Wallowa County Museum
110 S Main, Joseph, Oregon
Open from Memorial Day
weekend until the third
week-end in September.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m
(541) 432-6095

Wallowa County Museum

'Attitude Adjustment' by Austin Barton"Coming into Joseph, I can't help but to compare what it was like when I was a kid growing up there. At that time I never even imagined I would have Bronze Statuary on the streets; the thought never even entered my mind. The traffic was so different back then. The streets were so empty after 4:00 on a weekday, you could shoot a cannon down Main Street without hitting anyone. Things were only a little livelier when the farmers & ranchers came to town on weekends. The 'Attitude Adjustment' monument stands on the corner of the block where Duncan's Livery Barn stood. I used to start my colts in the corrals out back, and ride them there until I got most of the 'buck' out of them. The memories of the Old West are still there & I am proud to have been part of that area and equally proud to be able to contribute to the atmosphere of Joseph with my sculptures of the Western Way of Life."

- Austin Barton

Photography Bu Dave Jensen, image by Dave JensenWay back in the 1870s, Oregon's Governor Lafayette Grover campaigned for what he described as "the redemption of the wilderness" in Oregon's remote northeast corner. He said that the Nez Perce Indians were wasting the productive potential of the land and that they should be removed from the path of progress so that hardworking settlers could turn the place into a more accommodating habitat for more and more people. When I arrived in Wallowa County in 1973, the population of pale faces was under 7,000. There were still wide open spaces, clear streams, and wonderful mountain views unobstructed by sprawling subdivisions or polluted air. Relative to the rest of the nation, redemption here seemed to be behind schedule. Thanks entirely to its "unredeemed" character, Wallowa County in recent years has become a magnet for artists. Migrating to beautiful, unspoiled locations has been something of a tradition for artists. Think of Van Gogh and the south of France, Gauguin and Tahiti, or Georgia O'Keefe abandoning New York for New Mexico. Also conforming to tradition, unfortunately, the arrival of artists often leads to big changes for these beautiful locations when urbanites, wanting to see what the artists are so enthusiastic about, begin migrating themselves, bringing their pocketbooks with them. Whether Wallowa County will conform to this tradition in all respects remains to be seen, but it will be ironic if it turns out to be artists who finally fulfill Governor Grover's vision.

-Dave Jensen

He Who Thinks He's Invisible by Shelley Curtiss"Main Street may have changed her costume over the years but the backdrop and lighting have remained the same. I rolled into town some twenty five years ago looking for Glen Anderson, builder of the first of four world class foundries in the area. The crisp air snapped with natural vitality and creative excitement. It's all here...the warm embrace of the canyon basalts, the vibrant stimulation of high mountain lakes, and a close knit sense of artistic community. I live here simply because this wellspring of inspiration feeds my desire to create. The wonderful stillness gives me the time."

- Shelley Curtiss

115 Tejaka /PO Box 427
Enterprise, OR 97828
(541) 426- 4622
(800) 585-4121
Fax (541) 426-2032

Arts & Museums

A Pour at Valley Bronze, Photography by David Jensen. 'Garden Walk' Bronze by Ramon Parmentor. 'Aspens Along Hurricane Creek' Oil Painting by Leslie LeViner. Valley Bronze Monument Center, Photography by David Jensen.

The Arts in Wallowa County

Nowhere on earth will you find such a
grand combination of art and natural beauty.

-This is a bold, yet true, statement.

Freedom HorseThe foundry industry started in 1982 with Glen Anderson, a retired businessman and local entrepreneur. Upon the purchase of an empty building he pondered the question of just what now would he do with it. It was suggested to him by a few local sculptors that a bronze foundry would be to their convenience. Convinced of the possibilities, thus began the first of what would become a World-Class Mecca for artistic bronze casting on a truly international scale.

Timber, a major economic driver, waned as the national forests closed, forcing families out of the valley in search of employment.  At the same time, individuals began promoting Joseph to artists outside the area. Over time the transition to bronze casting and art-centered cultural tourism occurred and helped soften the loss of timber jobs.

