Linn-Benton Community College to Unveil Three New Works of Art at Chinook Hall

Linn-Benton Community College is unveiling three new sculptures led by the Benton Center Art Committee (BCAC) at Chinook Hall on September 7th at 4:00 pm. The sculptures were created by LBCC faculty members Renee McKitterick and Marc Rose.

“The pandemic slowed the process down,” said Marc Rose, LBCC Welding Department Chair. “But that also gave us time so we didn’t rush to create something. Renee had the idea to add benches and really make this a place for people to gather.”

“When we see a work of art every day it can become just another part of our routine or even an obstacle we are trying to move around,” said Renee McKitterick, LBCC Art Department Chair. “When that happens, you stop seeing the art. We wanted to make a place that encouraged students to loiter.”

This project was made possible by the hard work of the BCAC, a $2,000 grant from the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians, as well as other donations from community members. In addition to the sculptures, there are three Emily Steele sculptures on permanent loan from The Arts Center that will also be on display at Chinook Hall.

The public unveiling and dedication will feature light refreshments and a tour of the recently opened Chinook Hall. The artists and members of the BCAC will be available to answer questions about the works of art.

Benton Center Arts Committee History

BCAC was formed in 2017 by the request of The Arts & Aesthetics Resource Team (AART) at Linn-Benton Community College and the Benton Center Director, Jeff Davis, to assist with a new college building funded by the passage of a state bond for the LBCC Benton Center campus in Corvallis. BCAC includes a group of volunteers who are local artists, alumni, citizens, and staff—all of who care deeply about the arts in our college community.