FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RecRoom
Opening in the South Hills of Eugene
OPENING SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 12–4PM
We are pleased to announce the opening of RecRoom, a refined and intimate space for exhibiting high-caliber contemporary art in Eugene, Oregon. RecRoom’s curatorial program will focus on beautifully made and conceptually rigorous work from artists practicing at the leading edge of contemporary art discourse. Our exhibitions will feature some of the most relevant and exciting artists based here in our community and present them in dialogue with nationally- and internationally-based artists. RecRoom will host quarterly exhibitions along with other events including artist talks, discussions, and other convivial gatherings.
Owner and director Sarah Finlay brings over 20 years experience working in the visual arts as a gallerist, curator, lecturer, and writer. From 2000-2006, she directed and co-owned (with husband Patrick Murcia) Fusebox, a ground-breaking and critically acclaimed contemporary exhibition space in Washington, DC, dedicated to presenting intelligent and innovative work. The 1,700 sf gallery promoted and nurtured emerging and mid-career artists from Washington, DC, and around the world.
“Our inspiration for RecRoom came from our love of entertaining in our beloved mid-century home,” noted Finlay. “We see this gallery as a salon in the Gertrude Stein or Louise Bourgeois tradition. When we renovated the 300 sf space, it was intended to be an elegant domestic sanctuary where we could show our own collection, entertain, and enjoy time with family and friends. After contemplating the viability of opening a conventional storefront gallery in downtown Eugene, we realized this space in our South Hills home was perfectly scaled and suited to our vision. We love the idea of people experiencing art in a relaxed domestic setting, because ultimately that’s where most of the work will live.”
RecRoom will help foster a dialogue about collecting and supporting working artists. “Our goal is to educate and support collectors in making informed and confident decisions when acquiring art,” Finlay added. “We believe that collectors are the backbone of a healthy visual arts community and our mission is to build the collector base here and demonstrate that one can acquire high-quality work or build a substantive collection without traveling to major art centers. And we will present work that is accessible to those outside the one percent. RecRoom will bring emerging collectors and enthusiasts into dialogue with artists, curators, writers, and academics to build a more lively and robust arts ecosystem. We will celebrate and support excellence; we will encourage, collaborate, and together raise the bar for the visual arts in Eugene/Springfield.
Gallery Hours Sundays 12PM–4PM and by appointment | Street parking along 44th Avenue
recroomeugene.com | RecRoomEugene@gmail.com | 541.525.0411 | 4415 Hilyard Street | Eugene, Oregon | 97405