Sherwood Center for the Arts buzzes this fall with Four Eights Artist Challenge

SHERWOOD, Ore. — As fall turns into early winter, local artistic displays are in abundance at the Sherwood Center for the Arts.

The Four Eights Artist Challenge opened October 13, featured on all gallery walls.  

The challenge, according to the arts center, is for each participant to create and complete four works of art on four eight-inch by eight-inch canvases, each with a singular theme. Artwork is on sale at prices ranging from $20 to $100 until December 15.

Chanda Hall, manager of the Sherwood arts center, said one of the goals when the center opened was to provide a space for visual art.  

“My understanding is that when plans were made for the Sherwood Center for the Arts, it was really important to the local artist community that there be a space for visual art as well, so they made their voices heard and made sure that there was space in the lobby that was gallery space, instead of just a traditional theatre lobby where tickets would be sold,” Hall said, noting there are now dedicated gallery walls. “We’ve expanded it throughout the years.”

The Four Eights Artist Challenge is gaining in popularity each year, according to Hall.

“We have four to five shows a year and two shows are annual shows,” she said. “The one (In October)  is probably the most anticipated show of the year.We have a large waiting list every year for artists who want to participate.”

She said for the challenge, the artists take the four eight-by-eight squares home with them.

“They have to come up with a theme and they can use any medium that they wish,” Hall said. “They need to create four pieces in a cohesive theme that will be displayed throughout October, November, and December.”

Hall said the show takes place each year and to enter, it’s first come first served.

“I think one of the beautiful things about this show is that it’s a true mix,” she said, noting artists range from students to seniors and includes those who create art as a hobby.

The size of each piece of art can create challenges, however.  

“Part of the fun with the eight-by-eight canvases — there are certain parameters and that forces people to be really creative,” Hall said.

Looking at this year’s event, Hall said, “Someone did dogs from Oregon Dog Rescue, one person did fairies, one person did Portland bridges, someone is doing a study of leaves, another one is classic literature.”

The annual event features artwork from around the area.

“A majority are Sherwood artists, there is one from Forest Grove, there’s one from Portland … most of them are Sherwood-based, which is always amazing to see what kind of depth of talent there is in our small town,” she said.

The event is growing each year with more participants involved, according to Hall.

“You have to be quick on the signup trigger,” she said. “Every year, there are more artists than there is space — if some day our gallery expands, we would love to expand this show, but right now our focus is that we want to make sure that every artist’s work is displayed in a thoughtful manner and given the room that it deserves.”

The Four Eights is but one of several events held yearly at the Sherwood Center for the Arts.

“This one is one of two annual shows we do,” she said. “The Four Eights always takes place around this time because it’s such a great time for people to buy art for their friends and family. It has become a great time to celebrate local art. I’ve bought a couple of these pieces for myself, I have to say.”

The second annual show, according to Hall, is the Student Art Show, which takes place mid-May through mid-August.

“That one’s fun because it’s all student artwork,” she said. “I love that show because you see students of any age — we reach out to local art teachers, studios, and schools — and we ask if they have artwork from their students they would like to submit.”

Hall said the free event is growing in popularity.

“This (Four Eights) is probably our most popular one,” she said. “Usually, we have one to three artists we’re focusing on, and this one we have over 40 artists.”

A lot of work is involved in presenting the Four Eights Artist Challenge.

“It’s one of our favorite shows,” Hall said.