High school artists showcase

“Eastern Oregon Regional High School Art Exhibition” opens February 19

February 1, 2016

Elly Wells of Union High School won Best of Show for 11th grade in 2015 for her acrylic painting “Inner Peace.” Click on the image to view full frame.

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – The Nightingale Gallery at Eastern Oregon University presents the “Eastern Oregon Regional High School Art Exhibition” opening Friday, Feb. 19. A reception is from 6-8 p.m. in the gallery in Loso Hall. Awards will be presented at 6:30.

The annual exhibition gives audiences the opportunity to encounter the work of students from high schools throughout the area including La Grande, Baker City, Grant Union, Joseph, North Powder, Vale and Union.

Students working in a variety of media in grades nine through 12 will have up to two works on view. EOU art program faculty jury the exhibition and award a number of honors. Award certificates and sketchbooks will be presented to the Best of Show winners in all grades, and those receiving Honorable Mentions will also be presented with certificates.

The La Grande Arts Commission is also sponsoring a cash award to go to an outstanding work by a La Grande High School student artist. In addition, Art Center East, Crossroads Center for the Arts and the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture will present special awards. 

“The Nightingale Gallery is pleased to be able to exhibit and support the creative endeavors of our region’s youth,” said Cory Peeke, Nightingale Gallery director. “We hope to encourage these students to continue their creative pursuits, as well as pay tribute to their teachers who work diligently and with limited resources to produce artists of great promise.”

See the show at EOU through March 15. Gallery hours are 12-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information visit www.eou.edu/art/nightingale-gallery or connect on Facebook.