LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: The Arts Center

A Community Hub for Creativity: The Arts Center Keeps Corvallis Connected

Apr 07, 2026

In the 1960s, a grassroots push from local artists, civic leaders, and university art programs led to the creation of the Corvallis Arts Council, the first of its kind in Oregon and the 27th in the nation. In 2008, the organization rebranded as The Arts Center, reflecting a broader mission to welcome and connect all people and communities through the arts across the greater Corvallis area. You know we love a good grassroots effort.

Tucked just off Central Park, The Arts Center has become one of Corvallis’ most important cultural anchors for decades. Founded in the early 1960s, the nonprofit operates out of a historic 1889 building and has long focused on a simple mission: making art accessible to everyone. Through exhibitions, classes, and community programming, it continues to serve as a creative hub for locals of all ages and backgrounds.

The Arts Center is funded through grants and donations.

Located at 700 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333

A Call For Consignment Artist

The Arts Center’s ArtShop is a retail space featuring work from more than 60 local and regional artists and is actively looking to expand.

The organization has put out a call for new consignment artists, encouraging Oregon creatives (especially those from Linn and Benton counties) to apply. It’s free to submit, and selections are based on originality, quality, and the ability to keep inventory fresh. Here is some more info if you are looking to apply:

https://theartscenter.net/call-for-artshop-artists/

A Job Opening

The organization is also hiring for a retail manager to run the Art Shop:

“Full Time Exempt – $45,000/yr. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, as well as regularly scheduled after-hours events. Additional shifts outside of regular hours may sometimes be assigned. Includes competitive paid leave benefits and option to enroll in TAC’s group health plan and Simple IRA with a 3% match.”

That comes out to around $21.60 an hour. Application info can be found here.

Current Exhibits

Current exhibitions at The Arts Center continue to rotate throughout the year, showcasing a mix of local and regional talent. Recent and ongoing shows include “Reformation” by Kim Smith Claudel in the Main Gallery, running through early May, alongside exhibits like “Animal Husbandry” by Ketzia Schoneberg in the Corrine Woodman Gallery.

Earlier this spring also featured community-driven work like the Howland Community Open and solo exhibitions such as Ron Walker’s “Paintings from the Suburbs.” The steady rotation of exhibits keeps the space fresh, and something new to experience every time you walk through the doors.

The Arts Center isn’t just a gallery… it is a community-supported ecosystem. It partners with the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department and relies on local participation, whether that’s through memberships, donations, volunteering, or simply buying a piece of art from the shop.

In a time when many arts organizations struggle to stay afloat, Corvallis’ Arts Center continues to evolve, adding new artists, hiring new staff, and keeping up on the local creative scene.

And if you’ve never stepped inside, now might be a good time.