Greetings!

Goodness - it's February already. Puxatawnie Phil has seen his shadow so "they" say we will have six more weeks of winter. And yet - my weather app says it's going to be 60 degrees later this week here. Hmmmmm.

I am asking all of you to consider purchasing art from our auction. The starting bids were placed low - but it would be great if you would honor the artist who donated their art by bidding more closely to the market value of the art. This is not meant to be a wholesale bargain basement art sale.

Besides, the money raised benefits the museum and all of the programs we provide. We survive through the gracious generosity of so many people. Sure, we get money from grants and sponsorships, but the majority of our support has to come from donations and memberships and fundraisers.

So - please bid. And know that the money you are paying for the art goes to a very good cause. And know that by buying the art, the artist feels good about donating to the museum. And know that having the art in your home or office will make a statement about how you care about preserving culture.

Okay - I have now stepped off my soap box. Thanks for reading. And thanks for bidding! We really appreciate your help in sustaining a viable museum.

Come and visit.

Enjoy!

Hyla

Executive Director

This is our annual art fundraising exhibition and auction

In the past, we have had a gala even called Black, White, & the Blues

The last such event was in 2020 and then two weeks later the world stopped and sort of shut down due to COVID

The next few years we have had various art sales.

This year is special. For the first time since 2020, we asked local artists to donate their art for an auction. The art they donated is incredible.

Below is a link to the auction website. Just click on the QR CODE or the image

Please bid lots and bid often.

The end result is that you will own a wonderful piece of art

and you will have supported the museum. Thank you.

Garden of Delights - Betty LaDuke

Second Friday, February 13

7pm - 9pm

Free

Read a poem, listen to poems, enjoy

the company of fun people.

Optional Theme: Rhyming Words

Come Join Susan Morrison, Movement Specialist and Janet L. Stanley, M.A , Spiritual Healer in their unique workshop:

    Yoga and the Art of Being

March 14, 2026

1pm - 4pm

$40 members and $45 non members
 Ten spots are available 

 An experiential journey to your heart and soul. Yoga movement, guided imagery and journaling will help guide you on this quest. Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket, eye cover and journal with pen. We look forward to having you join us.

A few years ago we discovered Exhibitions on Screen and have been showing their movies ever since. They NEVER disappoint. The films capture the life and art of an artist and they highlight exhibits in museums - usually in Europe.

We charge $10 for each film and we supply chocolate, snack, and beverages. AND we have more cushions for the chairs. Come and enjoy! Click the images below to purchase tickets. (By the way - these have been close to selling out so get your tickets early.)

These films are graciously sponsored by:

Welch Investment Group.

In 2025, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to earn an “Accessibility Verified” designation from Wheel the World, a travel platform for people with disabilities- and Grants Pass is no exception. The town offers an inclusive experience- one where you don’t have to choose between accessibility or adventure- here they go hand in hand. Nestled along Southern Oregon’s Rogue River, this under-the-radar city offers the perfect mix of nature, food, art, and other wheelchair-friendly activities. From ADA designated trails and paved river paths to art galleries and its historic downtown district, Grants Pass makes accessible travel easy, fun, and full of possibilities.

https://visitgrantspass.com/blog/grants-pass-on-wheels-accessible-fun/

We had a reception for the artists and the public to kick off the fundraising auction. Lots of people came and viewed the art, nibbled great food, and shared some wine. Fun time was had by all. Be sure and bid on the auction.

There are 100 pieces of beautiful art. The art was donated by Southern Oregon artists. Here's a link: https://www.32auctions.com/GPMA2026

We are starting to have our workshops again on Saturdays. We have also added a series taught by Cheryll Magellan once a month on Thursday evenings. It's catching on! Below is JoAnn Stevens' paint like a famous artist workshop: Picasso! (she is helping Tom)

Tickets to these events will be available beginning in March. Stay tuned!

ART IN THE GARDEN

Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31

SPECIAL AFTERNOON CONCERT

Featuring Rupert Wates at the garden of Peggy and Charlie Della Maggiora

September 4

Music Blowout at the Performing Art Center

Featuring Flagship Romance and Rough & Tumble

Thursday, September 24

All original art creations by Southern Oregon artists.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am - 5pm.

A perfect place to find ART!

ALSO

A great place to purchase jewelry and cards.

FEATURED ARTIST FOR FEBRUARY

T.R. Russell

TR Russell is a fine art photographer based in Sunny Valley, Oregon, and a 2024 finalist for Bird Photographer of the Year. His work emerges from patient observation and contemplative practice, shaped by time spent in the forests, rivers, and coastlines of the Pacific Northwest. There is a spontaneity to how he works. Rather than heading out with a fixed plan, he carries his camera to see what unfolds—an osprey cutting across an alpine lake, fog slipping through an old-growth forest, a waterfall cascading over ancient basalt.

Working mostly handheld and with natural light, he lets instinct guide him more than intention. In this way, the photograph becomes his canvas, shaping what he sees into something that feels true—not just a record of nature, but an expression of it. 

Lake Selmac

Redtail in Spring

Watson Falls

Emerald Vell

HELP US TO PROVIDE YOU WITH

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Over the last 46 years, the Museum has showcased art that connects us across time, geography, and cultural differences. We couldn’t fulfill our important mission without the generous support of our members and donors. Today, will you go above and beyond and make a gift

to empower our vital work of connecting our community

with the power of art?

We appreciate your support!

I first encountered Ruth Asawa when reading an art catalog. I was hooked. Here are two videos about her. The first is from CBS Sunday Morning and the second is from the Modern Museum of Art. She has an amazing story and she created amazing art. Take the time to watch and listen.