Madras art gallery celebrates four decades with local artists showcase

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Art Adventure Gallery in downtown Madras is celebrating its 40th anniversary this Thursday, May 7th, with a special event. The celebration, marking four decades as a permanent art space, is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The gallery first opened in 1986 following an art show hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. The event revealed a strong community interest in art but a lack of a permanent exhibition space. To address this need, the gallery was established downtown and has remained in its original location since then.

Visitors to the anniversary event will have the chance to see local artists' work. The exhibition will feature art from the Tananáwit artist community in Warm Springs. The first 40 attendees to the event will receive free ice cream served in hand-made ceramic bowls.

Coralee Popp, the gallery's director, encouraged community members to attend the celebration. "Everybody should come. People who appreciate art... people who want to support the arts in our communities. They're disappearing from the schools and everywhere."