The Big: Art Center East’s Annual Open Exhibit

Art Center East’s (ACE) Annual Open Exhibit, “The Big”, opens Friday, Dec. 5. This highly-anticipated annual exhibit celebrates works by artists from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and across the greater Northwest. ACE’s Main and Orlaske Galleries will showcase artwork in a variety of mediums. The exhibit will be on display Dec. 5, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.  Community members of all ages are invited to attend a free opening reception and awards ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6–8 p.m. ACE galleries are open to the public and admission is always free.

“The Big” is ACE’s annual non-juried exhibit open to all artists age 18 or older, and all submitted artworks are eligible for cash prizes. The 2025 “The Big” honorary awards judge is local artist Candis Smith. Smith has been a working artist in the community since 2012, and she is known for her vibrant, acrylic impressionist paintings and custom commission pieces. Smith will bring a thoughtful and supportive perspective to determining this year’s award-winning artworks.

Awards include: Best in Show, Best Two-Dimensional, Best Three-Dimensional, Best Creative Sculptural Glass, Best Creative 2D Glass, Outstanding Jewelry, Katherine Jensen Fiber Art, Best in Photography, Art Center East Honorable Mentions, and People’s Choice. All exhibit visitors are encouraged to cast their vote for the People’s Choice award during the two months the exhibit is on display. The People’s Choice winner will be announced Friday, Jan. 31, during the exhibit’s free closing reception.

Raffle tickets for a one-of-a-kind two-dimensional artwork from ACE’s Private Collection will be available throughout the exhibit. Beginning Friday, Dec. 5, tickets may be purchased in person or online at artcentereast.org. Ticket cost is $1 per single ticket and $5 for six tickets. The raffle winner will be contacted after Feb. 1, 2026. The public is invited to attend a free closing reception on Friday, Jan. 31, from  6–8 p.m. The reception is open to the public and offers another opportunity to meet the 2025 “The Big” exhibiting artists. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.