'Tracking the Intruders' by J. Shirly BothumGalleries sprang up as did potters, painters, glass blowers and artists who worked in a variety other mediums. They live here because of the art-town notoriety, community and incredible natural beauty. 

In 1996, Joseph’s Mayor Shelley Curtiss spearheaded an effort to enhance the beauty of Joseph’s Main Street to include cobblestone sidewalks and the removal of power lines that blocked the mountain views.  Joseph merchants and others ran with the idea and in 2002 the project was completed; its crowning feature was the permanent placement of 7 Monumental Bronze Sculptures. These life and larger-than-life-size sculptures represent themes common to the West. Much of the work was donated by local artists and several new pieces have been added since.

 

Tourists flock to a sight like none other
this truly is a "Must-See"

ITEMS OF INTEREST:

Chamber Members:

Art West Press

Address: PO Box 38 Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: 760-519-4982
Fax:
E-Mail: edpitts@yahoo.com
Contact: Edward Pitts
Web: www.artwestpress.com
Description: Art West Press is a book publisher and graphic design service specializing in promoting artists, musicians and writers in Wallowa County. AWP works pro bono, for emerging artists, and undertakes commercial projects. Media include books, brochures, posters, business cards, logos, rack cards, buttons, coupons, copy writing and advertising campaigns. Clients have ranged from political candidates to the Sports Car Club of America.
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Aspen Grove Gallery

Address: PO Box 189/602 North Main Street, Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-9555
Fax:
E-Mail: info@aspengrovegallery.com
Contact: Carol McLaughlin Kortnik or Mark Kortnik
Web: www.aspengrovegallery.com
Description: Original oil & Watercolor, Fine Art paintings, Sculpture by Mark & Carol McLaughlin Kortnik. Also we offer 16 years experience in custom picture framing.
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Cassie-Andra Creative Productions

Address: 203 N. Main Ste. 2 Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-5070 ; toll free 877-434-6623
Fax:
E-Mail: cbotts@eoni.com
Contact: Cassandra Botts
Web:
Description: Cassie-Andra's custom long-arm quilting will bring life to your quilt. Her creative, one-of-a-kind free style quilting enhances the quilt top and fabrics. Cassie-Andra's also features quilt classes, original quilt patterns, and of course, finished quilts! Come visit Cassie-Andra Creative Productions Monday through Saturday, 10:00 - 5:30 at 203 N. Main Ste 2, Joseph, OR.
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Cattle Country Quilts

Address: PO Box 110/203 N. Main Ste. 2 Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-6669 ; toll free 866-877-6669
Fax:
E-Mail: cattlecntryqlts@eoni.com
Contact: Cassandra Botts
Web: www.cattlecountryquilts.com
Description: Home to the rare Fabricus Beauticus, quilt shop located at 203 N. Main Ste. 2, Joseph, OR.
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Creatively Fit

Address: 918 Kirkwood Ave., Nashville, TN 37204
Tele: (615) 480-2409
Fax:
E-Mail: creativelyfit@aol.com
Contact: Whitney Ferre'
Web: www.creativelyfit.com
Description: Whitney Ferre' is the author of the Artist Within, A Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit. Whitney is currently a resident of Nashville, TN. She & her husband and three kids will be moving full time to Wallowa in June 2011. She plans on holding many workshops & retreats in Wallowa! In Nashville, she is a local celebrity due to the influence she has had on the community. She opened The Creative Fitness Center in 1996, offering art and creativity education to youth and adults. In 2004 she, and biz partner Christy Shuff, opened Rumours Wine & Art Bar next door the tHE aRT hOUSE (the new adult only version of The Creative Fitness Center)
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Crooks Clocks

Address: PO Box 594, Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: 541-432-6408
Fax:
E-Mail: coppertop@eoni.com
Contact: Tom and Treva Crooks
Web: www.eoni.com/~overwound
Description: Crooks Clocks specializes in repair and rehabilitation of antique and modern clocks of all types. There is free pick up and delivery within the Wallowa Valley and no charge for estimates. Evaluations for insurance purposes are available. Custom clocks can be designed and constructed to customer specifications. Pocket watch repair is available.
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David Jensen Photographer

