"Journeys & Convergence," by Denise Elizabeth Stone, Jan Clark, and Linda M. Peterson October 2026
An abundance of mixed media works chronicling decades of the individual artistic journeys and creative convergence of three distinctive artists from La Grande, Oregon comes to Crossroads the month of October. Jan, Linda, and Denise, along with the late Sue Orlaske, initially gathered in 2008 to learn batik watercolor methods. Together they developed techniques to extend their range of possibilities. Each artist's work is influenced and enhanced by their collaboritive endeavors. Themes of nature, color, exploration, and storytelling unify the collection, bringing the individual strands of skill, vision, and technique into a cohesive statement of artistic expression.
September Open Regional-Art at the Crossroads! 2026
It is the September Open and our biggest show of the year!!!!! With more awards and prizes than ever before, artists will come from near and far to fill the gallery top to bottom with their best work and certainly produce a dazzling exhibition! Lauri Borer is our judge and will have the difficult job of awarding $4500 in prizes! And be sure to visit the art center on September 5th, from 10am-12pm to enjoy some refreshments and a public talk with the judge as we enjoy an artful conversation. On display September 4th-26th, Be sure to catch this show!!!
"Lines, Dots, and Feathers" by Debra Otterstein August 2026
Celebrated fine artist from Cove, Oregon, Debra Otterstein brings detail to the forefront in her exquisite scratchboard and feather painting artwork to Crossroads the month of August. Debra states, "Wildlife, with its endless variety and vitality, remains my primary source of inspiration. The ever-changing tapestry of nature ensures a constant stream of new elements to explore and interpret, fueling my creativity and passion for my work. Through my art, I aim to share these special moments, inviting others to see the world through my eyes and discover beauty in the often overlooked details." This exhibition runs August 7th-29th.
"The Educator's Palette: Celebrating Creativity of Art Teachers from Eastern Oregon" July 2026
Crossroads welcomes active and retired art educator's from across Eastern Oregon: Abbey Prevot, Jennifer Godwin, Jessie Street, Alice Thomas, and Ashley Ballard. Summer is the perfect time to celebrate our art teachers! This exhibition will display a wide variety of mediums from egg tempura, acrylics, ceramics, fiber art, oils, and mixed media. Through their work, these artists demonstrate the lifelong impact of teaching art and nurturing creativity. "The Educator's Palette" honors their unique artistic voices while reflecting their shared dedication to inspiring others. Frequently, art educators channel their creative efforts into cultivating artistic development in their students, often placing their own artistic pursuits on the back burner. This exhibit serves as an opportunity to present the artwork and imaginative talent that have shaped the artistic journeys of countless young art students over the years. "The Educator's Palette" will be on exhibit from July 3rd to August 1st, 2026.
"Creative Chaos"
June 5th, 2026, Andrea Stone, Kathy Pennington, and Pattie Young will bring an exciting exhibition to Crossroads in June. A variety of mediums in both solo and collaborative work will fill the gallery and we are thrilled to host these wonderful local artists who are beloved by this community in a show that intends to create cohesion and beauty from raw and found materials. Andrea Stone states, “We all three use repurposed pieces and parts to make beauty from chaos and disorder. “Creative Chaos” is the idea that chaos and uncertainty can lead to new forms and higher levels of order, creating meaning by putting crazy back in order. I think all three of us let the materials guide us through the creative process of reordering our pieces and parts, exploring the meanings of line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture through metal, fabric, paint, porcelain, and glass. We, as artists, have a special opportunity to use chaos for good. Out of chaos comes creativity and love.” This exhibit will be displayed June 5th-June 27th, 2026.
May 2026
Joachim McMillian, born on the Caribbean Island of Grenada, grew up with spectacular views of the ocean, the mountainous landscapes, and the simplicity of the countryside where he believed from a young age that extraordinary things can evolve from the ordinary. He is a self-taught artist who uses an impressionistic style and refuses to be confined to rules by possessing a bold spirit allowing him to experiment with craft and seeks constant reinvention. His technique relies heavily on the palette knife, creating a mosaic like look by applying layers of wet oil paint. His paintings reflect the multifaceted nature of the human condition and the world in which we live.
