LA GRANDE — The Big, Art Center East’s annual open exhibit, returns with an opening reception and awards ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m. at 1006 Penn Ave.

Art Center East’s Main and Orlaske galleries will showcase pieces by artists working in various mediums who hail from across the Pacific Northwest. “The Big” will be on display through Feb. 1.

“The Big” is an annual non-juried exhibit open to anyone 18 or older. All artwork submitted for this year’s exhibit is eligible for cash prizes and winners will be selected by exhibit judge Katherine Jensen. A talented local fiber artist, Jensen previously served as an art specialist in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District.

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), 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 who may cast a vote throughout the exhibit’s duration. The People’s Choice Award will be announced at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, during the exhibit’s closing reception.

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 ACE or online at artcentereast.org. Tickets are $1 each or $5 for six. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn Jan. 31.

For more information on this exhibit and other ACE events, classes and programs, visit artcentereast.org. ACE is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sip & Shops

return to ACE

Art Center East will have Sip and Shop events for the next three Saturdays — Dec. 7, 14 and 21 for shoppers to browse the gift gallery and enjoy a complimentary beverage.

On Dec. 7, the center will be open until 5 p.m. for two special events — a pop-up artisan showcase of Threadbenders Guild, and the final day of Shop Hop from Fitzgerald Flowers.