PLAYA, a residency program for artists and scientists, is excited to host our first Art/Science Gala and Live Auction at the World Forestry Center in Portland, OR on September 24, 2016. All are welcome to join us with a reception and preview from 6:00-7:00 pm and Live Auction with pop-up performances beginning at 7:00 in the Discovery Museum at the World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Road Portland.

PLAYA, a non-profit facility located in remote Summer Lake, Oregon, which provides the gift of time and solitude for visual, literary and performing artists and scientists to focus on their work through its residency program. A residency provides lodging, work-space, interaction with a cohort group of residents and some meals at no charge. We hope to bridge the dialogue between the arts and sciences through thematic place based programming, presentations, symposia and workshops. The intention of all of our programming is to support creative individuals who are committed and passionate about their work, and who will benefit from time spent in PLAYA’s inspirational remote location. PLAYA also provides a variety of opportunities to engage with the local communities of rural Lake County, Oregon through free programs and educational activities such as PLAYA Presents, workshops and performances.

PLAYA has been recognized recently with awards and support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Folklife Network and the Ford Family Foundation (Golden Spot Award) for our innovative contributions supporting artists and scientists.

The work in the auction assembled from 36 former residents, was curated as a traveling exhibit. The exhibit, Sediments, Sequences and Solitude has traveled from Roseburg to Bend and is now in its final location at the World Forestry Center. Thanks to the generosity of the artists, many of the works have been donated for auction on September 24. Now in its sixth year this is PLAYA’s first fundraiser.

The Art/Science Gala and Auction will begin with a preview and catered reception from 6:00-7:00pm, followed by the live auction with guest performances by Tim Whitsel, Ellen Waterston, Dan Raphael, Mizu Desierto, Pepper Trail and other special guests. In addition to the artworks, auction items will include signed literary collections, unique experiences, a weekend birding excursion led by ornithologist Pepper Trail, a weekend archaeology excursion led by archaeologist Dennis Jenkins and more. Each of the excursions will include lodging for four (2 cabins) at PLAYA, and catered dinners with the host. View items and bid online at www.playasummerlake.org/auction.

For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please contact PLAYA Executive Director Deborah Ford at 541-943-3983 or deborahford@playasummerlake.org.