The Dalles Arts Center to Host "Radiance Festival" Fire Pit Contest, Block Party, and Fundraiser Feb. 18th
by Cole Goodwin
The Dalles Art Center is set to host its first-ever Radiance Festival Block Party featuring a Fire Pit Contest. The event, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Art Center and the Columbia Gorge Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program.
“Radiance Festival is a winter outdoor block party with fire pits, music, food, and beverages that celebrates the history and culture of metal craftsmanship in the Gorge,” said Scott Stephens, Art Center Executive Director.
Participants in the contest, including artists, craftspeople, and tradespeople from high school, college or the professional field, are required to design and build unique fire pits, which must self-contain wood fires, be of a unique design and fabricated with metal. The fire pits will be auctioned to the public at the event.
“This usually plain piece of equipment offers a unique and unusual challenge to the artisan. To win, your fire pit must rise above to provide the most striking combination of beauty, strength and resilience, and safety,” said Stephens.
The fire pits will be lit at the event and auctioned off to benefit the Art Center and the college. Cash prizes of $250 each will be awarded to the winners of the Best Professional and Best Student fire pit categories.
Columbia Gorge Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program students and local metal artists will also participate in the juried contest. Three jurors, Archer Mayo, Jon Keyser, and Sandra Sanchez, will select the Best Professional and Best Student fire pit.
“Any metal artist or fabricator can sign up to participate, and we're excited to see the amazing designs that are sure to come out of this first-of-its-kind event,” said Stephens.
“The Radiance Festival is a great opportunity for you to showcase your design and metalworking skills. You’ll compete with other artists, craftspeople, and metal fabricators to bring your best work forward,” Stephens added.
Participants in the contest will receive two drink tickets, recognition on the Art Center website, exposure to creative and professional opportunities in the Columbia Gorge, and a 33 percent commission on fire pit sales.
For more information about the festival and the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, visit The Dalles Art Center website or the Columbia Gorge Community College website.
About The Dalles Art Center
The Art Center is a connecting hub to inspire and engage with art. It serves the communities of The Dalles, Wasco County, and The Columbia Gorge with opportunities for artists to develop their practice and display their work.
