Updates and News
2008-08-13 12:18:03
CROSSING THE BLUES ART EVENT "DRAWS" INTEREST
The Union County Arts & Culture Center committee is conducting an event as part of the Crossing the Blues La Grande Summer Festival that is sure to draw the interest of art lovers and the curious. The Crossing the Blues Quick Draw will take place in the area of the Farmer's Market from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, August 23 during the festival. The committee expects 10 to 15 artists to take part in the event that allows each artist only one hour to complete an original work of art. The resulting pieces, in a variety of media, will then be sold through a silent auction that ends promptly at 5 p.m. Art lovers can watch as the pieces are being created, then take home a wonderful, spontaneous work of art. In doing so, they will be contributing to the renovation of the La Grande Carnegie Library into an arts and culture center that will enhance the community far into the future.
It takes artistic talent plus nerves of steel to participate in a Quick Draw. Some of the artists admit to butterflies when they think about creating art in a very short amount of time, while watched by a crowd. The situation is certain to inspire creativity and result in some wonderful impromptu works. There will be little time for planning and perfection.
La Grande watercolorist, Ann Yoder, agrees that completing a painting in just one hour will be an exciting challenge and will also support a good cause.
"Anytime you have an opportunity to expose people to art and inspire others through your art, that is a positive thing," said Yoder. "My goal as an artist is to create paintings that share a 'voice' that your heart hears."
La Grande potter and former art teacher Bob Jensen will create his piece of art in ceramic.
"I will take my piece back to my studio and Raku fire it, immediately after the quick draw," said Jensen. "Anyone who is interested is invited to come a watch." The magic of Raku pottery is in not knowing exactly how the piece will turn out until it is fired. So seeing a piece as it cools and reveals itself is a real treat. He will then take the finished pottery back to Max Square where it will be exhibited and sold with the other works in the silent auction.
Other artists expected to participate in the Quick Draw are Ruthie Yates, Tom Dimond, Glennis Phillips, Brenna Tyler, Amber MacLean, Katherine Treffinger and more to be announced.
2008-08-02 14:44:45
Homegrown Prosperity Bus Tour
On August 23rd a four person crew, traveling in a converted school bus powered by biodiesel, will visit La Grande to advance initiatives on renewable energy, sustainable biofuels, energy efficiency, jobs, and local foods. The Homegrown Prosperity Renewable Energy Bus Tour will promote good paying jobs and income for rural communities, as well as offer solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and pollution.
Biodiesel bus promotes sustainable solutions
and rural economic opportunities
Sponsored by the Western Organization of Resource Councils and Oregon Rural Action, Homegrown Prosperity is scheduled to appear at the Crossing the Blues Festival in downtown La Grande.
In total, the Homegrown Prosperity will hold public events and activities in 40 counties in seven states over 12 weeks. They will be in Oregon from August 18th to August 27th.
For more details, contact Liberty Merrill at liberty@oregonrural.org or (541)910-8040.
You can also visit the tour website at www.homegrownprosperity.org.
2008-05-27 07:07:24
Behind the scenes:
Our Blues Crew is getting all those proverbial ducks in a row (boring but necessary stuff like getting street closure approval, sending out contracts, holding auditions, and drinking coffee.... lots of coffee). Posters, brochures, ads and other print materials are being designed and getting ready to print, so start looking for the first wave of publicity to hit the mainstream! We're also contacting artists and food vendors to join our celebration—and to bring you a unique, fun and tasty experience. Our thanks to the City of La Grande for it's help in getting our street plan done.
2008-08-01 12:37:26
Plans for Crossing the Blues:
The La Grande Summer Festival is in full swing. We currently have our Friday and Saturday night bands confirmed. The Wasteland Kings, a local favorite with a growing national following, will be performing during the Friday night street dance. On Saturday evening, Tom Bergeron and Whirled News will hit the stage with an exciting jazz grove, featuring special guest vocalist Carolyn Lochert. We've also confirmed 3 of the 5 bands set to perform throughout the day on Saturday, including Test Audiences, Charmparticles, and Finn Riggins. Click on the Events link to find out more about our music line-up.