April Open Theme Show 2026
"This Land is Your Land" is our theme this year. We are open to all interpretations and mediums. Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center in Union, Oregon is sponsoring the April Open Theme show celebrating their 125th year (the oldest agricultural experiment station in Oregon), America 250, and the United Nations' International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists dedicated to supporting awareness about pastoral and rangeland communities around the world. There will be 2 Purchase Awards of $500 each from EOARC "The Ranch Lifestyle Award" and "Pastoral & Range Landscapes Award" and a Peoples' Choice Award as well. There is a 3 piece limit, and a $20 entry fee, but beginning this year all participants are required to be members of Crossroads. Last day to enter is March 30th. Show opens April 3rd, 2026.
March 2026
"Migration Connections": As a conservation artist, Mary Arnold's goal is to emphasize humanity's connection to nature and carry a message of balanced land and animal conservation through her art. In the Fauve tradition, her art style uses color to project a mood and to establish a structure within the art piece. Mary explores the nexus of ecology and human values and seek to understand the emotion, beliefs, and philosophies that prompt us to protect our environment and wildlife.
February 2026
"Over the Bridge" is an exhibition by ceramicist, Dori Kite, and painter, Kayla Hanson, bringing together classical and experimental styles that not only complement each other, but elevates the show. Kite, from Baker City, grounds us and then Hanson, from Boise, lifts us. It is both earthy and ethereal, elegant and energetic, it is a show not to miss. February 6th-February 27th, 2026.
January Open Show 2026
Lifting up emerging artists is a big part of our mission and we are always happy to showcase their work. January is reserved for high school students as well as adult learners and we welcome all budding artists to come and submit their work for this wonderful open show. It is a great way to start the new year!
December 2025: Christmas at the Crossroads
Come and shop for the holidays and give the gift of art! Local artists and makers have brought their art, their crafts, ornaments, and holiday cards for you to see and cherish. Choose to give a unique gift this holiday season and have a holly, jolly, season this year friends!
November: Brushstrokes and Byways: 2025 Plein Air "Autumn's Palette"
Twelve Plein Air Artists from across a wide region, the west coast to Boise, came together for a wonderful event and painted Baker County. A smashing success with wonderful work and a jolly good time, the weather was perfect and the scenery gorgeous! La Dolce Vita Properties will choose the Purchase Award for $600 and a People's Choice Award will be chosen on opening night November 7th. Come to First Friday and vote for your favorite!
October: "Linear Impressionism, Close to Home" by Maia Leisz
Maia Leisz will exhibit an impressive body of work that delights the heart and soul from October 3rd through November 1st, 2025. With a vibrant and refreshing palette, and a breath of life in the landscape lends a nod to the impressionist greats. Coming to Crossroads from Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, we welcome Maia with open arms. It is a pleasure for her artwork to grace our walls.
November: "Between the Un-Wired Worlds II" by Alethea Brewer
Alethea Brewer has long been fascinated with birds, their wings, feathers, flight patterns, and so much more stir her imagination and inspires thought, contemplation, and exploration. Using clay, ink and paper she will display a body of work that will explore different ideas of conversation, confession, and communication, embracing the beauty and grace of of feathered friends, the birds. The exhibit will be displayed November 7th through November 29th, 2025.
Dec.-March 2026: Wagon Dreams & Wild Things by Terri Axness
Terri Axness, a pillar of the Baker art community, is exhibiting a rare collection of large sculptures at the Flagstaff Gallery located inside the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. A fusion of reality and whimsy bring a joy to Terri's work that captures the creative spirit held in the valley between the Elkhorns and Eagle Cap Mountains. Opening date is December 13th. Opening reception from 2-4pm. Closing date is March 15th. Don't miss it!
September Open Regional-Art at the Crossroads
Our biggest show of the year!!! 2025 September Open Regional will attract dozens of artists from across the region to compete for cash prizes. This year the Barbara Wilbur Family Fund will sponsor a $1000 prize and this year's theme is SCULPTURE! Come on in and get a Call to Artists flyer or find it on our website under "forms" at the bottom of the home page for all the information and submission guidelines. Participate in the show, or come and see the exhibit, it is certainly one to see!!
