Central Oregon’s Alicia Viani is a singer, songwriter and supporter of the Open Arts Center, a nonprofit on NE Second and Greenwood in Bend, she describes as a “creative arts center that provides free and accessible after school programming.” The Open Arts Center, or OAC for short, has been softly open since this past fall while they continue to raise funds and build artist spaces. Co-Founder Maija Kellner-Rode is encouraged by the community response so far, saying, “More than 400 people attended two major community events — a Community Open House and an October Spooky Carnival — and over 40 volunteers are already registered,” adding, “The OAC has also formed collaborative partnerships with many local organizations, and the response from the Central Oregon community has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring a clear need for this kind of creative resource in the region.”
Viani, with local musicians Beth Wood and Megan Alder, has organized a fundraising event called “Songwriters in the Round” on Jan. 23. Proceeds from ticket sales go to OAC. “Everyone will be actively helping us open our doors for free programming for youth and a whole range of opportunities for adults as well,” says Viani.
Guests can expect musical performances while enjoying light refreshments. Viani is excited for the opportunity to work with other artists, saying, “The evening will be a songwriter-in-the-round structure, where we each sing an original then pass the spotlight to the next artist.” The artists have also “joined up to learn a few of each other’s songs…The very first rehearsal gave me chills.”
The Source spoke with Viani to learn more about her involvement with the OAC.
Credit: Laura Schneider
the Source: How did you become involved with the Open Art Center?
Alicia Viani: Katie Dunbar, one of the initial board members, was collaborating with me on logo design for my dried flower art business, Love After Love Flowers (IG: @love_after_love_flowers). She invited me to an open house event, and I was immediately swept up in the palpable enthusiasm the Bend community showed up with. People are hungry for “3rd spaces,” (not home or work/school) to hang out in, be creative, be social, be quiet, be structured, be loose and improvise in. The board members at the time made a flow chart of the expertise and experience they all had covered and what they wanted to bring to the team, while I was simultaneously contemplating how I wanted to volunteer locally in a personal, meaningful way, and we were aligned!
tS: What brought you and the other musicians together?
AV: This is the first time the three of us are collaborating all together on a project, and it is so delightful already. We’ve been aware of the many ways each of us contributes artistically to our community. Both Megan and Beth are active in educational programming and community outreach and wanted to support the OAC’s mission. We wanted to be able to sing together, enjoy each other’s art and participate in an intentional, soulful musical experience. They are truly so talented, and each have a one-of-a-kind sound. I can’t wait to sit back when it’s my turn to listen and absorb all the beauty!
tS: You seem to be actively involved with a lot of the music and art happening in Bend. How do you decide which groups and organizations to get involved with?
AV: It’s true, and I am grateful that there are so many opportunities. This town loves art! As a musician, I experience something rich every chance I get to make music in any place or in any ensemble because it’s when I feel most alive. There’s nothing like the creative connection and communication between musicians. It is most personally gratifying, however, to take gigs that are hosted intentionally in listening environments because the intimacy usually felt between musicians extends to the audience. The presence of the audience is a gift, and we all go through the journey of the songs together, cause folks feel our art right along with us. I chose to volunteer my time and energy as a board member to the Open Arts Center because it is committed to being inclusive and accessible to our diverse community members, so each can find belonging in a creative home that celebrates their unique expression.
Songwriters In-The-Round
Fri., Jan. 23, 7-9pm
Open Arts Center
999 NE 2nd St. Bend
eventbrite.com
$23-$55
This article appears in the Source January 15, 2026.
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