The Dalles Arts Center Hosts Small Works Exhibit
Over 60 pieces of work submitted in response to the Call to Artist that challenged artists to create small sized pieces that showcased passion.
From Right to Left: God is a Woman by Maria Housley, Cathedral Park Bridge by Jacob Tarazoff, and Octopus by Karen Johanson.
by The Dalles Art Center
The Dalles, Oregon– Opening on Thursday, June 8th, 2023 the Small Works Exhibit at The Dalles Art Center is a window into the talent of local and regional artists. Twenty-nine pieces of art were selected from a list of over sixty submissions. The prize winners and honorable mentions of the show will be announced at the Opening Night Reception on Thursday, June 8th with first prize receiving $300, second prize receiving $200 and third prize receiving $100.
The challenge for the artists faced was big, or rather…. small. Artists were asked to submit work with the following criteria:
· Works can be figurative or abstract.
· All mediums are accepted: paintings, drawings, photography, prints, etchings, fabric, and sculptures.
· Wall pieces can be as small as 4 x 6" and as large as 8 x 10” variations in size are accepted, as long as one side of the piece is no smaller than 4" and the other side is no larger than 10". Square pieces (e.g., 6 x 6" are accepted).
· Sculpture must be able to stand or rest on a pedestal or floor space no larger than 8 x 10."
· Pieces must be made by artists and/or artist collaborators and be of original design.
Crown Chakra by Maria Housley.
The result is a vibrant show made up of a unique mixture of paintings, prints, sculptures, and textile work both figurative and abstract in composition and using a variety of mediums. In this show, small does not equal limits, instead small opens the door to possibility.
Louise Palermo, Executive Director of The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Museum will act as juror for the show.
Pensive by Jen Smith
“I was thrilled to act as Juror of this show and to have the opportunity to view the talent represented by the submissions. I viewed the work blindly, meaning I did not know the names of the artists. I was looking for work that conveyed a narrative to the viewer, or used materials in new way or offered a fresh perspective on a topic. I was moved by the passion I saw in the submissions.” offered Palermo.
In addition to the exhibit, an event, “Small Talk” a talk with Palermo and artists from the show is scheduled for Thursday, June 15th at 7 p.m. Sally Johnson, Executive Director of The Dalles Art Center will interview Louise and artists from the show to discuss how this exhibit was shaped and dig into conversations about the influences and approaches the artists’ consider in their work.
Tickets for the event are available at www.thedallesartcenter.org and proceeds benefit The Dalles Art Center.
“The Dalles Art Center is thrilled to shine a light on these artists and their work. Our mission is to be a connecting hub for our community to engage in conversations about art and to find inspiration from the ideas and imagery found within art. This show continues a wonderful tradition of The Arts Center of inviting artists to approach their art in new ways and to showcase their work.” Added Johnson.
Pretty Pansy by Laurel Bushman
Full List of Artists Included in The Small Works Exhibit
Sue Allen
Nancy Bishop
Laurel Bushman
Jenny Curtis
Linda Floyd
Mary L Garrard
Katherine Holeman
Maria Housley
Andrew Lewis
Karen Johanson
Sally Ann Kortge
Becca Margarette
Nancy Rooper
Nancy Russell
Imma Royal
Jen Smith
Cleo Sterling
Jacob Tarazoff
Carmen Toll
Laura Wise
