Little Works: 2024
Category: 2024
Threads of Expression: A Fiber Arts Odyssey
“Threads of Expression: A Fiber Arts Odyssey”
Welcome to our Fiber Arts Exhibit! Join us on a journey through the diverse and expressive world of fiber arts, capturing the essence of creativity and individuality in each piece.
This unique showcase invites artists to explore and express their creativity through various fiber art forms. From traditional techniques to contemporary interpretations, the exhibit aims to highlight the rich tapestry of possibilities within the realm of fiber arts.
Check out our Exhibit events!
10/11 – Opening Reception- 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30)
10/12 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Stitched Spirit Cloth 2 Day Workshop with Susan Pesti-Strobel!
10/26 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Wet Felting Workshop with Jennifer Hawkins!
11/9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Intro to Mini Loom Weaving Workshop by Amanda Brimm!
11/12 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Exploring the Art of Quilting: From Gee’s Bend to Your Story
Curated and judged by Susan Pesti-Strobel:
From early childhood, Susan has been fascinated by the luxurious feel of textiles, the generative capacity of sewing, and the magic of embroidery. She learned a lot from her mother, a self-taught seamstress, then built on that knowledge in school, and though she abandoned her dream to become an artist in order to get a degree in teaching English and history, she never really abandoned her love of creating. She fashioned her own clothes, knitted and crocheted garments for herself and later for her children, but doing so always under the pressure of perfection. Only recently did she discover the liberating practice of creating textile art, in which it mattered more what she wanted to express rather than the absolute perfection of each stitch.
2024 Wallowa Valley Festival of the Arts
September 20-22, 2024; Joseph, Oregon
Opening Reception September 20 – 7 PM
Tickets Available Below!
Fine Art Show | En Plein Air Competition
Quick Draw | Silent Auction | Gallery Walk
Jazz Concert
Venue: Josephy Center for Arts and Culture (JCAC)
Judge: Karen Bakke
The Wallowa Valley is truly a special spot on the map. Our breathtaking scenery captivates the heart, piques the imagination, and has a knack for unleashing the artist within us all. It’s not by coincidence, that this beloved corner of Oregon is renowned for its vibrant community of artists, its exquisite galleries, its numerous bronze foundries, and its “WOW-inducing” Main Street art installations. Whether you’re a local artist who has lived here most of your life, or you’ve never ventured quite this far out to the “End of the Road”, we encourage you to come and let yourself experience, anew, how this place will enchant and inspire you. And, while you’re at it, be sure to step out and play a bit…take advantage of the myriad outdoor recreation opportunities this area has to offer. What better time to explore Joseph and the Wallowas, than during the beautiful month of September?! Some have even taken to calling it our fifth season – our “Season of Art”.
Our Fine Art Show (including Opening Reception, Afternoon of the Quick Draw, Art Walk, and Silent Auction), will be September 20-22. We’re also excited to, once again, offer our optional En Plein Air Competition.
Cowboy Gear
Cowboy Gear – Wallowa County Past & Present!
Exhibit Open July 6- July 31
Discover the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Wallowa County through our latest exhibit, “Cowboy Gear – Wallowa County Past & Present.” This unique show highlights the talents of local artisans, both past and present, showcasing a range of gear from intricate masterpieces to the most basic, rugged equipment made for hard use.
Historically, many craftsmen began their work out of necessity, often in the bunkhouse, using readily available materials like leather, rawhide, and scrap metal. For cowboys on remote ranches, the high cost and long distance to town made purchasing gear impractical, spurring the creation of durable, handmade items.
Come see the remarkable work of artisans such as Slim Bronson, Tom Dorrance, Don Mallory, Harry Bartlett, Barry Cox, Ray Wilson, and Masterson Saddlery. Each piece tells a story of ingenuity, resilience, and the cowboy spirit that defines Wallowa County. Don’t miss this celebration of local craftsmanship and history!
Curated by Cindy Sloan
This exhibit is the dream of my good friend, Char Williams a lifelong horsewoman who is passionate about the roots and talent of Wallowa County Horsemen. I am honored to help a little in making this happen. Though not born in the ranching tradition, I was born seeking wide open space and anything to do with horses and the western lifestyle. My background includes managing some small horse ranches, day riding, Equine Photography, a couple of bronze sculptures, a little bit of rawhide braiding (with ALOT of good help). Guy Clark’s song ‘She Loves to Ride Horses’ pretty much sums me up.
