What’s Up The Dalles: Winnie the Pooh, Roundabout Sculptures, and a Revival at The Dalles Art Center

Oct 2

Written By Columbia Community Connection

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 2, 2025 — The Dalles Art Center is seeing a renaissance under the leadership of Executive Director Ellen Woods Potter, who joined this week’s “What’s Up, The Dalles” podcast to share big updates on public art, youth programming, and the center’s role in the evolving cultural fabric of downtown.

Woods Potter, who took over the Art Center in 2024 after starting in education and outreach, said she was drawn back to her hometown to be part of a “creative wave” building in the Gorge. “I wanted to do something emotionally fulfilling and beneficial for the community,” she said. Despite tight staffing and grant funding challenges, the center has launched new programming and strengthened its public art outreach in 2025.

Among the biggest projects is a permanent public art installation at the roundabout near Sunshine Mill, developed in partnership with Columbia Gorge Community College. The piece will include metal sculptures and tile elements meant to withstand weather for decades, replacing faded murals of the past. The project is led by the Art Center’s Community Arts Committee, which Woods Potter encouraged residents to join.

Another highlight has been the Winnie the Pooh mural on East Second Street, created by local youth during the summer art camp. The mural, painted in a downtown alley near Bohn’s Printing, has become a surprise hit. “The kids love it,” said Woods Potter. “They make their parents drive by just to see it again.” The project was inspired by a tiny original mural hidden inside the Art Center from its days as a Carnegie Library.

Due to its success, the Art Center will expand to two weeks of youth mural camp next summer, continuing its mission to blend youth engagement with public art.

Also underway is the restoration of the historic Umatilla House mural on the Rayland Hotel. Originally painted several decades ago, the iconic piece is being refreshed with help from Wall Dogs and local artists and is a cornerstone of The Dalles’ growing collection of nearly 40 murals.

First Friday is Oct. 3.

The Art Center’s fall calendar is packed. This Friday, Oct. 3, it will host the opening of the Oregon Watercolor Society’s juried fall show, bringing an estimated 200 artists and guests to The Dalles. The show will display 80 works from across the state and remain on view for six weeks.

Coming in November are a student art show, an expanded artisan gift market, and a November 1 benefit concert featuring Norwegian pianist Jørn Øien, who will also perform at local schools.

Woods Potter said The Dalles’ downtown walkability and deepening arts culture are key to drawing visitors and sustaining local businesses. But she stressed that the center’s future depends on continued community support: “We’re a small-town arts center. Private donations keep us alive.”

To support or volunteer, visit thedallesartcenter.org.