Artist Applications Available: Temporary Exhibit Curator, Art Models for Drawing Class, Art Class Proposals, Exhibit Proposals
43rd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival Call to Artist
Paul Friedel – Backbone of The County
About the Festival
The Wallowa Valley Arts Festival is the largest juried fine art exhibition in Eastern Oregon, celebrating art that reflects the beauty, culture, and heritage of the region. Hosted in the scenic town of Joseph, known for its outdoor recreation, bronze foundries, and vibrant art scene, the festival showcases both traditional and contemporary art from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture invites artists to apply to the 43rd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival, featuring our signature En Plein Air Competition.
Set in the scenic mountain town of Joseph, Oregon, the festival celebrates exceptional work in representational, traditional, and contemporary art. The En Plein Air Competition will accept the first 50 registered artists, who will paint on location throughout the Wallowa Valley during the festival weekend. Over $7,500 in awards will be presented.
Selected works will be exhibited in the Josephy Center’s gallery and unveiled at a ticketed Opening Night Reception and Awards Ceremony on Friday evening. The weekend continues with free public exhibit hours, live music, a lively Quick Draw event, and a popular Small Works Show, offering strong sales opportunities and broad community engagement.
Eligible media include: painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, and digital art.
Artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond are encouraged to apply and be part of this dynamic celebration of art, place, and creative community.
Awards
Total awards: $4,000 (cash & ribbons)
Major Awards
Best of Show – $600
People’s Choice (Overall) – $300
People’s Choice (Photography) – $300
Best Three-Dimensional Art – $300
Northwest Cultural Heritage Award – $300
Northwest Region Landscape Award – $250
Jon M. Skovlin Memorial (Wildlife) – $250
Medium Awards
Best Oil-Based Medium – $250
Best Water-Based Medium – $250
Best Drawing Medium – $250
Best Mixed Media – $250
Best Print Medium – $250
Best Photography – $250
Quick Draw Award
Best Quick Draw Work – $200