional weaving techniques. June 15, 10 a.m.-noon at Smith Rock State Park, 3.5 miles east of Terrebonne on NE Crooked River Dr.

* “Artistry Traditions of the Wasco and Klamath Cultures,” by fiber artist Pat Courtney Gold and folklorist Riki Saltzman, in collaboration with the Ross Ragland Theater in Klamath Falls. Gold will demonstrate how she makes Wasco “Sally Bags,” functional and decorative art objects made with local grasses or fibers, and explain the significance of motifs in Wasco and Klamath weaving. June 22, 10 a.m.-noon at Collier State Park. Located 5 miles north of Chiloquin on US-97 N.

* “Traditional Kalapuya Storytelling,” by storyteller Esther Stutzman and folklorist Lyle Murphy, in collaboration with the Lane Arts Council in Eugene. Stutzman’s interactive style will engage young and old as she performs stories from Kalapuya oral histories. June 29 , 7-9 p.m. at Fall Creek State Recreation Area’s Cascara Campground. Located 5.5 miles northeast of Lowell on Peninsula Road.

All events are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome–no registration is required. One-time day-use parking permits at Silver Falls State Park and Smith Rock State Park cost $5. For more information about the artists, visit ofn.uoregon.edu. For directions to the parks, visit www.oregonstateparks.org .