Bend Park and Recreation District opens new Art Station at Larkspur Park.
Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The Bend Park and Recreation District opened its new 5,000-square-foot Art Station at Larkspur Park today in Bend, Ore. Located at 1650 SE Reed Market Road, the permanent center serves as a hub for art and enrichment programs for preschool, youth and adult participants.
The newly constructed center replaces temporary BPRD and community spaces used since 2022, when programs moved from their previous location in a historic train depot. The facility includes three classrooms, a clay studio, a gallery wall, administrative office space and restrooms. Large classroom windows offer natural light and views of surrounding trails and natural areas.
The center features a clay studio equipped with a kiln room, 12 pottery wheels and two kilns, more than doubling class capacity for ceramics, pottery and clay arts. Bend Park and Recreation District will also continue operating its Harmon Clay Studio alongside the new facility to meet community demand.
Two multi-purpose classrooms host a broad range of activities, including crafts, digital arts, drawing, glass arts, jewelry making, painting, mixed media, music, robotics, science and theater. Catherine Ellis serves as recreation manager for the district. “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,” Ellis said. “Opening the facility was a dream for several years and we're thrilled to begin our first classes this week.”
The facility's entryway features an Art Porch with 11 carved wood columns that rise 14 feet, designed to mirror Central Oregon's old-growth juniper trunks and columnar basalt outcroppings. The structure provides space to display exterior artwork banners and was funded in part by a $25,000 grant from The Bend Foundation.
Staff and art instructors plan to host free monthly drop-in open houses on the second Saturday of each month from November through February. These events will take place on Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13, featuring themed art activities for the public.
An official grand opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer building tours, staff introductions, art demonstrations and information on upcoming classes, workshops and facility rental opportunities.
