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Guess who’s the “belle of the tourism ball?” That would be none other than Southern Oregon! With national press articles coming out almost every day on the unique people, art, foods, and places that thrive here, it is hard to ignore just how uber-cool this area is.
Taking a road trip or a flight across the United States to visit southern Oregon’s burgeoning wine areas, micro-breweries, artisan food makers, artists, unique lodging, and exquisite scenery will not disappoint. It is shocking, once you begin to dig into the area, how rich it is with folks who are passionate about the products they make/offer. What makes their passion resonate even more is that most of them attribute their successes to their beautiful, bountiful surroundings.
Just recently, VIA magazine published an article entitled, “Road Trip: Scenic Southern Oregon.” The article discusses southern Oregon’s unique hikes, one-of-a-kind craftsmen (and women), incredible artisan foods, world-class rafting trips, and unequaled lodging experiences.
Our friends at Rogue Wilderness just got a write up on their “Wiking” trips in the NY Times (that would be Rogue River wine and hiking trips).
Step up this summer and see what all the buzz is about. Come “dance” with the belle of the Oregon tourism ball….Southern Oregon!
Interested in knowing more? Contact us at Whitewater Warehouse 1-800-214-0579
The Oregon Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market started in mid-March (we were waiting for better weather to annouce the opening–hee, hee) and is in full-swing now. The Market hops around the Rogue Valley at the end of each week–Tuesdays in Ashland, Thursdays in Medford, and Saturdays back in Ashland.
We’re here to tell you that the RV Market serves up some of the most delicious baked goods ever. A visit to any of the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market vendors will not disappoint. Many of our good, good Rogue Valley friends sell at the market. People like Pennington Farms (they were just featured in “Edible Portland”), Saucy Sisters (gotta love the name!), and Emz Blendz Soaps. Just cool, cool people with really fresh produce/products.
At this time of year, the Market offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables like arugala, broccoli, and even some bedding plants for those gardeners that can’t wait to get their gardens planted.
So venture out this Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning and fill your market basket with the freshest, choicest local ingredients made and grown by the Rogue Valley’s finest.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year…in southern Oregon! The Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association is co-sponsoring a lecture and demonstration by internationally acclaimed Ghaffar Pourazar, the Director of the International Center for the Beijing Opera. Mr. Pourazar will talk about the Beijing Opera and demonstrate the fundamentals of this classic and ancient art from. The presentation is free and will take place at the Music Recital Hall of Southern Oregon University on Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Jacksonville, located in southern Oregon is a culturally rich and diverse town. In honor of the town’s Chinese heritage, the town’s citizens are planning a New Year celebration that will happen on Saturday, February 12.
The fun begins at 8 a.m. with a 5K “Rabbit Hop Fun Run” since this is the Chinese Year of the Rabbit!
At 10:30 a.m. an old-fashioned Dragon and Lion Dance Parade kicks off the downtown Jacksonville festivities. It will be followed by books talks, Chinese history lectures, calligraphy presentations, tai-chi and kungfu demonstrations, children’s activities and a Chinese cooking show, noon at the McCully House. The Main Event Variety Show at Bigham Knoll Campus begins at 2 p.m.
Free lectures and demonstrations include: “What grandmother told me about tea, herbs, and melon seeds.” and “Chinese New Year – Tai Chi – Two Person Drill.”
Tickets for the Chinese Cooking Show and the Main Event Variety Show are $5 each and available at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. All other activities are free.
About the Author: Joy Henkle owns and operates White Water Warehouse (WWW) with her husband, Bob Meister. Ever-interested in making their Oregon Rogue River rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips part of a very special Oregon vacation experience for their guests, Joy writes this blog to educate and inform WWW guests and readers about southern Oregon’s fascinating people, places, foods, and festivals. Questions? Joy can be reached at 1-800-214-0579 or fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com Or visit Whitewater Warehouse’s FaceBook page.
In 1976 a small group of potters in southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley got together to share ideas, experiences, and pot luck dinners. Today Clayfolk is organized as a non-profit educational organization and has a membership of over 135 potters mostly from southern Oregon, but including other parts of Oregon and northern California. The range of styles, artistic vision and experience is broad, ranging from hobbyist to professional and from sculptor to functional potter. All enjoy sharing their fascination with clay!
The major funding for the group’s educational endeavors comes from the annual Clayfolk Pottery Show and Sale (November 19 – 21, 2010). Clayfolk purchases books about ceramics for our local library system, offers a time and place for glaze study, sponsors workshops with knowledgeable ceramic artists, supports the Empty Bowls project to help local hunger programs and awards an annual Ellice T. Johnston Scholarship which honors one of Clayfolk’s founding members by assisting students of the ceramic arts.
The Pottery Show and Sale will feature ceramic works by over 60 artists, including dinnerware, jewelry, tiles, fountains, sculptures and more. Live pottery-making demonstrations and hands-on activities for the whole family. Check out the Clayfolk’s member gallery for a better idea of the high quality of these varied artists.
