Opening Reception + Awards Ceremony for “The Big” ACE’s Annual Open Exhibit

The Big: Art Center East’s Annual Open Exhibit returns with a free opening reception and awards ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. Art Center East’s Main and Orlaske Galleries will showcase works by artists working in various mediums who hail from across the Pacific Northwest. “The Big” will be on display December 6, 2024, through February 1, 2025. Art Center East’s galleries are open to the public, and admission is always free.

“The Big” is a highly anticipated annual non-juried exhibit open to anyone 18 years of age or older. All artworks submitted for this year’s exhibit are eligible for cash prizes; winners will be selected by exhibit judge Katherine Jensen. Jensen, a talented local fiber artist, previously served as an Art Specialist in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as judge.

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 in La Grande), 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 to the exhibit, each of whom may cast a vote throughout the exhibit’s duration. The winning artwork for the People’s Choice Award will be announced at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, during the exhibit’s closing reception. The final day to view the exhibit is Saturday, February 1.

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 $1.00 each or $5.00 for six. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn on Friday, January 31, 2025, during the exhibit’s closing reception (6-8 p.m.). The reception, free and open to the public, is the final opportunity to meet “The Big” featured artists. Complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be available.

For more information on this exhibit and other ACE events, classes, and programs, visit artcentereast.org. Art Center East is located at 1006 Penn Avenue in La Grande. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, noon-5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Exhibits are also viewable online thanks to a partnership with High Country Realty Professionals in La Grande. All gallery visits, receptions, and events are free and open to the public.

Art Center East programs are made possible by members, community donations, local businesses, and regional and statewide foundations. For a list of supporters and more information, visit www.artcentereast.org.

About Art Center East: 

Art Center East, based in La Grande, Oregon, was founded in 1977 and is a member-based nonprofit arts services organization that brings arts opportunities and education to residents of ten Eastern Oregon counties. Housed in an historic Carnegie Library building, the organization hosts art classes, art exhibits in three galleries, and community events such as Día de los Muertos celebrations, literary readings, and the organization’s annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market that features work of local artists and artisans. ACE’s Artists in Rural Schools Program engages K-12 students across Eastern Oregon and the Community Music Program offers ensemble opportunities and private music lessons to community members of all ages.

Art Center East programs are supported by members, community donations, local and regional businesses, and regional and statewide foundations. For a list of Art Center East supporters and for more information, visit artcentereast.org.