The Troutdale Fall Festival of the Arts will be held on September 21st and 22nd. Saturday’s event will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday’s event will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will be held in Troutdale, Oregon at Glenn Otto Park at 1102 E. Historic Columbia River Highway.
Q: Why does the West Columbia Gorge Chamber host this Arts Festival in Troutdale?
A: Our Mission is ‘to connect, support, and present the thriving community of artists, studios, workshops, and galleries in our region, and to build awareness of the West Columbia Gorge as a Fine Art destination.” There’s a lot of ground to cover in our Chamber’s area – Fairview to Cascade Locks. Troutdale is where our office and Visitor Center is, and already has a great Arts reputation thanks to folks like the Caswells, and so many others. One of our goals is to engage more communities and groups to take part (or make new parts) and expand The Festival in the future. This is only our 5th year of what we hope will be a long standing tradition in our region.
Q: What can people expect at Fall Festival of the Arts?
A: A gorgeous natural setting for Two days of juried Artists’ booths, a Silent Auction, 6 Pacific NW Authors, live music & Demonstrations throughout the weekend, great food and snacks, local wine & craft beer, the culmination of the Troutdale Community Art Trout Project, and kids are welcome – there’s a playground & Kids Art Zone!
Q: This is also a fund-raiser, correct? Who is that for this year?
A: This year a portion of our proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Our Artist of the Year Donna Erwin has done incredible framing of work by people with Alzheimer’s for the Association’s “Memories in the Making” Gala Auctions. Many of us have been touched by dementia or Alzheimers, and while it is hard to adjust and cope with the changing reality, support is available, and access to art & music programs are so beneficial to everyone involved. It seemed like a perfect fit.
Q: How did you choose Donna Erwin as Artist of the Year?
A: Donna owns & operates the Columbia River Gallery in Troutdale (303 E.Historic Columbia River Hwy.) She is best known for her stellar work in framing – hand carving designs into the mats, using materials in unique ways. She has been the winner of many competition framing awards, including at the international level. Donna’s talents & support of the arts are wide-ranging. She coordinates & participates in Troutdale’s First Friday Art Walks throughout the year, and has been a tireless volunteer for this event and many others during her 21+ years in business. Her design skills elevate her art to a level of importance and recognition that is well deserved, and we are so thrilled to have her as our 2019 Artist of the Year!
Q: Any additional thoughts to share?
A: We’re incredibly thankful to each of our Sponsors, and our amazing Volunteers. We plan this FREE ADMISSION event all year, and couldn’t do any of this without their support.
Contact amy@westcolumbiagorgechamber.com to participate! This is a great way to get involved in the community, meet new people, network with Artists and business owners, and to see personally why you should apply or sponsor next year!
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: www.FallFestivalOfTheArts.com
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram: fall_arts_festival, or call Amy: 503-739-2463.
