Shannon McNerney

JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture will present “Women, Words & Music” on Friday, March 22, to continue Wallowa County’s observance of National Women’s History Month.

The evening of storytelling with music and words begins at 7 p.m. at the center, 403 N. Main St. Admission is $10.

This program is presented by the Josephy Center, in partnership with the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance.

The evening’s program, with the added support of Soroptimist of Wallowa County and the Wallowa County Cultural Trust Coalition, brings an added dimension of art through music and words to the Josephy Center’s 2024 Women’s Art Exhibition, “Feminine Visions: Embracing Strength and Adventure” now on exhibit through April 2.

National Women’s History Month was first recognized in 1987. The National Women’s History Alliance, along with multiple local organizations throughout the country, worked long and hard lobbying for this recognition. Today they continue to focus on uplifting women of all ages, past and present through education and recognition.

The Alliance has selected the 2024 theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” According to nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org, this year they “recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity.”

The 2024 “Women, Words & Music” event in Wallowa County reflects this theme, bringing music and words to the Josephy Center. Audiences will be treated to an evening of storytelling with music and words reflecting the feminine visions of these local artists:

• Amy Fairchild: Composer, pianist, recording artist and director/composer of children’s musicals.
• Terri Hall (Yuchi): Singer/songwriter and Americana recording artist, recently rescued from New York.
• Kathy Hunter: Award-winning writer, radio personality and performing storyteller.
• Jezebel’s Mother: The musical duo of Janis Carper and Carolyn Lochert, known for their “bluesy-rootsy-lively-lovely” original songs and harmonies.
• Lauren MacDonald: Celebrated writer, doula, nurse and natural health practitioner providing health and deep insight to women and their families.
• Shannon McNerney (host and reader): Executive director of Fishtrap with “a passionate belief that the power of storytelling, creativity and art can bring together and transform community.” She also has a significant history in music performance, publishing and teaching.
• Claire Webb: An emerging musician and recording artist raised in Wallowa County, Webb recently released her single “Hide & Seek,” a song about “being strong and standing up for what we, as girls, deserve.”

Learn more

For additional information on this and all other programs and events offered at the Josephy Center, call 541-432-0505, email info@josephy.org or visit josephy.org.

For information on the Wallowa Valley Musical Alliance, its programs and events, call 541-426-3390, email info@wvmusicalliance.org or visit wvmusicalliance.org.