By Randi Bjornstad
Three new exhibits fill the walls at the Emerald Art Center in downtown Springfield, with opening receptions on Feb. 10 during Springfield’s Second Friday Art Walk.
An internationally known poet, R.K. Johnson, recognized for cultural integration, creativity and unity of knowledge, will lead the walk, which runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins at the art center. His poetry is infused with the music and rhythm of a career as a classical and jazz performer.
There will be poetry at each stop on the tour, as well as a talk with artists and an open mic for sharing personal poetry at the last stop on the tour at the Cascade Center for Spiritual Living at 741 Main St.
Photographic portraits by Matthew DeFeo include his own
At the Emerald Art Center, the most arresting show may be the images by Oregon photographers, including the up close and personal portraits of Matthew DeFeo, of which none is more compelling than his own self-portrait.
Downstairs there is the regular show of art by members of the Emerald Art Center collective, as well as vibrant artwork in a variety of media by Jill Atkins, who is the gallery’s featured artist for February.
Jill Atkins’ work spans landscapes and birds, expressed in watercolors and acrylics
Her work ranges from brilliantly portrayed peacocks and rooster to landscapes and profusions of brightly colored leaves, primarily in watercolors and acrylics.
Then there’s a lovely exhibit of juried pieces sponsored by Chamber Music Amici, which will choose one of the dozen or so entries for use on its annual posters and other promotional material.
Paula Goodbar’s “Serafina’s Secret” is one of the artworks in contention for the Chamber Music Amici prize
These artworks have a great range, including two submitted by the center’s director, Paula Goodbar, who specializes in gorgeous abstract photographs, one titled “Serafina’s Secret.”
Another is a brilliantly colored rendition of a young musician, painted by Sandy Brown Jensen and called “The Passionate Cellist in a Fauvist Mood.”
The third show is the regular exhibit of works by members of the Emerald Art Center. This go-round, it includes several interesting pieces, including “Judges” by Springfield artist Rick Simpson, a 
beautiful photograph of the plant called “Bleeding Hearts” by Deb Ingebretsen and a whimsical (and full) martini glass by Patricia Montoya Donohue.
The show will be up through February at 500 Main St. in downtown Springfield.
Emerald Art Center
Where: 500 Main St., Springfield
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Information: 541-726-8595 or emeraldartcenter.org