Address: 405 South Street, Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-4193
Fax:
E-Mail: djensen@eoni.com
Contact: David Jensen
Web: www.agpix.com/djensen
Description: Photographer - commercial, product, assignment, travel, notecards, posters, fine art. Stock photographer--nearly 50,000 images accumulated over the course of of thirty years of travels in the Western U.S. and especially throughout Eastern Oregon.
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Funky Fiberworks

Address: 66646 Sunrise Rd., Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (509) 240-5071
Fax:
E-Mail: loring@funkyfiberworks.com
Contact: Loring Lamb
Web: www.funkyfiberworks.com
Description: Browse Funky Fiberworks where you will find one-of-a-kind Woolen items that include locally grown fleece from the beautiful Wallowa Country. The Real Rag Rugs are made from donated scraps, purchases from the local Soroptomist Thrift Store which supports local scholarships. Check out other items such as moccasins, headstall sets, key chains and other creations that are embroidered with beads, pearls, conchos, semi-precious stones; treasures that can be personalized just for you.
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Futuristic Photography

Address: PO Box 208/703 E Main, Enterprise OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-3239
Fax: (541) 426-3239
E-Mail: wjklages@oregontrail.net
Contact: Joy or Walter Klages
Web:
Description: portraits, senior pictures, landscape photography, baby pictures, wildlife photography, school pictures, class pictures.
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Gene Hayes Gallery

Address: PO Box 217 Wallowa OR, 97885
Tele: (541) 886-3311
Fax:
E-Mail: hayesart@oregontral.net
Contact: Gene Hayes
Web: www.hayesart.org
Description: oil painting, watercolor, watercolor painting, signs, wildlife painting, native american painting, historical building painting, drawing.
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Heirloom Screen Door Co.

Address: 64934 Alder Slope Rd., Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-3317
Fax: 541) 426-3317
E-Mail: aldersln@eoni.com
Contact: Randy Slinker
Web: www.heirloomscreendoorcompany.com
Description: FINEST QUALITY, HANDCRAFTED,CUSTOM-MADE, SOLID WOOD SCREEN DOORS, VICTORIAN, ARTS & CRAFTS, WESTERN & TRADITIONAL STYLES AVAILABLE.
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Indigo Gallery & Stewart Jones Jeweler

Address: PO Box 728/2 S. Main St., Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-5202
Fax:
E-Mail: indigo@eoni.com
Contact: Catherine Matthias or Stewart Jones
Web: www.indigogalleryart.com
Description: Indigo Gallery & Stewart Jones Jeweler occupy a 1911 brick bank building in the heart of Joseph's commercial district. This warmly elegant gallery represents regional, national and international artists in painting, sculpture, pottery, hand-raised copper, photography, and jewelry. It is also home to the studio of Stewart Jones, winner of the DeBeers Diamonds International Design Awards.
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j.creative

Address: 307 SE 2nd Street, Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-5702
Fax:
E-Mail: jcreative@eoni.com
Contact: Joan Madsen
Web:
Description: Graphic design, illustration and creative consulting. Specializing in logos, letterhead packages, brochures, advertising and all other printed materials.
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Joseph Digital

Address: 63872 Pine Tree Rd, Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-9017
Fax:
E-Mail: jabaird@eoni.com
Contact: Jeff Baird
Web: www.josephdigital.com
Description: Web Site Design, Photography, Large Format (24") Printing and full-service Video Production. Featuring cost-effective solutions for your digital world. Makers of this site and others in the Wallowa County area.
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Joseph Oregon Artists

Address: 63872 Pine Tree Rd, Enterprise Oregon 97828
Tele: (541) 426-9017
Fax:
E-Mail: jabaird@eoni.com
Contact: Jeff Baird
Web: www.josephoregonartists.com
Description: A Directory for Artists and the Galleries that represent them. This website is free to all artists in Wallowa County. Come Join!
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Kelly's Gallery on Main

