Wednesday-Friday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
1006 Penn Ave., La Grande, OR 97850
PO Box 541, La Grande, OR 97850
[email protected]
541-624-2800
Art Center East is the midst of migrating their events system. The calendar on this page shows all events from now until December 12. For events after December 12, please click here.
Click on any class title in the calendar below to see details, pricing, and to complete quick and secure online registration.
Register early to avoid class cancellations – classes must reach minimum enrollment 48 hours prior to their scheduled start time in order to run.
Click here for Youth Arts Learning Fund information.
“Keeper of the Clearing” Book Club (Ages 8-14)
March 26, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
“Keeper of the Clearing” Book Club (Ages 8-14)
March 24, 25, 26, & 27 from 10:00 – 11:30 am
This unique four-session reading experience combines book club discussion about the book Keeper of the Clearing and hands-on art activities! Each week, local author Jan Wood will guide young readers through thoughtful questions about the book’s themes (e.g., kindness, courage, and mindfulness). The book’s illustrator, artist Gail Neufeld, will lead expressive art projects tied to that week’s reading. There will be guided discussions each week, and each student will have plenty of time to explore themes through creative expression. Please note: students need to pick up a book club bag—with goodies!—at Art Center East one week prior to the start of class so they can begin reading the first week’s chapters. All supplies included. Please enter through the 5th Street door.
Teaching Artists: Jan Wood and Gail Neufeld
Cost: Pay what you can! (value $90)
Location: Art Center East
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“Keeper of the Clearing” Book Club (Ages 8-14) Value $90
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Description
“Keeper of the Clearing” Book Club: Spring Makers’ Week 2026
March 24 – March 27 2026
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Jan Wood is a writer, artist, and retired marketing communications professional who spent much of her career in high tech, working with companies like Apple Computer, Sun Microsystems, and TDK. Today, she brings her love of story and creativity into community spaces and inspires young people to explore big ideas through books and art. Jan is the author of Keeper of the Clearing, a woodland fable that follows three animal friends on a journey of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. A mom to five and grandmother to thirteen, she enjoys helping kids find joy in storytelling and confidence in self-expression. She lives in La Grande with her husband, Larry, and their four-legged companions.Gail Neufeld is the illustrator of Keeper of the Clearing, a lifelong artist, and sister of author Jan Wood. Gail has worked in a variety of creative mediums including painting, knitting, crocheting, pottery, and quilting. Her whimsical and folk art-inspired style brings the world of the book to life in a way that resonates with readers of all ages. Gail lives in Redmond, Oregon, with her beloved dachshund, Penny, and finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She will lead the art activities during Keeper of the Clearing Book Club sessions, helping kids explore illustration techniques and express their own creativity through visual storytelling.
Parents/guardians of youth age 17 or younger: if you haven’t already done so, CLICK HERE to fill out a Youth Release Form in order for your child to participate in ACE youth classes.
There are limited spots available for this class! If you reserve a ticket and later find you’re unable to attend, please email the ACE Youth Coordinator at [email protected] to cancel your reservation. This helps ACE open up spots for other interested students. Thank you!
Free youth classes are made possible by the Art Center East Youth Arts Learning Fund. The Fund is supported by the Avista Foundation, Autzen Foundation, Blue Mountain Bottled Water, Eastern Oregon University, Grande Ronde Med Spa, Gray Family Foundation, Haley Hines at Blue Summit Realty, JTMF Foundation, Koza Family Dental, La Grande School District, Miller Foundation, Nate Conklin at State Farm, Optimist International of La Grande, Soroptimist International of La Grande, Tanner Willson at Edward Jones, Walmart Foundation, and community member donations.
Read about our COVID policies here.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please reach out and let us know. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Registration cancellations & transfers must be made through Art Center East at (541) 624-2800 48 hours or more before the class start time. We cannot issue refunds or transfers for cancellations received after the 48-hour cutoff. Exceptions will be considered for medical or family emergencies. ACE will honor a refund, minus a $10 administration fee when the cancellation is made 48 hours or more before class start date. When a class is canceled due to low enrollment, we will issue a refund for all registration fees. ACE will contact you in the event of a cancellation. Face coverings will be required in accordance with statewide regulations current at the time.
Wednesday-Friday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
