Season's Faire prepares for 23rd year
By Cory Peeke
EOU Art Professor
Posted 10/29/2009
The La Grande Arts Commission will host the 23nd Annual Season's Faire on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Loso Hall on the campus of Eastern Oregon University.
Forty-eight artists will be exhibiting their work in the Nightingale Gallery and competing for $1,000 in prize money, donated in part by a number of local businesses including Mountain Valley Therapy and Dr. Patrick McCarthy. In addition, Juror Roberta Lavadour, Director of the Pendleton Art Center and a respected artist will select a number of Honorable Mention Awards. All art will be available for purchase that evening.
This years featured artist is Wayne Arnson. Wayne has resided in Eastern Oregon for most of his life. After he retired from a position at EOU, his plan was to design and construct motorcycle, golf car, and utility trailers. After a request from his mother-in-law for a Crane for her front yard, he began delving into the medium of metal sculpture. One of his greatest joys is observing wildlife and birds in their natural habitat.
Arnson's interest in nature influences and enhances his ability to create unique works that take on a life and personality of their own. This approach to his sculpture is evident in the distinctiveness in his sculpture. Arnson has donated this year's raffle piece; an untitled hand wrought steel sculpture depicting one of his signature cranes along with another smaller bird amongst an outcropping of cattails.
The other participating artists have each donated a piece of their work, which will be auctioned to the public, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The auction pieces may be previewed from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Loso Hall lobby outside the Nightingale Gallery.
Hors d'oeuvres and desserts created by local culinary experts will be served throughout the evening. There will be a no-host wine bar as well as coffee and punch available.
Funds raised from this event benefit the annual Arts for All festival, a children's day of hands-on art experiences offered at no cost. Children can experiment with painting, printmaking, pottery, music, weaving, theater and many other types of art. Held the third weekend in April, Friday is reserved for children with special needs while Saturday is open to everyone. It is estimated that as many as 500 children participate each year.
Tickets are $12.50 if purchased in advance or $15 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at Sunflower Books, Mitre's Touch Art Gallery, the EOU Bookstore or by calling Minnie Tucker at 962-1352, ext. 201.