Address: PO Box 384/2 South Main, Joseph OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-3116; (541) 426-4037, Home
Fax:
E-Mail: kgallery@eoni.com
Contact: Kelly
Web: www.kellysgalleryatjoseph.com
Description: A unique, fine art gallery where there truly is something for everyone. Bronze sculpture, hand blown glass, original paintings, gorgeous, meta-sculpture wall hangings, custom jewelry, stone carvings, hand-painted feathers in barnwood shadow boxes and much more. Come enjoy!
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L & L Backroads

Address: PO Box 457, Wallowa, OR 97885
Tele: (541) 886-3471
Fax:
E-Mail: lbauck@gmail.com
Contact: Linda Bauck
Web:
Description: Photography & Video Production
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Lakeside Interiors

Address: 11 S. Main, PO Box 190, Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-5885
Fax:
E-Mail: lakesidelynn@eoni.com
Contact: Lynn Wolf
Web:
Description: Interiors
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Mary Edwards Photography

Address: Joseph, OR
Tele: (541) 432-1078
Fax:
E-Mail: marye57@eoni.com
Contact: Mary Edwards
Web: www.maryedwardsphotography.com
Description: Professional Landscape & Animal photography.
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Northwest Mountain Works - The Wallowa Mountains

Address: 2125 NW 135th Ave., Portland, OR
Tele: (503) 645-2925
Fax:
E-Mail: pahsfern@comcast.net
Contact: Ray Pohs
Web:
Description: Please contact the WC Chamber to purchase "The Wallowa Mountains" or for additional Information.
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Ottertrack Productions

Address: PO Box 463 / 705 S. East St., Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-0930
Fax:
E-Mail: leon@ottertrack.com
Contact: Leon Werdinger
Web: www.ottertrack.com
Description: Photography - including event, editorial, assignment and stock.
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Rodd Ambroson

Address: 105 1/2 Barton Heights Road Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: 541-263-1556
Fax:
E-Mail: rodd@roddambroson.com
Contact: Rodd Ambroson
Web: www.roddambroson.com
Description: Rodd Ambroson creates beauty and emotion in clay at his Joseph, OR studio and has it cast into prize-winning bronze figures of museum quality. Three years of medical study in anatomy gave him a deep appreciation of human proportion and shape, and he perfected his art over 20 years as an award-winning medical illustrator.
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Sam Collett Fine Art

Address: PO Box 114 / 60236 Wilderness Rd., Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-7110
Fax: (541) 432-7110
E-Mail: smcollett@uci.net
Contact: Sam Collett
Web: www.samcollettfineart.com
Description: A portrait, figurative and Plein-Air Landscape artist / Wallowa Lake Workshops.
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Shady Lady's Jewelry

Address: 203 N. Main-Heritage Plaza, Joseph / 402 South St., Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 432-5000 or (541) 426-3572
Fax:
E-Mail: beads@eoni.com
Contact: Viki Abram
Web:
Description: Custom Handcrafted Gemstone Jewelry
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Sunrise Iron Antique Tractor Show

Address: 65708 Sunrise Road, Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-4407
Fax:
E-Mail: sunriseiron@eoni.com
Contact: Erl McLaughlin
Web: www.sunriseiron.com
Description: Antique Tractor Exhibit on a working ranch located outside Enterprise Oregon at the base of the beautiful Wallowa Mountains. Open year round by appointment.
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The Bookloft

Address: 107 E. Main, Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-3351
Fax:
E-Mail: bookloft@eoni.com
Contact: Mary Swanson Owner/Manager
Web: www.bookloftoregon.com
Description: The Bookloft has an interesting assortment of new and used books. We also carry maps including USGS quads of the area. Our coffee shop offers coffee, espresso drinks, baked goods and really good chocolate bars. The Skylight Gallery at the back of the store contains works by local artists.
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The Sheep Shed

Address: 207 N. Main,PO Box 425, Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-7000
Fax:
E-Mail: info@JosephSheepShed.com
Contact: Nancy Knoble & Sally Brandt
Web: www.JosephSheepShed.com
Description: Retail, Art Gallery, Yarn & Art Supplies
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Timber Bronze, Inc.

