Art events

Wallowa Valley Youth Arts Festival

Hundreds of artworks produced by local artists (kindergarten through high school) are showcased every spring at the Joseph Community Center. This year the popular youth festival is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

Paintings, drawings, photographs and three-dimensional works are displayed in the show, which features a range of talent and creativity. In addition to visual art, music students contribute to the fun with a range of styles, from classical to country to rock. Hands-on activities such as painting T-shirts and crafts invite all the kids to get involved. Dont forget to vote for your favorite piece of art for the Peoples Choice award. There is no admission charge. 

More information: 541-398-1842; www.wallowavalleyarts.org 

 

Joseph Art Day in May

The arts community in Joseph will get into the summer mood by inviting the public to Joseph from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, to enjoy the fourth annual art walk. 

A dozen downtown venues will participate in the event, not only showing off the broad range of art they offer, but hosting demonstrations by local artists. They will also serve hors doeuvres, wine and other beverages. 

Art-walkers will find the dozen galleries and other businesses that are taking part in the event on both sides of Main Street and east on Wallowa Avenue at Calderas restaurant.

More information: 541-432-5202; www.josephoregon.com

 

Wallowa Valley Festival of the Arts

Wallowa Countys premiere arts event celebrates its 29th year in 2011, showcasing the work of many of the best artists in the region June 3-5.

The weekend exhibit at the Joseph Community Center will feature artwork in many media, artist demonstrations and music. The show opens with a gala artist reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, with a first look at the art. Attendees receive hors doeuvres, mingle with the artists and take home a hand-painted wine glass for $25. Advance tickets to the reception are advised. Art viewing is free for the rest of the festival, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 

The public is invited to vote for a favorite artwork for the Peoples Choice award. All entries are for sale, and many artists donate pieces for the silent auction to benefit the sponsoring Wallowa Valley Arts Council.

On Saturday, June 4, the Wallowa County Brokers log building hosts the Quick Draw event, in which a dozen or so artists create a finished piece of art in an hour and a half, while on-lookers sip wine, enjoy treats and listen to music. The artists start at 7 p.m.; the cost is $6 (free to Wallowa Valley Arts Council members). The artwork is sold by silent auction.

For reception tickets and information: 541 432-7535, www.wallowavalleyarts.org

 

Nez Perce in the Wallowa

A wealth of contemporary and traditional works, from colorful paintings to beaded pouches, made by Nez Perce and other Columbia Plateau tribal artists, are the centerpiece of the annual Nez Perce in the Wallowa event.

Featuring an art show, auction and dinner, it will observe its 15th year Oct. 1 in the historic Wallowa Lake Lodge . 

There is no charge to view the artwork during the afternoon show, from noon to 4 p.m. All of the work will be available for sale through either silent or oral auction. Many who come to look, end up the proud owners of one or more original art works they couldnt resist bidding on, especially for prices much lower than theyd see in galleries. The show also gives art lovers a chance to meet the artists.

Hors doeuvres and no-host wine and beer will be available.

While most of the art will be sold to the highest bidders during the afternoon show, some pieces are set aside to sell at the evening part of the event. The finale includes a salmon and buffalo dinner with native entertainment. The dinner will start about 6 p.m. in the lodge with a seating capacity of 80. Package art show dinner/lodging tickets are available. 

This event is hosted by the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center, Inc.

For more information or to reserve dinner tickets: 541 886-3101; www.wallowanezperce.org