The Big: Art Center Eat's Annual Open Exhibition 2024
Friday, December 6, 2024 12:00 AM - Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:00 AM (PST)
Description
THE BIG: ART CENTER EAST’S ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBIT 2024
La Grande, Oregon- The Big: Art Center East’s Annual Open Exhibit returns with a free
opening reception and awards ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. Art
Center East’s Main and Orlaske Galleries will showcase works by artists working in various
mediums who hail from across the Pacific Northwest. “The Big” will be on display December 6,
2024, through February 1, 2025. Art Center East’s galleries are open to the public, and
admission is always free.
“The Big” is a highly anticipated annual non-juried exhibit open to anyone 18 years of age or
older. All artworks submitted for this year’s exhibit are eligible for cash prizes; winners will be
selected by exhibit judge Katherine Jensen. Jensen, a talented local fiber artist, previously
served as an Art Specialist in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. She brings a wealth
of experience and expertise to her role as judge.
Awards include Best in Show, Best Two-Dimensional, Best Three-Dimensional, Best Creative
Glass Award (sculptural hot and warm glass processes), Best Functional Glass, Outstanding
Jewelry, Katherine Jensen Outstanding Fiber, Outstanding Equine Art, Best in Photography
Award (sponsored by Cook Memorial Library in La Grande), Art Center East Honorable
Mentions, and People's Choice (sponsored by the ACE Board of Directors).
The winner of the People’s Choice Award is determined by visitors to the exhibit, each of
whom may cast a vote throughout the exhibit’s duration. The winning artwork for the People’s
Choice Award will be announced at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, during the exhibit’s
closing reception. The final day to view the exhibit is Saturday, February 1.
Raffle tickets for a one-of-a-kind, two-dimensional artwork from ACE’s Private Collection are
available for purchase throughout the duration of the exhibit. Purchase tickets in person at ACEor online at artcentereast.org. Tickets are $1.00 each or $5.00 for six. The winning raffle ticket
will be drawn on Friday, January 31, 2025, during the exhibit’s closing reception (6-8 p.m.).
The reception, free and open to the public, is the final opportunity to meet “The Big” featured
artists. Complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be available.
For more information on this exhibit and other ACE events, classes, and programs, visit
artcentereast.org. Art Center East is located at 1006 Penn Avenue in La Grande. Regular
gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, noon-5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Exhibits are also viewable online thanks to a partnership with High Country Realty
Professionals in La Grande. All gallery visits, receptions, and events are free and open to the
public.
Art Center East programs are made possible by members, community donations, local
businesses, and regional and statewide foundations. For a list of supporters and more
information, visit www.artcentereast.org.
About Art Center East:
Art Center East, based in La Grande, Oregon, was founded in 1977 and is a member-based
nonprofit arts services organization that brings arts opportunities and education to residents of
ten Eastern Oregon counties. Housed in an historic Carnegie Library building, the organization
hosts art classes, art exhibits in three galleries, and community events such as Día de los Muertos
celebrations, literary readings, and the organization’s annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market
that features work of local artists and artisans. ACE’s Artists in Rural Schools Program engages
K-12 students across Eastern Oregon and the Community Music Program offers ensemble
opportunities and private music lessons to community members of all ages.
Art Center East programs are supported by members, community donations, local and regional
businesses, and regional and statewide foundations. For a list of Art Center East supporters and
for more information, visit artcentereast.org.
Media Contact:
Nicole Felty
Communications Coordinator
Art Center East
260.609.7354
communications@artcentereast.org
Note: For high-resolution images or additional quotes, please contact the media representative
listed above.
1006 Penn Avenue
La Grande, OR 97850 United States
Event