Writing Wednesdays
Nov
5

Writing Wednesdays

Writing Wednesdays at OAC!
Starting this month, join us every Wednesday night from 7pm-8:30pm at The Open Arts Center for a free evening of writing, connection, and creativity.

  • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: Poetry

  • 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: Prose

  • 5th Wednesdays: Open Mic Night!

Each week alternates between generative workshops (time to write, share, and spark new ideas) and feedback sessions (a supportive space to exchange thoughtful responses). Open to adults 18+, all levels welcome.

Bring your notebook, your voice, and your curiosity. Let’s write together!

Questions? Email: claire@theopenartscenter.org

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Spooky Carnival!
Oct
25

Spooky Carnival!

The Open Arts Center & Board House Society Present: Spooky Carnival!

Step inside the new Open Arts Center for a pre-opening Spooky Carnival! Skate, circus, music & magic—Oct 25, 1–5PM, all ages!

RSVP HERE

The Open Arts Center invites you to be part of something magical. Before our doors officially open to the public, we’re welcoming the community into our brand-new home with a one-of-a-kind Spooky Carnival, hosted in collaboration with Board House Society.

This is more than just an event—it’s your chance to be among the first to experience our new arts center and help us celebrate the creativity that will live here for years to come.

Board House Open Skate, Mini Comps & Costume Skate | Lava City Cirque Aerial silks & circus magic | High Desert Fire Artists Fire spinning | Live music by Teen band Hella Shy + DJs & dancing | Costume-making, crafts & face painting Carnival games, photo booth & scary stories | Tarot readings

Popcorn, cotton candy, tamales and street corn will be available to purchase with carnival tickets available at the door: $20 for 10 tickets

🎟 Suggested donation to RSVP - This is a fundraiser for The Open Arts Center!

All ages welcome • Family friendly • Costumes encouraged!

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Dias De Los Muertos Art and Craft Nights
Oct
9

Dias De Los Muertos Art and Craft Nights

Come help us prepare for Bend’s big Dias De Los Muertos downtown celebration on November 7th!

Dia De Los Muertos Art & Craft Nights at The Open Arts Center

We’re excited to partner with the Bend Latino community to help bring their beautiful Día De Los Muertos celebration to life on November 7th!

Join us for free, family-friendly craft nights every Thursday in October — come create art, connect, and celebrate together!

Dates: Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30
Time: 4–7 PM
Location: 999 NE 2nd St., Bend, OR
Soup provided!

Come help make decorations and crafts for the community altar and celebration. 

Please RSVP so we know how much soup to make:
maija@theopenartscenter.org

Let’s create, share, and honor together.

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OAC Donation Drive
Aug
23

OAC Donation Drive

OAC Art Supplies & Furniture Donation Drive | Help Us Furnish Our New Creative Home

Join hands with us to fill our community center with inspiration. We’re gathering art supplies, furniture, and instruments to furnish our new home in the Bend Central District, so local teens and artists can make, connect, and belong.

Saturday, August 23rd 10am - 2pm

999 NE 2nd St. Bend, Oregon

  • New or gently used art supplies: sketchpads, paints, brushes, canvases, clay, sewing supplies, beads, collage materials, etc.

  • Furniture: comfy chairs, tables, shelves, sofas, beanbags 

  • Musical instruments & audio gear: guitars, drums, piano, etc.

  • Tech & media tools: cameras, video modules, digital tools, recording equipment

  • Household items: rugs, lamps, stools, and community seating

Gift cards for local thrift, furniture and craft stores are also welcomed

If donating furniture or household items, please email us images before dropping off to make sure it aligns with our vision.

Contact us at claire@theopenartscenter.org

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Community Open House
July
29

Community Open House

Before we begin our build-out construction, we are opening our doors to share the vision of our new space! This is your chance to connect, collaborate, and help shape what’s to come.

Come explore our vision with interactive room vignettes featuring live painting, dancing, and music. Share your input through feedback stations to help shape the space. During the event, you’ll have the chance to support our fundraiser—sponsor furniture, materials, or even name a room!

Everyone’s welcome—bring a friend and be part of building something special.

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