Wenatchee Valley 101 explores local visual arts Sept. 12 at the museum

WENATCHEE — How does the Wenatchee Valley’s culture, history and landscape show up in its visual art — and where can people plug in? The next Wenatchee Valley 101 session will take up those questions from 6–8 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center, with a short presentation, a moderated panel, and interactive prompts for the audience. Doors open 5:30 p.m. for socializing; beer, wine and appetizers will be served.

Hosted by Our Valley Our Future (OVOF), Wenatchee Valley 101 is designed as a friendly learning-and-mingling space for both new residents and longtime locals, with the aim of building community connections. Event partners include the NCW Arts Alliance, Wenatchee Downtown Association, City of Wenatchee, Confluence Health, and the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, alongside the museum.

The evening begins with a brief museum talk on how the region’s art has evolved, followed by a discussion on where to see art locally, how to build skills, and ways to support a growing visual arts scene. Attendees will also be able to meet leaders from local arts nonprofits.

Program speakers & moderator

The keynote speaker will be executive director of the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Marriah Thornock, presenting the “History of the Arts in the Wenatchee Valley.”

Thom Kokenge, former Northwest Public Radio host and producer, will be acting as moderator for the evening. Other speakers include:

• Lady Luck Studio owner and Columbia Street Mural Fest founder Faith Merz

• Painter and metal artist Terry Valdez, owner of Terry Valdez Studios

• North 40 Productions principal and director Jeff Ostensen

• Wenatchee Valley College art educator Scott Bailey

• Executive Director of the NCW Arts Alliance and of Leavenworth’s Village “Art in the Park” Callie Baker

• Wenatchee Downtown Association Executive Director Rosa Pulido

Doors open at the Museum at 5:30 p.m. for socializing and networking, with time to get refreshments. The cost is $10 to get in. You can register online at OVOFwenatcheevalley101.eventbrite.com or ourvalleyourfuture.org/wenatchee-valley-101/.

Questions will be posed in real time during the program, with time to keep the conversation going after the panel ends, so come curious and ready to participate.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media