Our 41st Annual Event!

The festival is the largest juried fine art exhibition in Eastern Oregon, featuring representational realism as well as contemporary art from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts is dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting artists. WVFA is located in the beautiful town of Joseph – known for its breathtaking scenery, myriad outdoor recreation opportunities, world-renowned bronze foundries, exquisite galleries and Main Street art installations. A central aim of the annual festival is to reflect the beauty, culture, heritage, and traditions of our region through its arts and artists. We showcase sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, an En Plein Air competition and more!

Festival Judge: Tim Norman

Tim Norman is a sculptor who has worked in bronze production for nearly 40 years. Tim studied Art and Music at Eastern Oregon State College and Spokane Falls Community College. He began working at Valley Bronze in Joseph, Oregon in 1984.  Tim worked his way up to production manager but left in1996 to start Norman Arts with wife Nickie.

Tim creates and produces his original artwork at his studio near Enterprise Oregon. Tim utilizes the intimate knowledge earned from nearly 40 years in the Bronze Production business to create original fine art sculptures. Tim handles all of his own tooling and patina work on these sculptures, giving a personal touch to each bronze.

Tim’s artwork is enjoyed by collectors through out the United States and Europe. Tim has public works around the country including a  3’ x 5.5’ bronze wall relief of a Horse Drawn Combine titled ‘Harvest” for St. Anthony’s Hospital in Pendleton Oregon, “Heritage” a life size bald eagle in Joseph, Oregon and also in St. Joseph, Missouri.  Life size “River Dance” Redmond Oregon Airport. Tim’s work can also be seen at Phinney Gallery in Joseph, Or, and Rimrock Gallery in Prineville, Oregon.

2023 Festival Schedule

Sept. 9th: Check-in and kick-off for En Plein Air Competition 

Sept. 15th (7-10pm):  Fine Art Show & En Plein Air Opening Reception

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture (this is a ticketed event).

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Sept. 16th (1-4 pm):  Afternoon of the Quick Draw, Set up at 1pm – Quick Draw starts at 2, Live Music from 1:30-3:30pm.

Mt. Joseph Lodge Gardens/Grounds (directly across Main Street from Josephy Center).

Sept. 16th (10am – 8pm) & Sept. 17th (10am – 2pm):  All Art Exhibits Open to the Public (including En Plein Air Artwork)…Featuring Live Music with artists to be announced.

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture

Sept. 17th (1:30 pm): Silent auctions bid close. Art buyers may pick up their purchases at 2pm. Unsold art must be picked up by the artist, or a designated representative, between 2:30-4pm or make arrangements with Josephy Center staff including registering for the extended exhibition period ending on September 26th.

Date: September 15-17, 2023

Location: Josephy Center for Arts & Culture

403 N Main St Joseph, OR 97846

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