The Bay City Arts Center (BCAC) Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the new appointment of an Executive Director. After 25 years, we are busier than ever, with growing demand for programs and our historic building in Bay City. As a community-run arts center, we have been sustained by volunteers, our many amazing board members over the years, and a dedicated long-term volunteer Executive Director who served until 2023. BCAC outlined a new paid, part-time ED role in their 2025-2030 Strategic Plan to support the increased demand on administrative, fundraising, and operational needs of our organization.
BCAC is delighted to announce that local leader Lauren Sorg has stepped into this role as of this month. Lauren has a deep background in non-profit leadership in Tillamook County, serving as Executive Director for Food Roots from 2015-2023, developing beloved programs like the local food marketplace and delivery program, beginning farmer incubation and low-income food access programs. Additionally, Lauren is currently serving a three-year term on Oregon Community Foundation’s North Coast Leadership Council which advises on community needs and challenges in our region.
Lauren began working with BCAC in March of 2025 as a non-profit consultant and grant writer, bringing in over $65,000 in funding, including funds for a new youth after school theater program as well as funding from Bay City TLT to support tourist-related activities such as art workshops and cultural performances.
“Lauren has done an amazing job moving us forward and we can’t wait to see her lasting impact as her role adapts,” said Dani Grutoski, Board President. “I’m looking forward to reconnecting with community members and working alongside the BCAC board, volunteers and community groups to continue making creative and impactful opportunities for our community,” said Lauren. She is prioritizing building repairs and revitalization of the arts center’s historic building in Bay City, along with fundraising and program development.
Upcoming Events:
“Caution: Funky Kids at Play” Live Concert & Movie Filming
Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 6-8:30pm
The Jesse Lee Falls Band is back with a special performance of their album “Caution: Funky Kids at Play.” This is a FREE performance that will be live-filmed for a documentary of the band. Donations to the Bay City Arts Center are encouraged.
Two Oregon Artists join us for February’s Artist of the Month Gallery Showing
February 6, 2026 from 5-7pm
Robbie McClaran’s work will be featured in our upstairs gallery space. McClaran is a documentary and fine art photographer, producer and photo editor, based in Oregon whose work focuses on the American people and landscape.
Eduardo Cruz Torres is a self-taught mixed-media artist and performer and his work will be featured in our downstairs gallery. He also leads the cultural group, Huehca Omeyocan Art, Music and Dance of the Cem-Anahuac (universe) and they will be performing the very next day on February 7th in a special Ocean Celebration. Local partners will have marine and watershed advocacy tables in the downstairs hall during both Cruz’s gallery showing and performance the following day.
Huehca Omeyocan Art, Music and Dance of the Cem-Anahuac (universe):
A Winter Glimpse of the Beloved Ocean Celebration!
February 7, 2026 from 6-8:30pm
Join local communities and visitors alike this February and experience the spirit of the beloved annual Ocean Celebration—traditionally held each August at Cape Lookout—through two special events at the Bay City Arts Center. The events highlight the work of Eduardo Cruz, a self-taught mixed-media artist, performer, and the founder of Huehca Omeyocan, the cultural group behind the “Ocean Celebration”.
Taking place on Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7, the events offer two distinct ways to engage—through visual art and live performance. Attendees are welcome to join one or both events to celebrate Eduardo’s artwork, experience cultural performance, and learn more about the Ocean Celebration’s decade-long legacy as it approaches its 10th anniversary in 2026.
On Friday, February 6, Eduardo Cruz will be featured as February’s Artist of the Month during the Bay City Arts Center’s First Friday gallery opening. The exhibit will showcase his visually striking wood-burning artwork, alongside cultural artifacts from the Ocean Celebration.The evening will also include participation from local environmental partners who help organize the celebration—such as Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS and Oregon Shores—highlighting the powerful intersection of art, culture, and environmental stewardship.
The celebration continues on Saturday, February 7, with a ticketed live performance at the Bay City Arts Center. Huehca Omeyocan, led by Eduardo Cruz, will present an Ancestral Music & Dance Celebration, featuring traditional drumming, Aztec dance, and interactive audience participation. “This immersive experience honors the living traditions of Anahuac (Mesoamerican) culture,” says Cruz. “The performance includes a beautifully curated display of instruments and artifacts from cultures across Mesoamérica, inviting audiences to engage, immerse, and connect with the rhythms and stories of these ancestral traditions.”
Together, these two events offer a rare winter opportunity to experience the creativity, cultural depth, and community partnerships that have made the Ocean Celebration a meaningful annual tradition on the Oregon coast.
Event Details
- Gallery Opening: Friday, February 6, 5-7 p.m., 2026; free event
- Live Performance: Saturday, February 7, 6-8:30 p.m., 2026
- Tickets for Saturday’s live performance are $20. For more information and to purchase tickets online go to: netartsbaywebs.org/events or https://www.baycityartscenter.com
- Location: Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A Street, Bay City, OR 97107
Stay connected
Eduardo Cruz on instagram: @huehcaomeyocan
Bay City Arts Center: https://baycityartscenter.com Social: @baycityartscenter
Friends of Netarts Bay: https://netartsbaywebs.org Social: @netartsbaywebs
Oregon Shores: https://www.oregonshores.org
Oregon State Parks: https://stateparks.oregon.gov
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.tillamookcountypioneer.net ’
