YACHATS – The public is invited to attend an evening of art, music, education and community action centered around coastal forest health at the Yachats Commons from 4-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28.
Forest Through the Trees presented by the Emerald Curtain Collective is billed as a fundraiser and awareness event celebrating the Siuslaw National Forest. The five-hour “immersive experience” begins with a two-hour open house featuring a forest photo booth, mask and other art making, interactive puppets and performances, and opportunities to learn and connect with local artists and environmental activists.
There will also be information and guidance provided on how to submit comments to the U.S. Forest Service about its recently proposed amendments to the longstanding Northwest Forest Plan, which will affect management directives in the Siuslaw.
The event features live music by local bands Your Song My Song Band, Fog Flowers and Spruce Tips; a silent auction of items donated by local artists and businesses; and a book signing by author and activist Carol Van Strum of Five Rivers who wrote “A Bitter Fog: Herbicides & Human Rights.”
Following the two-hour open house is an introduction of the newly formed Emerald Curtain Collective, a community-driven initiative that promotes and protects rural ecosystems through collaborative artistic activism, education and cultural events that unites artists, environmentalists and community members.
The event’s final hours feature short films about the Siuslaw and a presentation by Chuck Willer of the Coast Range Association about the forest’s value and the potential risks it faces as well as an interactive Theatre for the Wild and more music.
Admission is free. Dinner and desert are available for $15 and can be paid in advance or at the door. The event is co-sponsored by the Coast Range Association and runs from 4-9 p.m. For meal tickets and the full event lineup, visit emeraldcurtaincollective.org.