Live entertainment Friday night, November 19, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Medford Armory, 1701 S Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR.
Photos copywrited by Clayfolk – Southern Oregon Potter’s Association, PO Box 274, Talent OR 97540
Hit the high notes on October 8, 9 and 10 in Medford, Oregon. The Medford Jazz Festival celebrates its 21st year of booking some of the best in jazz musicians in the country. Lucky attendees will get to enjoy bands with distinctive music and distinctive names such as: Gator Beat, Cornet Chop Suey, Wally’s Wairehouse Waifs and Stompy Jones.
The live jazz music venues are spread throughout Medford making it easy for listeners to enjoy this upbeat music in whatever atmosphere they choose.
Dancing at the Medford Jazz Festival has always been popular, and in the last few years has really taken off. From the energetic, uninhibited steps of Jump-Jive to the classical, intimate Waltz, the Festival is the ultimate place to dance to live music for three straight days. Each venue features a dance floor and lots of room for watching. The dedicated dancing site features free professional dance lessons, dance exhibitions, great contests, and plenty of seating for spectators.
2010 brings new exciting changes to the Medford Jazz Festival. The biggest is probably the change of names from the Medford Jazz Jubilee to the Medford Jazz Festival. Changing to a “festival” signifies the weightiness of this community event, which is a celebration of the passion for music and the festivities that surround it.
The Medford Jazz Festival is truly a musical event for all ages. Over the years it has stayed true to its Dixieland roots, but has broadened the community and audience appeal by including Zydeco, Swing, Jump-Jive, Big Band and other music that is period-contemporary with the Traditional Jazz era.
Tickets can be obtained through the Medford Jazz Festival’s website. Or dial 1-800-599-0039 for more information!
About the Author: Joy Henkle owns and operates White Water Warehouse (WWW) with her husband, Bob Meister. Ever-interested in making their Oregon Rogue River rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips part of a very special Oregon vacation experience for their guests, Joy writes this blog to educate and inform WWW guests and readers about southern Oregon’s fascinating people, places, foods, and festivals. Questions? Joy can be reached at 1-800-214-0579 or fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com Or visit Whitewater Warehouse’s FaceBook page.
October 2 & 3 marks the eighth anniversary of “Art Along the Rogue.” This celebration of local, young artists’ talents is sure to capitalize on this weekend’s great Grants Pass weather! In its 8th year, Art Along the Rogue will feature dozens of national, regional, elementary and high school student artists creating huge pastel chalk drawings on “H” St in Downtown Grants Pass. The theme for this year’s event is “animals”.
New to Art Along the Rogue in 2010 is a Tap Walk. For $25, participants over 21 years can taste the regions best micro-brews in eleven locations in the downtown area. Restaurants and pubs will also feature delicious foods to accompany the micro-brews from 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Tap Walkers will receive a commemorative pint beer glass. Tickets will be available August 24, 2010 at Elegance, 321 SE 6th St in Grants Pass or by calling (541) 476-0570.
Another new addition to Art Along the Rogue this year is a “Doggy Art Walk”. Sponsored by the Rogue Valley Kennel Club. At 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 3, 2010 dogs of all shapes and sizes will be artistically costumed and paraded through the festival on “H” St. Prizes will be awarded to the most artistic doggy.
Very fun and it promises to be fantastic weather for outside activities this weekend!
About the Author: Joy Henkle owns and operates White Water Warehouse (WWW) with her husband, Bob Meister. Ever-interested in making their Oregon Rogue River rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips part of a very special Oregon vacation experience for their guests, Joy writes this blog to educate and inform WWW guests and readers about southern Oregon’s fascinating people, places, foods, and festivals. Questions? Joy can be reached at 1-800-214-0579 or fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com Or visit Whitewater Warehouse’s FaceBook page.
The talented folks at Gathering Glass Studios in Ashland, Oregon in conjunction with Mobility Unlimited are introducing a “first annual” event entitled The 2010 Glass Harvest Festival. The October 9th and 10th event will be located in Gathering Glass Studios at 322 N Pioneer St in Ashland.
The Festival promises southern Oregon browsers an endless array of “October eye candy” in the form of vibrant glass pumpkins, gourds, and leaves. The Studio is encouraging glass artists from all over the Northwest to showcase their unique works of art during the October event.
Organizers invite shoppers to come stroll through the glass harvest “fields” and gather your own fall bounty of glass. The Gathering Glass owners/artists will also be on hand doing demonstrations, custom designs and allowing you to become involved in the creative process of glass blowing.
Mark your calendars and make a stop at the Glass Harvest Festival your new annual holiday tradition.
