Art Center East Launches Inaugural Ceramics Exhibit in La Grande This April

Art Center East's Orlaske Gallery will fill with clay, glaze, and fired earth this spring when the La Grande arts center opens its inaugural Ceramics Open Exhibit on April 3, kicking off a nearly three-month run through June 27.

The biennial, open-call show is designed to "showcase the versatility and beauty of ceramics," according to an ACE press release, and will bring together artists working across a wide range of ceramic techniques and mediums. An opening reception at 1006 Penn Ave. runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 3, free and open to the public. That same evening, ACE also opens a concurrent show featuring work by Eastern Oregon University students, giving La Grande two new exhibitions in a single night.

Visitors who see the ceramics show before it closes won't just be spectators. Anyone who walks through the Orlaske Gallery can cast a vote for their favorite piece, with the winner receiving a $100 People's Choice Award. ACE staff will announce the recipient at a closing reception on June 26 from 6 to 8 p.m., one day before the exhibit officially ends on June 27.

A raffle running the length of the exhibit adds another layer to the opening night. Beginning at 6 p.m. on April 3, tickets go on sale for an original saggar-fired ceramic vase created by the late artist Sue Orlaske, available both in person at ACE and online. Ticket sales continue through June 27, with proceeds supporting Art Center East's gallery programs. The raffle winner will be announced after July 1.

The Orlaske Gallery, along with ACE's Main Gallery, holds the distinction of being the only international fine art exhibit spaces in Union County. The galleries occupy most of the second floor of ACE's historic Carnegie Library building on Penn Avenue and are funded through memberships, private donors, and sponsors. According to ACE, the arts and culture sector in Northeast Oregon generates $1.2 million in economic activity, with ACE's gallery programming contributing to that figure.

ACE galleries are open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free admission year-round. For information on the Ceramics Open Exhibit or raffle tickets, visit artcentereast.org or call 541-624-2800.