Bend Parks-Rec may assume programs of closed Art Station

The Bend Park and Recreation District Board authorized staff on Friday to pursue the possibility of taking over arts and crafts programs previously provided by the recently closed Art Station.

The Art Station program was part of the offerings by Arts Central, a nonprofit that recently announced its closure after nearly 40 years of operation. It is the only portion of the organization being considered by the park district.

“Like the rest of the community, we felt the loss of the recent closure of Arts Central, said park district Executive Director Don Horton. “With our Board of Directors’ support, we are in discussions to possibly enter into a program to continue the programs previously provided at the Art Station.”

Bend’s historic rail depot that was disassembled from its decades-old spot along the railroad tracks and moved to its current site off Shevlin-Hixon Drive in Bend’s Old Mill District nearly 20 years ago.

“The Arts Central board of directors is very excited that Bend Park and Recreation District is considering assuming Art Station programs. The board and staff have received many heartfelt comments and support from the community, and appreciates all efforts to restore the vital services Art Station provided,” said Bert Kronmiller, Arts Central board president.

The Bend Park and Recreation District has been a partner of Arts Central for 13 years, offering art recreation and education for children and adults at the Art Station and we share many of the same program instructors.

“Creating a program – even when the facility and supplies are readily available – will take some time to organize,” Horton added.

The park district said it will continue discussions about a possible program at the Art Station and expects to have a decision in the coming weeks.

“The viability of this effort will be based on finding a long-term home for the programs and for the program to be financially sustainable,” Horton said.