Art: Friday Night Art Walk

The Potter's House

Corner of 6th and Penn

The Potter's House will have two features at the August Third Thursday Artwalk.

The first is that we will be showing the photographs of an outing lend by Eric Valentine which was organized by the Men's Connection of Valley Fellowship in La Grande to benefit a La Grande High School Student named Sam Werner. Sam is fighting a severe form of Leukemia. The photo shoot is open to anyone. Eric will provide instruction to anyone who needs it. The group will meet at the Indian Rock area on Mount Emily. Those who are hearty souls can attend a barbeque and an overnight camp-out to catch the early morning light over the Grande Ronde Valley. Jasen Hansen will frame enlargements from the shoot. The Potter's House will feature them during the August Third Thursday Artwalk and the following week. All proceeds from the sale of the photos will go directly to the Werner family to help offset Sam's expenses. The family has no health insurance.. We encourage everyone to get behind this effort to help a local family in this time of crises.

The second feature is a series of work which Bob Jensen has produced in recognition of Oregon's 150th Anniversary of Statehood. The body of work focuses on the Grande Ronde Valley before it was settled. Such as, the Hot Lake area before there were buildings. He has used both watercolor and ceramic media in a variety of styles ranging from realism to nonobjective.

We at The Potter's House very much look forward to hosting you as you view and experience the work from both of these venues.

Website: http://www.thepottershousegallery.com/

Mitre's Touch

The Mitre's Touch Gallery will feature the watercolors of Sheyenne Wiggins, a portrait artist from La Grande who won first place and reserve champion awards in the professional category for her portrait "Papa" at the 2009 Union County Fair. Last May Sheyenne also won a national award for her wine label portrait "Sweet Caroline" from the Duplin Winery in North Carolina, which will be on display. Come meet this talented and blossoming artist, enjoy some refreshments and view her art on August 20 between 5-8 p.m.

Blue Turtle Gallery

Featured artist at Blue Turtle Gallery for August is MaryAnn Zimmerman. MaryAnn is a multifaceted artist: she makes tie-dyed scarves, clay flutes, glass beads and gourd bird houses. She finds inspiration in everything from dirt to weather. The energy of things changing, the beauty and struggles of the people she meets and the idea of just being are where she finds joy.

Her art work is fun, entertaining and unusual. Her flutes take the shape of turtles, bears and creatures never seen before. She makes lovely textural bowls and vases that can and should be used daily. Her goal is to create beautiful objects that will entertain the owner and be used and enjoyed.

Her creativity is limitless, it extends from music and dance to glass and clay.

Her work is unpretentious and speaks to everyone, even the smallest child can appreciate her approach to beauty. Stop by the Blue Turtle Gallery 1124 Adams Avenue for the visual and tactile treat of MaryAnn's artwork from August 20 - September 15.

Back to Nature Gallery

Join us at Back to Nature Gallery in celebrating "Crossing the Blues", Aug 20 & 21, 5 - 8PM.

Back to Nature Gallery welcomes you to view the rotating exhibit of original oil paintings, watercolor florals, and mixed media work by artist Linda Elliott. Featured this month is an oil painting titled "Sitting Pretty" depicting a self-satisfied Siamese nestled into a bed of herbs and flowers. This piece is the latest in a series of images being produced as jigsaw puzzles by Elms Puzzles and Bits and Pieces Puzzle Co.

In addition, a jewelry making demonstration using wire and natural stones will be going on both evenings. Natural stones each bring their own special healing energy to wearer.

Find Back to Nature at 1617 Fourth Street, across from the Methodist Church. Regular store hours are 9:30-1:30, Mon, Wed, Fri, and by appointment, 962-0437.