Treasures from afar, 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 teacher and Taft High School graduate Julie Reynolds-Otrugman.
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.
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.
The exhibit will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, inside the Fiber Arts Studio Gallery, located in the southeast wing of the Lincoln City Cultural Center at 540 NE Hwy 101. This extended event is the conclusion of the May ’25 Grand Bazaar weekend, where members had a chance to preview a portion of the goods being presented this fall.
Exhibit Details:
- What: Woven Legacies: Turkish Rug Show
- Where: Fiber Arts Gallery, Lincoln City Cultural Center
- When: September 5 – January 4, 2026
- Opening Reception: Friday, September 5, 5–7 pm
- Cost: Free admission
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