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Pressing On

New Life (and Name) for a Bend Gallery

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Call it happy—but not an ending.

That's because it's a fresh new start for the printmaking studio and gallery space formally known as Atelier 6000, located in Bend's Box Factory. After surviving a serious financial crisis over the spring, A6, as it was more commonly called, has now rebranded itself as the Bend Art Center.

One big reason? Simple. Neither of its former names caught on with the public—leaving many confused as to what exactly was happening inside. That won't be a problem any longer. "We are already seeing a shift in this mindset of the public with the name change," says new BAC Executive Director Alexis Chapman. "The community at large seems less timid to come through our doors and take advantage of our programming."

Along with the new name comes big changes. While the A6 studio will still offer book arts and printmaking workshops inside the Center, we can now expect a much broader variety of art displays. That includes both photography and sculpture slated for the main exhibition space. Bend Art Center also plans to host guest speakers as well as monthly art appreciation programs.

This change did not come without an outpouring of support. Community partners, artist members and the A6 board all chimed in with ideas on the next step. "The rebrand felt like the next chapter of our story," Chapman says.

To honor its printmaking legacy, the A6 Studio will continue to live on inside the Bend Art Center—offering Central Oregon's only publicly accessible print facility. Chapman notes the Center will "offer press play every Saturday throughout July for anyone that wants to come by and discover the magic of an etching press."