"Experiences in Nature," Kingman and Lower, November 2026
The month of November brings local Halfway artist Christie Lower, and Richland, WA artist, Marlene Kingman to Crossroads and we couldn't be happier to display their exhibition in all its softness and grace. "Experiences in Nature," brings together dry pastel and needle felting depicting the richness of our local landscapes and the wonderful creatures who enjoy the habitat. On display November 6-28. Enjoy this elegant exhibition celebrating the beauty of nature alongside our plein air exhibit, "Brushstrokes and Byways."
"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.
"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.
"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.
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!!!
"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.
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.
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.
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.