About the Author: Joy Henkle owns and operates White Water Warehouse (WWW) with her husband, Bob Meister. Ever-interested in making their Oregon Rogue River rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips part of a very special Oregon vacation experience for their guests, Joy writes this blog to educate and inform WWW guests and readers about southern Oregon’s fascinating people, places, foods, and festivals. Questions? Joy can be reached at 1-800-214-0579 or fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com Or visit Whitewater Warehouse’s FaceBook page.
Southern Oregon artist Gabriel Mark Lipper describes his recent works as paintings that seduce viewers into an opulent world of decadence and longing. The strength of his colors, textures, and even the positions in which he paints his subjects echos his artistic passions and fresh perspectives. “I like to play with color and I understand the power of color,” says Gabriel. “I studied a painting technique called alla prima which simply means that you paint ‘in one go’–mixing colors and values and place color where you want it once–and quickly. This technique creates a very intimate, vibrant canvas.”
Gabriel’s latest series, “Urban Legends,” embodies his masterful techniques. Looking at his art, it is powerful and yet at the same time, subtle. There is no mistaking Gabriel Mark Lippert’s artwork. He truly needs no signature.
So what’s next for this young, accomplished southern Oregon artist? Gabriel tells us his pursuit of the decadent will take him outdoors to a Polo tournament where he will be painting the tournament’s observers. In Gabriel’s own words, “I am excited by this project. To paint the faces of people who have attained everything so nothing looks good to them will be exciting for me. Capturing this excess of contemporary culture is the perfect subject matter for me at this time.”
“I’ve always been a bit of a voyeur. I travel to paint people and places I don’t know yet. I try to look closely and find out how much I can glean from their surfaces. Hopefully that opens up a door to understanding what’s inside.”
You can view for yourself this incredible talent by visiting his website, Art of Gabriel.
About the Author: Joy Henkle owns and operates White Water Warehouse (WWW) with her husband, Bob Meister. Ever-interested in making their Oregon Rogue River rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips part of a very special Oregon vacation experience for their guests, Joy writes this blog to educate and inform WWW guests and readers about southern Oregon’s fascinating people, places, foods, and festivals. Questions? Joy can be reached at 1-800-214-0579 or fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com Or visit Whitewater Warehouse’s FaceBook page.
“Art in Bloom” is Medford, Oregon’s gift to all moms. The weekend-long celebration will be held on May 8 and 9 this year….just in time to celebrate the most important woman in your life, your mom.
This is an event that some folks look forward to all winter. The two-day festival hones in on some of Southern Oregon’s best and most vibrant artists. During the weekend, downtown Medford will be transformed with visual arts, entertainment, and culture. This is Medford’s tenth year of celebrating its many local artists, local culture and cuisine.
The festival has grown to include musical performances, workshops and activities geared toward the kids. New to the festival this year are a children’s petting zoo and a drawing contest featuring some fun prizes.
Art in Bloom provides a wonderful opportunity to find unique and affordable Mother’s Day gifts while strolling along with your mom. Buyers can be feel good about supporting local, community artists as well as other well-known West Coast artisans. Aside from art vendors there will also be local foods and spirits.
The weather is normally very nice in early May and it is a perfect family outing, so mark your calender and visit the Art in Bloom Festival in and around Vogel Plaza as well as the blocks surrounding the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater and the Rogue Gallery and Art Center.
Do we have the greatest job in the world or what? Getting a chance to interview incredible folks like southern Oregon photographer Debra R. Harder is thrilling. This uber-talented individual came to our attention when she won the 2009 Medford Tribune Wild Bird Photo Contest. She actually won grand prize AND first place (2 different photos) but the rules only allowed her to win one or the other–so grand prize it was! “I was thrilled to receive the grand prize award for my bird photo.” The grand prize shot was of a crane taken on a trip to New Mexico but her first place photo of a golden-crowned sparrow was taken a little closer to home. “I was in my backyard–we’re up at 2,800 feet–and the snow was coming down. I just sat there for hours and studied where the birds were landing, which trees. The early-morning light was just hitting the bird in the breast, so all of the elements were there.”
Deb and her husband, a veterinarian, live in Medford, Oregon and she draws a lot of inspiration off the countryside’s beautiful landscapes. “To capture a photo takes moments of perfection,” says Deb. “The best light, the best composition, and then the knowledge to transform the negative into a provocative print. Living in this beautiful place gives me those things and continues to inspire me–even when I come back from photographing far-away places.”
You can order Deb’s prints by emailing her or calling her at 541-776-7436. But make sure to discover her website for a broader look at her incredible photographic talents. She says landscapes are her strengths but in looking at her portfolio, no one would guess that. Certainly not the Mail Tribune judges who voted her wild bird photos tops in their field….
All photos copyrighted by Debra R. Harder, DRHimages. The first image was taken in Medford, Oregon. The second image was taken in Denman wildlife area located near Eagle Point, Oregon. The third image is of the southern Oregon coast at Bandon.
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