Artists Come In All Sizes

The August Last Friday Artwalk signaled an intent on the part of Upstart Crow to add something new. The Crow is working on hosting youth band concerts. We found a couple of worthy candidates on the stage (indoor and out) this month.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (T.S.F.) took the stage to crowd of fans last night at the Artwalk. Concerned about the acoustic nature of the group, not to mention Mother Nature's unexpected rain shower, they opted to perform

inside in the Crows Nest Community Theatre. The group had a wonderful mix of harmonies and personalities that jumped out on stage. With limited instrumentation - a guitar and a set of drums, the group had almost an acappella style. An impressive set of hand crafted drums was played by a remarkable young drummer who rivaled Kings of Perscussion like Ginger Baker. What a great group and they are on the list for upcoming events.

Outside, under the stars and along a fence of paintings of musicians, Angel Torres Mann took her guitar in hand and sang heartfelt melodies, including one that was written for her brother who died tragically earlier in the year. Her sweet voice and melodious guitar touched those gathering around for the acoustic calm of the evening. You had only to look to the art hanging along the fence for the inspiration of blending art and music. She was one of the models for the artist, Erin Bucklew, in a series of paintings created on Monday nights at Allann Brothers Coffee House in Eugene. Erin, along with other artists, use their artistic talents to capture the soul of the musicians who play there on Monday nights. It was wonderful to see Angel perform to the backdrop of these paintings and the mural, all capturing the winged spirit of Upstart Crow Studios.

The Flying Crow

The summer is winding down but it seems the crow is flying high. Mural artists Erin Bucklew and Kari Johnson started on the mural project this year thanks in part to a grant from the Lane Arts Council. It was unveiled at the Last Friday Artwalk in July, but this Friday, August 28th it will be revealed in all its glory.
Erin, along with some of our young crows, have added bits and pieces to make the Flying Crow a symbol for all the arts, young people and most of all to the power of creative expression within all of us. It celebrates the artist within each of us and the imagination that inspires us. A tribute to the collaborative energy in the Studios, this project has evolved into a master work with new something to discover each time you look at it.
Come join us at the final summer Artwalk and see other works by Erin Bucklew and Alex D'Souza. Come dance the night away with our eclectic youth bands playing in the parking lot from 6 to 9 pm. Come see why Upstart Crow Studios is the best kept secret in Eugene!

Making A Difference

"This place must be the best kept secret in Eugene", says Lane Arts Council Director, Douglas Beauchamp. What is not a secret is the difference Upstart Crow Studios is making in the lives of the young people who come to the Crow.

This summer we have been hard at work making the power of creative expression a reality for a talented young artist. Joel Fish knocked on the door asking what he could do to make a difference. His vision began on a blank wall on the catwalk over the main dance studio. It was there he found a canvas that awakened his power to express a powerful message to all who pass through. 

Two simple words now grace the catwalk wall. Pursue. Passion. From vision to execution, Joel captured the essence of the energy in this building. The small addition of motivators - "if you can dream it, you can do it" and "the power of creative expression" boldly speak to what happens at the Crow. 

Upstart Crow Studios proudly joins the Last Friday Artwalk in the Whiteaker neighborhood. Artwalkers are compelled by the message and at once engaged in the possibilities. Becoming less of a secret and more the talk of the town, Upstart Crow Studios looks forward to another outstanding season.