Tag: Josephy Center

Horizon Lines

Horizon Lines Theme Description 

This exhibit invited artists to explore the concept of horizons—both literal and metaphorical. Horizons can represent boundaries, possibilities, or the edge of the unknown. They symbolize distance, perspective, and the interplay between what is visible and what lies beyond.

We have 59 artists with 106 artworks!

Come enjoy everything from sweeping landscapes to personal journeys, abstract interpretations, and visions of the future. This theme encourages a broad range of creative expression. Whether you’re inspired by the physical world, the limits of perception, or the ever-changing line between here and there, we are excite to share this exhibit with you!

Curator

Silje Harlander is a multimedia artist, graphic designer, and former river guide. She grew up in Wallowa County and believes we have some of the coolest, strongest women and nonbinary people who are comfortable in women-focused spaces. She owns and operates Steep Creek Studio.

Wallowa Works

The Wallowa Works exhibit is a showcase of artwork that celebrates the unique essence of living and working in our beautiful county. This exhibit will run from January 11th – February 18th, 2025, offering a platform for a variety of artistic expressions that reflect the heart of Wallowa County.

Whether your focus is the agricultural roots, history, rugged landscapes, wildlife, community life, or the daily grind of local industries, artists and community members are invited to the opening reception!

About  the curator, Kirk Skovlin: “I’ve lived in Wallowa County for 24 years and have roots here that go back to 1872.  My ancestors moved here from Cove, bringing the first settler’s livestock with them. The recent years living and working on the 6 Ranch has given me lots of inspiration to capture ranch life imagery and beautiful landscapes. Through my art l strive to share my excitement about the beauty of this area l call home. Living on a cattle ranch there is no shortage of rural scenes with an abundance of wildlife and picturesque mountainous terrain. In my paintings and prints I try to create a feeling or mood that speaks to the viewer knowing how the ambient light plays a  part in the overall affect. When choosing the subject, my eye wants to see the landscape as it might have looked in a time prior to power lines, shiny buildings and modern equipment.  This ‘nostalgic filter’ reveals my strong sense of awareness and admiration of the tenacious men and women who carved out an existence with their calloused hands, using a small assortment of tools and a lot of know-how. Their hard work was their legacy and key to their survival. My art will always show that the spirit of hard work and care for the land still exists here today.”

Little Works: 2024

The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture is excited to announce its winter fundraiser, the “Little Works” Exhibition, where all proceeds will be dedicated to supporting the Youth Arts Program. This initiative aims to fund youth class scholarships, the Youth Art Festival, internships, alternative education art classes, and more.

The Little Works Exhibition will run from November 22th to December 19th, showcasing small works of art, each measuring 10 inches by 10 inches or less. All artworks featured in the exhibition will be priced at under $200. This event not only provides a platform for artists to display their talents but also serves as a means to raise vital funds for youth art programs.

We encourage art enthusiasts, collectors, and the community at large to participate in this meaningful exhibition, which not only celebrates the arts but also contributes to the nurturing of young artistic talent through the Youth Arts Program. Unlike typical exhibits, art purchased from the Little Works Exhibit may be taken home that day! A prime opportunity for unique and creative Christmas gifts!

Join us for the exhibition’s opening reception on Friday, 11/29, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It will coincide with a Stocking Stuffer Black Friday Art Supply Sale, making it a perfect opportunity to support local artists and discover unique, affordable artwork.

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.

Northwest Region Landscape Award | Sven Geirnaert

Feminine Visions: Embracing Strength and Adventure

Feminine Visions: Embracing Strength and Adventure 

Exhibit Dates:  2/23 – 4/2

Sharol Chandler: “With Giants”

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

Little Works 2023

The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture is excited to announce its winter fundraiser, the “Little Works” Exhibition, where all proceeds will be dedicated to supporting the Youth Arts Program. This initiative aims to fund youth class scholarships, the Missoula Children’s Theater, the Youth Art Festival, internships, alternative education art classes, and more.

