At the Fall Board meeting on October 8, 2026 the OBA board reviewed a draft strategic plan for 2027, and before we finalize it, we want to hear from you!

In addition to bringing free music performances to rural Oregon, the 2026 Artist in Residence Program built relationships, encouraged resident participation, and fostered a renewed sense of energy around music in communities where resources are limited.

Ryan Hanson shares: “One of my favorite memories from the whole residency was our trip to Condon, where we brought over a dozen stringed instruments to give to kids who signed up for our workshop, courtesy of the Shaniko Music Sanctuary.”

We set up our home base in the main hall of the schoolhouse where we could rehearse and record the tunes we’d been waiting to cut. Having the time and space to give them our all was incredible and we are proud of the production we got out of it. The energy of the building as well as the creaks and groans added to the feel of the songs so much and for that we are incredibly grateful. 

When I got the chance to be an artist in residence in the historic town of Shaniko, OR, my mind began to race with ideas of potential projects. I was thrilled for the chance to work on things I’d been dreaming of for a long time. In my day-to-day life, it’s often hard to find time for those “dream” projects. The chance to spend eight days in a tiny town, with lots of space and time to work on those dreams, felt like winning the lottery.