Address: 203 N. Main St., Joseph, OR
Tele: (541) 426-4126 Toll Free: (866) 313-9911
Fax: (541) 426-4081
E-Mail: mail@timberbronzeonline.com
Contact: Myron & Kendra Kirkpatrick, Owners
Web: www.timberbronzeonline.com
Description: “Manufacturer and retailer of unique cast silicon bronze hardware and decorative accessories based on a theme of pine cones, acorns, leaves, mushrooms branches, bark and wildlife likenesses. Particularly suited to log, timber frame, post and pole and other rustic homes and commercial structures. Our off-season showroom hours are limited; however, our production facility operates year round and you may contact us at the phone numbers and e-mail address above.”
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Tules Northwest

Address: 83428 Russell Lane, Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-6019 Toll-Free: 1-888-203-6019
Fax:
E-Mail: linda@tulesnorthwest.com
Contact: Linda Eytchison
Web: www.tulesnorthwest.com
Description: Graphic design, graphic printing, advertising, stock and assignment photography, greeting cards.
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Uptown Art

Address: PO Box 582 / 18 S. Main St., Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-0203
Fax:
E-Mail:
Contact: Missy Marshall
Web:
Description: Art Gallery - Frame Shop - Gift Shop
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Valley Bronze of Oregon, Inc.

Address: 307 Alder, Joseph OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-7551
Fax:
E-Mail: gallery@eoni.com
Contact: Megan Stubblefield
Web: valleybronze.com
Description: Bronze Art Casting Foundry, Showcase Gallery.
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Wallowa 4U, LLC

Address: PO Box 38 / 207 E. First St., Wallowa, OR 97885
Tele: (541) 886-5264
Fax: 888-803-7293
E-Mail: wallowa4u@eoni.com
Contact: Connie Foster
Web: www.wallowa4u.com
Description: Featuring made in Wallowa Valley paintings, art glass, pottery, candles, books, photos, frames, woodcrafts, jewelry & cards. We do ebay
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Wallowa Valley Arts Council

Address: P.O. Box 526, Joseph, OR 97846
Tele: (541) 432-7535
Fax:
E-Mail: carolyn.p.gilbert@gmail.com
Contact: Carolyn Gilbert
Web: www.wallowavalleyarts.org
Description: Supporting local artists through workshops, festivals, shows, and presentations. Working with all of the arts, including photography, bronze sculptires, painters, oils, ceramics, pottery, glass.
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Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts (28th Annual)

Address: 102 E. 1st St.
Tele: (541) 432-7535
Fax:
E-Mail: carolyn.p.gilbert@gmail.com
Contact: Carolyn Gilbert, Festival Director
Web: www.wallowavalleyarts.org
Description: Celebrate the arts in Joseph Oregon, known for the galleries and bronze sculptures that line Main Street. Set beneath the breathtaking peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, the 28th Annual Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts, an exhibit of art in most media from around the northwest, runs June 4-6 2010. For additional information about this calendar entry, please contact: David Riley, Publicity Chair Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts (541) 426-6534 rileydf@gmail.com
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Wallowa Valley Music Alliance

Address: P.O. Box 148, Enterprise, OR 97828
Tele: (541) 426-3390
Fax:
E-Mail:
Contact: Janis Carper, Executive Director
Web: www.wvmusicalliance.org
Description: The Wallowa Valley Music Alliance is dedicated to encouraging the growth of the music community in Oregon's Wallowa County, by connection music educators with students, and encouraging a widening participation in music of all genres, with particular emphasis on youth education.
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Wallowa Valley Photo Club

Address: PO Box 1055, Joseph, OR 97846
Tele:
Fax:
E-Mail: wallowaphoto@gmail.com
Contact:
Web: www.wallowavalleyphotoclub.com
Description: Publisher of Wallowa County Calendar , Promotional Book and Screen Savers. Currently working on a descriptive DVD of the County. The Club also provides for photography workshops and teaching opportunities.
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