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

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.
An event every week that begins at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, repeating until January 31, 2025
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, repeating until February 1, 2025
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.
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.