Greetings!

Oh, my gosh - it's September. I knew it was coming because our kids' workshops ended. I knew it was coming because we are having our last concert of the year (and possibly forever.) I knew it was coming because the light in the museum was at a different angle.

But still - oh, my gosh - it's September!

Enjoy!

Hyla

Executive Director

What is a Biennial?

“It is the Biennial’s role, as an independent foundation, to be a platform that actively promotes diversity, freedom and experimentation, while exercising critical thought and producing an alternative reality,” according to Jochen Volz, curator of the upcoming São Paulo Biennial. “It is a pluralistic space where autonomous perspectives can enter into dialogue and debate with one another. I strongly believe in the transformative role of art as it holds an inherent integration of thinking and doing, reflection and action,” he said.

This exhibit is stunning. The judges had a very hard time choosing exactly what would be in the exhibit. We had 64 artists submit 103 pieces of art and 46 pieces were chosen for the exhibit. They range from watercolor to sculpture to even an animated video. Subject matter ranges from some definite political statements to some really lovely landscapes and everything in between.

Who were the judges?

Ruth Armitage - based in West Linn, Oregon, is a Signature member of American Watercolor Society, Oregon Watercolor Society, and others. Her award winning work has appeared in national publications. Ruth is represented Waterstone Gallery and the Portland Art Museum's rental sales gallery in Portland. Ruth was part of the "Nature Perceived" exhibit at the Grants Pass Museum of Art in 2018.

Gabriel Lipper - based in Ashland, Oregon, is an accomplished artist renowned for his distinctive fusion of abstract and representational art. With a career spanning three decades, he captivates audiences with his dynamic and expressive paintings. As the driving force behind “8Paint Infinite Arts,” Gabriel mentors both aspiring and professional artists, sharing his unique perspective and expertise through his acclaimed course, “Learning to See.” His art, rich in both technique and emotion, invites viewers on a journey of visual exploration and discovery.

The image we used for the postcard and window graphic is of a painting done by Kim Sterling called "Deconstructing Democracy." This was an award winner from the 2021 Biennial at the museum.

Alisha Whiteman: Bureau of Land Management Artist in Residency Program

Rogue River Ranch

The places I choose to paint are ones that bring me that joy. The tall trees and stormy clouds, swirling rivers and mountain heights that inspire me endlessly. They are places that make me feel closer to my Creator, whose divine creativity expands my mind and makes me feel so loved. When we explore the outdoors as a family, I soak in as much of that inspiration and closeness as I can--either painting on site or taking photos to use as a reminder back in my studio. I make a conscious decision to leave out the unimportant details and focus on that feeling of wonder that drew me to it in the first place. I paint the interconnectivity of it all, how the flow of the wind is seen in the dancing of the trees and the swirling of the waters. And I paint it with enthusiasm. In doing so, I hope to help others experience the joy I get from being in and part of beautiful creation. As you view my works here and hopefully on the walls of your home, I hope it reminds you to slow down and see--or remember--how beautiful life can be. Alisha is the mother of five wonderful children.

"Let My People Go" is one of the paintings that Alisha submitted for her Master of Fine Arts degree. This painting along with many created at the Rogue River Ranch are on display in the Community Gallery.

A few months ago, CBS Sunday Morning had a discussion about art and health in a community. Please take 5 minutes to listen. You'll be glad you did.

Exhibit Opening at the museum (and cookies)

Plus meet many of the artists in the Biennial Exhibit

Gallery One will feature music.

Gallery One will also have some of the new artists present.

Second Friday

7pm - 9pm

Free

Read a poem, listen to poems, enjoy the company of fun people.

Optional topic: Remember When

Click the images below to reserve your space in the workshops.

Fun results from a summer workshop

More fun! We love doing creative things with kiddos.

We couldn't have classes when the headwear exhibit was at the museum - but we picked up steam in August and had fun.

Seems that Grandmas were in the classes as well as the kiddos. Everyone had fun.

Chris Baron and the Two Secrets entertained everyone at their concert. The group is magic and we enjoyed having them at the museum.

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 SEPTEMBER: TRACY FREDRICKSON

I was born in Hawaii and spent my early years moving often as my father was a Marine. I have lived in Hawaii, California and New York, moving to Southern Oregon in 1993 with my first husband. After moving so much in my youth I have enjoyed planting roots in Grants Pass and love living in such a gorgeous area. I have been married to my husband Burt for almost 25 years, and we have four adult children and four grandchildren. We are blessed that three of them live near us in Southern Oregon and that we can spend time with them on a regular basis.

I worked for over twenty-five years in banking, managing a local office that financed vehicles. Through mergers and acquisitions the last ten years were with Wells Fargo. While working, raising my family, and going to school at night to get my BS in Business Administration from SOU in 2011, I did not have the time to create art. However, I was always doing crafts and loved visiting art galleries and museums. It was only after Wells Fargo consolidated their auto finance division and closed my branch that I had the freedom to pursue a creative practice.

This part of my journey has been amazing. I took my first watercolor class after I retired in 2018 and fell in love. Painting has become a passion. I joined the Watercolor Society of Oregon and in 2025 co-chaired their Spring Convention bringing the event to Grants Pass for the first time. I enjoy learning and trying new techniques and take several workshops and classes each year. I paint what I love. My family, the beautiful area I live in and anything else that catches my fancy.         

Sacred Sounds

Battery Park

Morning Glow

Applegate Autumn

First Friday music at Gallery One. It's a great magnet for people on G Street!

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!

Here's something for you to pass a little bit of time and create something fun!