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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (March 3, 2022)
13 MIXED MEDIUM THE ARTS AROUND EASTERN OREGON MARCH 2�9, 2022 ACE celebrates 45 years in March By Lisa Britton Go! Magazine L A GRANDE — Art Center East is celebrating its 45th birthday this month, but its roots lie with a diff erent name. The Eastern Oregon Regional Arts Council formed in 1977 to help disperse federal dollars to support the arts and support emerging art centers, such as Crow’s Shadow in Pendleton and Fishtrap in Enterprise. When the council disbanded, ArtsEast emerged to provide art services, in partnership with Eastern Oregon University, across a 10-county region. It was located on the campus of EOU and focused primarily on sup- porting art education in schools. In 2015, ArtsEast merged with the Union County Arts & Culture Center to become Art Center East, located in the Carnegie library building at 1006 Penn Ave. “I think it was a benefi t to our community when that hap- pened,” said Nancy Knowles, ACE board president. Combining the organizations also helped pool resources in Union County. “(Before merging) they were vying for the same membership and same volunteers,” said Darcy Dolge, ACE executive director. Class off erings grew after the merger, and today ACE provides workshops in various art tech- niques, music lessons, drum- ming, community choirs and much more. “We have such a giant roster of talented, creative people,” Dolge said. ACE also hosts shows in its galleries to showcase artists from around the region. In a continuation from its ArtsEast days, ACE provides art-related outreach as well with the AiRS program — Artists in Rural Schools. This program pairs teaching artists with schools around Eastern Oregon to enrich the regular art curriculum. To see a full class schedule, or to view current art shows, visit artcentereast.org. CELEBRATION Although the offi cial birth- day is March 2, Art Center East is celebrating throughout the month with a membership drive, new merchandise commemorat- ing the milestone and weekly pro- motions announced in its online newsletter (sign up at artcen- tereast.org/our-story/newsletter). The various membership levels are listed online at artcen- tereast.org/membership. Mem- bers receive discounts in the ACE gift gallery, 20% off class fees, the Frequent Maker Program (spend $200 on classes and get River & Wave/Contributed image Art Center East is located in the Carnegie Library building, 1006 Penn Ave. in La Grande. $25 off the next registration) and 15% off the purchase of The Crafter’s Box. For the Household level ($50 per year) or higher, members re- ceive a limited edition print. This tradition started in 2013 — Susan Murrell, associate professor of art at EOU, selects a print made by an EOU senior. “Each time you renew your membership, you get a new print,” Dolge said. ACE is a nonprofi t organization and depends on grants, member- ships, business sponsorships and individual donations. “We are very much a community-centered organiza- tion,” Knowles said. The mountains are calling... Join the dedicated, family- like team that cares for our community while enjoying the quiet lifestyle remote living has to offer. Located in beautiful Eastern Oregon, the Blue Mountain Hospital District serves our rural Grant County region. 102 Greenwood St., • La Grande, OR 97850 • www.bluesummitrealtygroup.com Currently Seeking March 25th Live at Churchill Custom frame shop dedicated to great customer service, design, and quality products. Jenny Don’t & the Spurs Royal Artisan Doors at 6pm $10 advanced tickets $12 at the doors 1912 Main St. Baker City, OR 97814 541.465.4547 katephill843@gmail.com Tickets & Info at www.ChurchillBaker.com Family Nurse Practitioner - Family Clinic Certified Nursing Assistant - Hospital & Long-Term Care Center Registered Nurse - Family Clinic Registered Nurse - Labor & Delivery/Med-Surg/ED RN General Surgeon - Hospital Surgery Clinic Radiology Technician - X-Ray, CT, MRI, Hospital Imaging Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Long-Term Care Center Physical Therapist - Outpatient Physical Therapist - Home Health Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) - Hospital Surgery Clinic and more! www.bluemountainhospital.org/careers