"Colors of the Mountain West"
Growing up in rural Eastern Idaho, Lisa Bower enjoyed an amazing childhood with Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons as her playgrounds. While there is such majesty in these national parks, the fields and foothills are just as remarkable for the beauty they hold for the featured artist the month of August and serve as an inspiration for her show. "Art is an experience that can be relived every time you look at it," says Bower. Come and see for yourself the beauty of our surroundings captured in these wonderful oil paintings August 1st through the 30th, 2025.
"Heart of the Wild"
Eight Boise artists come to Baker for an extraordinary group show rich in depth and beauty. "Heart of the Wild" captures the spirit of the surrounding landscape and the creatures who inhabit it. Paintings, photography, printmaking, and ceramics will fill the gallery in an exhibition that will inspire and regenerate our view of the Northwest. This esteemed grouping includes Claire Remsberg-painter, Jill Storey-painter, Lawrence Manning-photographer, Jessie Swimeley-photographer, Mary Arnold-painter, Betty Malorca-painter, Laurel MacDonald-printmaker, Leslie Jay Bosch-ceramicist. This impressive exhibit will be on display from July 4th through July 26th, 2025.
"Biophilia: Threads of Natural Wonder"
SAQA: Studio Art Quilt Associates Oregon is traveling around the state celebrating the love of life and all things living. The show comes to Crossroads for the month of June! Our world is filled with an endless variety of flora and fauna that create joy, comfort, and wonder in our lives. This fantastic array of living organisms creates the beautiful world that supports and enriches us. These quilts are a wide range of artistic perspectives on the theme of biophilia. We are excited to host this exhibition in our town that is full of quilters and quilt lovers. Be sure to come June 6th-June 28th, 2025 to see this lovely show!
"Refugia of the Blue Mountains"
The combination of poetry and watercolors of and about the Blue Mountains is an experience that brings our natural surroundings front and center in this exquisite exhibit. Robin Coen, painter, and Marina Richie, poet, bring a traveling show to Crossroads celebrating our beautiful and fascinating "Great Blues" with special attention to Hell's Canyon and the abundant refugia around us. Exhibition will be on display May 2nd through May 31st, 2025. Be sure to come and hear Dr. David Mildrexler from Wallowology give his presentation, "Refugia and why the Blue Mountains Really Matter" on First Friday at 6:00 p.m. after a very special artists' talk at 5:30 p.m. with Robin and Marina discussing the inspiration for their show and their conservation work. This is one not to miss!
April Theme Show "Objet d' Art"
Back by popular demand is our "Objet d' Art" theme show! Artists are coming into Crossroads and randomly handed an object from our bin. Then they are charged with incorporating, manipulating, replicating or whatever the artist would like to do with or to the object in any medium of their choosing. A picture of the original object will be displayed next to the new artwork on First Friday April 4th running through to April 26th. This is an exciting and fun show that has the artistic community buzzing!
"Beyond the Rim: The Beauty of the Bowl" Open Show in March
An an exciting new open show inspired by our soup dinner fundraiser is filling the gallery with vessels of all mediums and we can't wait to see what artists bring to sell and display. There will be bowl inspired 2D and 3D artwork as well as 100 handcrafted bowls donated to Crossroads for the soup dinner displayed on First Friday March 7th alongside the gallery bowls. The Dinner is on March 8th-Tickets available at Crossroads or on our website. Come celebrate the vessel and see both collector's bowls on display and what artists have created from wood, clay, glass, fiber etc.
Lauren Chaney and Chris Halley February 2025
Don't miss this feast for the eyes! Chris Halley's masterful metal work is perfectly paired with Lauren Chaney's brilliant colorful paintings with subject matter full of mystery. An elegant and vibrant show gracing our gallery in February showing between the 7th on First Friday through to March 1st.
Emerging Artist Show 2025
We are celebrating emerging artists, as well as high school student work, to start our year off with fresh ideas and energy for the arts. Come and support our growing art community during the month of January!
