Grande Ronde Symphony opens 77th season

LA GRANDE, BAKER CITY — The Grande Ronde Symphony opens its 77th season with two concerts in one week.

The first is Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m., at Eastern Oregon University’s McKenzie Theater, in La Grande.

A repeat performance is planned for Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, 2235 First St., Baker City from 1–3 p.m.

Tickets for individual concerts are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $5 college students and $1 for those younger than 18, and available at Direct Music Source in La Grande, Betty’s Books in Baker City, and online at granderondesymphony.org.

Season tickets for symphony concerts are $38 for adults, $30 seniors, $12 students or $1 for Fiddle Club members.

Special pricing is available for families and groups through a Grace Notes program — inquire by emailing info@granderondesymphony.org.

‘Art of the Gift’ opens Nov. 22

PENDLETON — The opening reception for “The Art of the Gift” is Friday, Nov. 22, 5:30-7 p.m. at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. The annual show features more than 70 artists — both local and from across the Pacific Northwest — which offers wearable and functional gifts and items.

The show continues until Dec. 31. The center is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, search www.pendletonarts.org.

Artist signs copies of new book Nov. 21

BAKER CITY — Artist Kyle Cline, of John Day, will sign copies of his new photo book on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Royal Artisan, 1912 Main St., from 5-7 p.m. during the monthly wine walk.

Cline’s book, “Four Seasons in the High Desert,” features 29 color photographs ranging from landscapes to close-ups of flowers and birds.

Cline’s lifelong interest in photography took a backseat when he stepped away from running a darkroom for a print show. When digital cameras became more advanced, he moved to that form of photography and relocating from Portland to John Day brought opportunities to capture images of vast landscapes, wildlife and nature.

Heritage Park lights up in Heppner Nov. 22

HEPPNER — Heppner is illuminating the winter nights with Heritage Park Lights on Friday, Nov. 22, from 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Park, off Highway 207.

The chamber started this event in 2022 in partnership with the Heritage and Agricultural Museum.

Heritage Park has historic farm and ranch equipment that will be covered in Christmas lights.

Step inside the museum to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event also features Christmas carols performed by local school choirs and bands, hot cocoa and more. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3X7tTCT.

Jen Howard plays Barley Brown’s Nov. 22

BAKER CITY — Singer/songwriter Jen Howard will play live Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m. at Barley Brown’s taproom, 2200 Main St.

Howard, a multi-instrumentalist, was born in Kentucky. She released her EP “Motion” in 2019, followed by “Still” in March 2024. Learn more at jenhowardlive.com.

Start planning floats for the Baker City parade

BAKER CITY — Start planning a float now for the twilight parade in Baker City that is happening at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The Baker County Chamber of Commerce organizes this parade, and this year’s theme is “Frozen Frontier.”

The Baker City Lions Club will again place burn barrels along Main Street to warm the crowd and provide free coffee and hot chocolate from Sorbenots.

For information on submitting a parade entry, call 541-523-5855, send an email info@visitbaker.com or stop by the office at 490 Campbell St. The chamber is also coordinating food and vendors that day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Court Street between Main and First streets.

Toddler Takeover cruises into Hermiston

HERMISTON — Bring your own ride — trikes, scooters and Big Wheels — to enjoy indoor riding at the Hermiston Community Center.

Open to children 5 and under, Toddler Takeover is Thursday, Nov. 21, 9-10:30 a.m. at , 415 S. Highway 395. Parents must remain onsite during the event.

In addition to a designated riding area, there is a pit stop play area with activities. The drop-in fee is $1 per child.

The activity continues weekly through Dec. 19 (except Nov. 28) and then resumes Jan. 2, 2025. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3SQQ7VT or call Hermiston Parks & Recreation at 541-667-5018.

Calling kids: Enter a gingerbread house contest

BAKER CITY — CASA of Eastern Oregon and Building Healthy Families invites kids from ages 2 to 18 to enter a gingerbread house contest.

Categories include houses made from a kit and those made from scratch. Prizes will be awarded in different age groups.

Entries can be dropped off Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CASA office, 2024 Main St. No late entries will be accepted because judging is done the same day.

Include the builder’s name and age on the base of the house. Entries can be picked up on Dec. 19-20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lush Canvas returns to Art Center East

LA GRANDE — Lush Canvas classes resume at Art Center East, 1006 Penn Ave. No experience is necessary for these sessions with teaching artist Tess Cahill, who shares a variety of acrylic techniques.

The session from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, will follow the techniques of French artist Claude Monet.

A complimentary beverage is part of these class, which is for ages 21 and older. Cost is $40 members, $45 nonmembers.

All supplies are included. Register at artcentereast.org.

Additional Lush Canvas nights are planned for December, January and February featuring the artistic styles of Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe and Paul Signac.

Check the ACE calendar for more information.

‘UnWINEd’ at the monthly wine walk

BAKER CITY — Baker City Downtown’s monthly wine walk is Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m. This edition is the Toddy Trot. Start at Hatch, 2019 Main St., to get a wine glass and map for $12. A portion of this month’s proceeds will support Baker City Downtown’s projects and programs.

Participating businesses will be open until 7 p.m. and offer beverage samples. For event updates, visit bakercitydowntown.com or follow the Facebook page.

Sample food, drinks at Heppner market

HEPPNER — Fall in Love with Heppner Market Fresh is offering food and drink samples on Friday, Nov. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 238 N. Main St.

The open house event also features a drawing for a chance to win holiday meal deals. For more information, call 541-676-9614 or search Facebook via bit.ly/3UPGVTt.

Wreath Bar planned Nov. 30 at arts center

PENDLETON — On Saturday, Nov. 30, Kris O’Grady’s annual Wreath Bar will be ready at the Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can purchase a wreath or swag then select from a range of attractive ribbons and floral accents.

