Wallowa Valley Arts Festival

The Wallowa Valley is truly a special spot on the map.  Our breathtaking scenery captivates the heart, piques the imagination, and has a knack for unleashing the artist within us all.  It’s not by coincidence, that this beloved corner of Oregon is renowned for its vibrant community of artists, its exquisite galleries, its numerous bronze foundries, and its “WOW-inducing” Main Street art installations.  Whether you’re a local artist who has lived here most of your life, or you’ve never ventured quite this far out to the “End of the Road”, we encourage you to come and let yourself experience, anew, how this place will enchant and inspire you.  And, while you’re at it, be sure to step out and play a bit…take advantage of the myriad outdoor recreation opportunities this area has to offer.  What better time to explore Joseph and the Wallowas, than during the beautiful month of September?! Some have even taken to calling it our fifth season – our “Season of Art”.

Our Fine Art Show (including Opening Reception, Afternoon of the Quick Draw, Art Walk, and Silent Auction), will be September 20-22.  We’re also excited to, once again, offer our optional En Plein Air Competition

Festival Judge: Karen Bakke

As the Impressionists have done, Karen Bakke enthusiastically paints vibrant and fresh en plein air paintings (outdoors, on location) and breathes that same life into her studio paintings. She is not held back by any one type of subject or medium and is persistently creating challenges for herself. Karen strives to find that certain “je ne c’est quoi” - evoking a memory, a mood, or passion.

Karen is a member of the American Impressionists Society, PSGNWA, NWPastel Society, PSWC, PAWA (president 2017-2021), and the Yosemite Sierra Artists. She has earned many entries into juried shows and won several awards.
Karen resides in beautiful Sedro-Woolley, WA, “the gateway to the great North Cascades”. She and her husband travel to Southern Yosemite twice a year to paint the amazing character of this lesser-visited area.
Karen’s professional background includes toy design, illustration and visual-effects in the tv and movie industry.

Schedule:

7-10pm: Fine Art Show & En Plein Air Opening Reception - Josephy Center for Arts and Culture

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