Heads & Hearts: Seeing the Landscape through Nez Perce Eyes
Heads & Hearts Exhibit:
Seeing the Landscape Through Nez Perce Eyes
Exhibit Open July 18 – September 13
The catalogue book is for sale online here for $20!
VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
Legends and Stories
This exhibit is generously funded by: Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail, USDA Forest Service; Schwemm Family Foundation; Roundhouse Foundation; Ford Family Foundation; Kinsman Foundation; Ronald Naito Foundation; Oregon Arts Commission; Pacific Power Foundation; Ann Werner; and James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Carter and Jennifer MacNichol.
Nez Perce: Renewal and Return
The Josephy Center received a grant from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation to build an exhibit around this important and tragic history, and encouraging return.
The Nez Perce today are descendants of tribal peoples living in the intermountain west for millenia. Recent archeological findings at Coopers Ferry on the Salmon River put human habitations back to 16,000 years ago. The Nez Perce, Lewis and Clark, then had their lands taken by treaty and by homesteader encroachment–and finally by war. The people–nimiipuu–were then subjected to boarding schools, allotment, and other assimilationist efforts. But the People are resilient, and expanding their presence in Oregon and the Wallowas today,
This is a “soft” unveiling of the major exhibit we are preparing for the State Capitol in Salem; Nez Perce in Oregon; Removal and Return. The small, colorful, and very dense exhibit will go to the Capitol September, 2025.
Exhibit designed by Kolle Kahle Riggs.
Feminine Visions: Embracing Strength and Adventure
Feminine Visions: Embracing Strength and Adventure
Exhibit Dates: 2/23 – 4/2
This art exhibit is a testament to the extraordinary resilience, creativity, and vision of female artists. It explores the multifaceted theme of celebrating female artists and their adventurous journeys in the face of adversity while cultivating peace and overcoming injustice.
Through a diverse collection of art, we invite you to discover the untold stories of adventurous women who have harnessed their creativity to transcend adversity. These artists have fearlessly confronted challenging circumstances and injustices, using their work as a powerful tool for transformation and empowerment. Their art embodies the strength, courage, and audacity to not only survive but to thrive amidst adversity.
As you navigate this exhibit, you’ll be immersed in the stories of these remarkable women. From the depths of struggle, they have emerged as beacons of inspiration, shining a light on the human spirit’s capacity to overcome obstacles and cultivate peace. “Feminine Visions: Embracing Strength and Adventure” is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of female artists who have shaped their own destinies, creating art that echoes with resilience, courage, and the pursuit of justice.
Virtual Exhibit
Curated and Judged by Kasiah Sword
T. Kasiah Sword is an artist, world traveler, and nature-lover based out of Joseph, Oregon. Her paintings specialize in site specific murals, whimsically colorful landscapes, and MerDudes that “encourage female sexuality and help fight the patriarchy.”
Kasiah received a bachelor’s in art at the University of Idaho after study renaissance art abroad at the University of Turin. Her art has shown in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Chicago. Soon, thanks to an online patron, 5 pieces will be digitally preserved on the north east border of the Moon’s “Ocean of storms” via a digital time capsule placed by NASA’s peregrine project.
She is also founder and president of Happy Day Paintings, supporting living artists and our planet. “It’s always a happy day when we paint, or we can paint a happier one.” – Kasiah Sword
Livestock
The Josephy Center is excited to bring you our first ever Livestock Art Show! We’ve invited local farmer and rancher artists to submit work to our call for farm and ranch animals and any scenes or depictions of farm and ranch life.
The Exhibition is open from January 7- February 12
Judged and Curated by Crystal Newton.
Monetary prizes will be awarded including:
- 1st place -$250
- 2nd place- $150
- 3rd place- $100
- Best Young Artist- $50
- People’s Choice- $50
Contact Arianna Olsen with questions at exhibits@josephy.org or by calling 541-432-0505 x 2.
Virtual Exhibit Below