JOSEPH — The Wallowa Valley Arts Festival has been a showcase for artists, creators and musicians of the valley for 42 years. Josephy Center for Arts and Culture is the 2024 festival host and has curated a three-day event bringing artists and art enthusiasts to Joseph again this year.

The festival is the highlight of the “season of art” and is celebrated throughout Joseph. Visitors can enjoy the festival as well as the art walk throughout the town. Artists and musicians will be at work, creating and presenting their work around the town during the festival.

Opening reception

The opening reception for the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival’s Fine Art and En Plein Air exhibit kicks off the weekend of festivities on Friday, Sept. 20, 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available at josephy.org/festival-of-the-arts.

This much-anticipated event will provide a first viewing of the works adjudicated by this year’s judge, Karen Bakke. The evening includes food, beverages, live music and a silent auction.

Quick Draw

The Quick Draw on Saturday, Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m., allows visitors to watch the en plein air process as several artists, positioned throughout the Mt. Joseph Lodge Garden, quickly create works of art. Local musicians will perform on the garden stage during the event.

“This year’s Quick Draw promises to be a thrilling, fast-paced event with 22 incredible artists feverishly creating finished works in just 1½ hours,” said Arianna Olsen, Josephy program director. “The atmosphere will be vibrant with live music from local talent setting the tone. Don’t miss your chance to bid on these amazing creations during the silent auction.”

The lodge is located directly across the street from the Josephy Center; the event is free.

Exhibit

The Josephy Center will be open to the public to enjoy the Fine Art and En Plein Air Exhibit Sept. 21-22. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Local musicians will provide continuous music on both days. The silent auction continues through Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1:30 p.m.

The exhibit will remain on display until Oct. 3.

For more information, visit www.josephy.org, stop by the center at 403 N. Main St. or call 514-432-0505.