Nilsson kicks off a Packed October for TD Art Center
The Dalles Art Center plans October exhibit, Halloween events
The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 1, 2026 — The Dalles Art Center will celebrate five decades of work by Columbia Gorge artist Mark Nilsson this month while offering a series of Halloween activities, an artist talk, poetry open mic and other community events.
Mark Nilsson
“Mark Nilsson: 50 Years of Art” will run Oct. 8 through Nov. 14, featuring work spanning Nilsson’s career alongside a collection of new paintings. The retrospective traces the artist’s development over five decades and highlights the colorful landscapes and community scenes that have become signatures of his work.
An opening party is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 8, giving visitors an opportunity to meet Nilsson, view historic and new works and learn more about his career, including 30 years working as a full-time artist in the Columbia Gorge.
Nilsson will return for an artist talk from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15, discussing his creative process and the evolution of his work.
The Art Center will also host a Poetry Open Mic from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23. This month’s theme, “A Nobel Legacy,” is inspired by Nilsson’s Swedish heritage and the retrospective exhibition.
Several family-oriented Halloween activities are planned. A free pumpkin-painting activity will be held during the Witches Walk from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Paint, glitter and other materials will be provided, although pumpkins are limited.
The Art Center and The Dalles-Wasco County Public Library will host a Halloween-themed children’s story hour from 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 28, featuring seasonal stories followed by an art activity.
On Halloween, the Art Center will open its gallery for trick-or-treating from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31. Admission is free and costumes are encouraged. Children can collect treats while adults browse the Nilsson exhibition.
The Art Center is also seeking entries for its second annual Student Art Show, scheduled for Nov. 19-21. Students from preschool through 12th grade may submit one work in any medium. Participation is free, and students may offer their work for sale, with all proceeds going directly to the student artist.
The annual Holiday Artisan Market will follow from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, featuring original artwork and handcrafted goods by artists and makers from throughout the Mid-Columbia Gorge.
The Art Center is also seeking instructors interested in teaching youth and adult classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, photography, dance and other creative disciplines.
