Woven Legacies
Sept. 5, 2025 through January 4, 2026
Shop treasures from afar for a cause that's close to home. The Cultural Center invites you to enjoy "Woven Legacies," a special sale of kilims, soumaks, rugs, bags, shoes, brass, jewelry and home decor made by artisans in Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran. Proceeds support the Cultural Center, and the ongoing care of local ESOL teacher Julie Reynolds-Otrugman.
The Lincoln City Cultural Center’s Fiber Arts Studio Gallery will be transformed into a vibrant marketplace this fall and winter, for this fascinating exhibit and sale of authentic Turkish carpets, textiles, and other handcrafted goods. Running from September 5, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the show offers visitors a rare chance to shop for imported and one-of-a-kind treasures right on the Oregon Coast.
The display will include hand-knotted rugs, kilims, embroidered textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and artisan-made décor, each piece crafted using centuries-old techniques and designs. All items will be available for purchase, making the gallery a destination for both collectors and anyone looking to bring home something unique.
“Turkish carpet-making is a living art form,” said Krista Eddy, curator of the Fiber Arts Studio Gallery. “Every knot and motif carries meaning. By bringing these works to our community, we’re not only offering high-quality artisan products, but also sharing the rich cultural heritage that produced them.
Below is just a small sample of the hundreds of rugs on display at the Cultural Center, open 10-5 Wednesday through Sunday (and by appointment).
Konya Kilim
This finely-woven, flat-weave textile was woven in the Şarköy style. It was sourced in Konya, in south-central Turkey. 54.5" x 40", $475.
Afshar soumak
Woven by the Afshar, a semi-nomadic Turkic tribe from southeastern Iran. 112" x 30", $1850.
Shahsavan soumak (detail)
A traditional, flat-woven textile from the Shahsavan nomadic tribe of Persia, eastern Turkey into Iran. Known for vibrant colors, intricate geometric patterns and distinctive soumak (wrapped weft) weaving technique. 9'6" x 6'5", $2750.
Fethiye Kilim
Sourced from Fethiye, in Muğla Province, Turkey. "Fethiye" comes from the Turkish word meaning "to be blessed" or "to have favor." 110" x 64", $1350.
Friends helping friends
The treasures of "Woven Legacies" were imported by the late Sener Otrugman and his wife and business partner, Julie (Olson) Reynolds-Otrugman. These treasures come from the inventory of The Kelp Bed, an antique and curiosity shop they established in Julie's family home, the former "Alice Merritt Antiques" shop on NW 15th Street in Lincoln City.
Sener and Julie, Taft High School sweethearts who married later in life, spent many Septembers traveling to his childhood home in Istanbul, and throughout the Mediterranean. The rest of the year, Julie taught English as a Second Language at Oregon Coast Community College, and Sener led adult education courses in Turkish history and fly fishing, among many other community contributions. They were also regular supporters of the Congregational Church, Peace Village and the Lincoln City Cultural Center.
Since Sener's death in 2021, Julie and her family have decided to sell the contents of the shop. Partnering with and supporting the Cultural Center for this fundraiser seemed the perfect opportunity.