The Little Works Exhibition will run from November 20th to December 30th, showcasing small works of art, each measuring 10 inches by 10 inches or less. All artworks featured in the exhibition will be priced at under $200. This event not only provides a platform for artists to display their talents but also serves as a means to raise vital funds for youth art programs.

We encourage art enthusiasts, collectors, and the community at large to participate in this meaningful exhibition, which not only celebrates the arts but also contributes to the nurturing of young artistic talent through the Youth Arts Program. Unlike typical exhibits, art purchased from the Little Works Exhibit may be taken home that day! A prime opportunity for unique and creative Christmas gifts!

Join us for the exhibition’s opening reception on Friday, November 24th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It will coincide with a Stocking Stuffer Black Friday Art Supply Sale, making it a perfect opportunity to support local artists and discover unique, affordable artwork.

2023 Festival of the Arts

Our 41st Annual Event!

The festival is the largest juried fine art exhibition in Eastern Oregon, featuring representational realism as well as contemporary art from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts is dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting artists. WVFA is located in the beautiful town of Joseph – known for its breathtaking scenery, myriad outdoor recreation opportunities, world-renowned bronze foundries, exquisite galleries and Main Street art installations. A central aim of the annual festival is to reflect the beauty, culture, heritage, and traditions of our region through its arts and artists. We showcase sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, an En Plein Air competition and more!

Festival Judge: Tim Norman

Tim Norman is a sculptor who has worked in bronze production for nearly 40 years. Tim studied Art and Music at Eastern Oregon State College and Spokane Falls Community College. He began working at Valley Bronze in Joseph, Oregon in 1984.  Tim worked his way up to production manager but left in1996 to start Norman Arts with wife Nickie.

Tim creates and produces his original artwork at his studio near Enterprise Oregon. Tim utilizes the intimate knowledge earned from nearly 40 years in the Bronze Production business to create original fine art sculptures. Tim handles all of his own tooling and patina work on these sculptures, giving a personal touch to each bronze.

Tim’s artwork is enjoyed by collectors through out the United States and Europe. Tim has public works around the country including a  3’ x 5.5’ bronze wall relief of a Horse Drawn Combine titled ‘Harvest” for St. Anthony’s Hospital in Pendleton Oregon, “Heritage” a life size bald eagle in Joseph, Oregon and also in St. Joseph, Missouri.  Life size “River Dance” Redmond Oregon Airport. Tim’s work can also be seen at Phinney Gallery in Joseph, Or, and Rimrock Gallery in Prineville, Oregon.

The Wild Landscape: North Country

Every year the Josephy Center celebrates Wallowa County’s natural beauty through a Wild Landscape Exhibit – this year we want to celebrate the beauty and the diverse landscape of what we colloquially refer to as “the North Country”.

What is a wild landscape? One thing that makes Eastern Oregon so special is it’s untouched and undeveloped landscapes. We want to feature artwork that celebrates these diverse and wild lands. This means the landscape is the focal point – no human-made objects or structures should be visible in the art works.

Virtual Exhibit

Curator and Judge: Jennifer Hawkins

Artist Statement:
I am inspired by the beauty of nature; its colors, textures, and forms. I immerse myself in nature whenever possible, especially in ”wild places.” The Wilderness makes my soul sing and renews my spirit. My intent in my art is to transform the beauty I see/perceive with heart, mind and spirit into new creations, interpretations in the media that suits best.

Bio:
Jennifer grew up in Northern Wallowa County on a ranch., herding sheep, working cattle, working in wheat fields.  She studied Art, Science and Education at the University of Oregon receiving a BS, MS and MFA.   She enjoys teaching, especially the next generation, sharing her gifts and insights helping to inspire creativity in others.

Jennifer currently teaches Visual Arts at Joseph Charter School, Imnaha Bridge School and Troy School. Jennifer also enjoys roaming the wild places and creating.

 

 

This exhibit is supported by funding from Ann Werner, the Kinsman Foundation and from donations from local supporters.