PJ Chessman Gallery

The Chessman Gallery is located inside the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. Designed by Scott-Edwards Architects, the gallery offers 570 square feet of white, clean display space. It features all of the antique charm of the former schoolhouse, with high ceilings and picture windows facing west. With black ceilings, bamboo floor, modern track lighting and adjustable glass shelves, “The Chessman” is a beautiful blank slate, ready to enable artistic expression.


The gallery was named for Phyllis “P.J.” Chessman, one of the founders of the Coastal Communities Cultural Center. It was P.J. who, along with her co-conspirators, who first believed that Lincoln City could, and should, have its own center for the arts.


The Chessman Gallery was the first classroom in the Delake School to be renovated, and it was officially dedicated on Sept. 7, 2007, at a reception that attracted nearly 200 people.

Current Exhibit

March 13-May 10, 2026 

Opening Reception: Friday, March 13, 5-7pm


Oregon Coast After Dark, by astrophotographer Jeremy Likness, is a unique peek into the night skies here on the beautiful and rugged Oregon Coast. A magical transformation happens at night when the full moon casts long shadows and reflections, the Milky Way rises, meteors flash and Northern Lights dance on the horizon. This artist’s perspective captures visions of the coastline that most never see: the beauty, vastness and awe inspiring wonder of the 

night sky.


See more at– www.dswgalleries.com

Future Exhibits

About the Chessman

The Chessman Gallery now presents 9 exhibits per year and is dedicated to the presentation of local and regional artists. The schedule is determined by the gallery director, Krista Eddy, advised by a jury committee, made up of local artists and advocates.

Artists who wish to be considered for a Chessman Gallery show must complete an application and submit work samples. The deadline is Sept. 15 for shows taking place in the following calendar year.

The jury committee selects shows with the following mission in mind: “The Chessman Gallery is a community gallery that showcases LCCC members, and also artists of the Northwest with a standard of quality and professionalism, to delight, educate and inspire viewers from near and far.”

Annual highlights include the Art on the Edge Studio Tour and Exhibit in May, and the traditional favorite, the annual Members Show in July.

Krista Eddy (Gallery Director) handles each show with care, from show card design and press release to expert installation and gallery tags. With help from several volunteers, she launches each show with a festive reception, including wine and refreshments. We think P.J. would be proud.

Gallery Proposal Form