Those who can’t attend the Saturday event can order on the Pendleton Center for the Arts website at PendletonArts.org, then make arrangements for pick up. More information is available by calling 541-278-9201.

Deadline approaching for The Big submissions

LA GRANDE — Art Center East is seeking submissions for The Big, the annual open exhibit. The submission deadline is Saturday, Nov. 23, and the show opens Dec. 6.

Artists must complete an online submission form that be found at artcentereast.org. The show is open to artists age 18 and older.

Plan for a Christmas train in December

MCEWEN — The Sumpter Valley Railroad will run Christmas trains Dec. 13, 14 and 15 from McEwen Depot to Sumpter and back.

The Dec. 13 train departs at 4 p.m. Most trains for Dec. 14 are sold out, but there are still tickets for the 4 p.m. ride, which coincides with the Sumpter parade and tree lighting at 5 p.m. that day.

There will be two trains on Dec. 15 — 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Fares are $23 adults, $19 for seniors/military/veterans and $16 for ages 3-17. Make reservations at sumptervalleyrailroad.org.

Vendors needed for Artisan Market

PENDLETON — Heritage Station Museum is seeking crafters, artists and artisans for the annual Artisan Market held concurrently with Heritage Lights in December. Dates are Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. Set up begins at 3 p.m., and the market runs from 5-7 p.m.

The vendor fee is $25 per date. To register, visit heritagestationmuseum.com and click on “Events.”

For questions, contact Rowan Treadwell at rowan@heritagestationmuseum.org or call 541-276-0012.

Art sought for January show in Joseph

JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture is seeking entries for the Wallowa Works Exhibit, which runs from Jan. 11 to Feb. 18, 2025.

Artwork will be accepted until midnight on Dec. 1. Entries must “portray what Wallowa County means to you.” All mediums are welcome.

The show is curated and judged by Kirk Skovlin. Awards will be given for first, second and third place, as well as People’s Choice and Best Young Artist.

The opening reception is Jan. 11, noon to 4 p.m. For information, visit josephy.org/event/wallowa-works-art-exhibit.

Check out activities at the Pendleton library

PENDLETON — The Pendleton Public Library, 502 SW Dorion Ave., has a few events coming up for adults and children.

The Indigenous Authors Book Club meets Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Harry Potter Room. The November selection is “Black Sun” by Rebecca Roanhorse.

The Playmakers’ Club meets Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in the children’s area. This book club is designed specifically for 5th and 6th graders with a passion for sports. Young readers dive into stories featuring athletes, competitions and teamwork. This month features “Game Changers” by Mike Lupica.

Teens can give their crime-solving skills a test with “Crime Scene in Narnia” on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 5:30 p.m. Teens will work in teams to solve a crime scene set in the world of Narnia using observation, evidence collecting and character motives. This is for ages 12-17, and registration is required.

For more information, stop by the library or call 541-966-0380.

Sign up soon for a sensory-friendly visit with Santa

LA GRANDE — Sensory Friendly Santa will visit La Grande on Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at 1119 Adams Ave. This event is designed to be low-key and sensory-friendly, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

You can sign up for a 10-minute appointment to meet Santa with family and friends. Pre-registration is required at https://charity.pledgeit.org/santa. Online visits are also available.

While waiting for the visit, enjoy some fun crafts and snacks. Photos during the time with Santa event are welcome and there will be some friendly elves to assist in capturing the moment or answering any questions.

Tickets on sale for Painted Sky gala

JOHN DAY — A fundraising gala to benefit Painted Sky Center for the Arts is Saturday, Nov. 23 at the center, 116 NW Bridge St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Attendees can participate in festive games and bid in auctions of fine art, decorative Christmas trees and desserts. The gala will be Painted Sky’s largest fundraising event of the year.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at paintedskycenter.com or at the office of Karin Barntish, 131 W. Main St. in John Day.

Painted Sky’s goal is to raise $17,000 to help sustain the art center’s operations, after-school programming, youth/adult classes and workshops, and free events.

Classes announced at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center

BAKER CITY — If you want to learn salsa (the dance, not the food), your chance is coming in December at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center at 2020 Auburn Ave.

In a four-week introductory course on “Basics of Latin Dance,” students will learn Latin America’s most common rhythms and dances. No partner or experience is required. The instructor is Cielo Schacht. The class meets Mondays, starting Dec. 9, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

A minimum of three students is required, so advance registration is required. The cost is $84 members or $104 nonmembers, or select the “pay what you can” option at crossroads-arts.org.

Schacht will also lead “Intro to Salsa” on Fridays from Dec. 13-27 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. No experience is required, but the “Basics of Latin Dance” class is strongly encouraged. Cost is $63 members, $78 nonmembers.

In the world of 3-D art, Andrew Gettle will teach “Trinity Pods” in three sessions — Dec. 3, Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Students will be given empty frames hung from a single point and will shape them in a symmetrical fashion. Cost is $126 members, $156 nonmembers or “pay what you can” at crossroads-arts.org.

Hermiston Area Chess meets twice a month

HERMISTON — Hermiston Area Chess, a USCF-affiliated community chess group open to adult chess players of all abilities, meets every other Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Hermiston High School library, 600 S. First St.

The group welcomes anyone who is just starting to learn about chess as well as the seasoned player who wants to get some games in and perhaps revive or obtain a USCF rating. Sets and materials are provided. Enter through the side library entrance alongside Highland Avenue — look for the sign on the sidewalk indicating the door.

Sessions through the end of the year are Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17. For more information, contact Delia Fields at dorranfields@gmail.com or 541-571-4219.