Wild About the Valley
It seems that there is always something going on in the Illinois Valley. Numerous art happenings and musical events throughout the year—from engaging art to rustic crafts, bluegrass to funk tunes—the valley has a wide array of offerings. Or you could just relax next to the river.
Art in its various forms -- some raucous, meditative or soothing in the medium of music; some vibrant or provocative in painting and sculpture using many materials -- abounds in what is becoming a haven for artisans.
From O’Brien on the south to Selma on the north, with its other environs here and there and in-between, Southwestern Oregon’s Illinois Valley contains a major vein of artists and craftsmen of many stripes.
Some of the valley’s art appears in the form of music. For example, the 2008 Siskiyou Bluegrass Festival, sponsored by Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce at Lake Selmac in Selma, will feature six groups well-known for their pickin’ and kickin’ Bluegrass tunes.
This event includes food, soft drinks, beer and wine available from vendors.
Then there’s the annual chamber-sponsored Concerts in the Park summer series. It generally runs weekly from June through July; the schedule is announced in Illinois Valley News, the weekly newspaper that primarily covers the valley. The schedule also is available from the chamber office in the I.V. Visitor Center.
Offering varied types of music, the concerts are held in Jubilee Park in the city of Cave Junction.
Two others of the area’s major events are the Classic Car Show sponsored by Cave Junction Lions Club; and the three-day Labor Day Festival sponsored by Illinois Valley Lions Club.
Both events are held in Jubilee Park. The festival includes a parade in Downtown Cave Junction on Labor Day.
The 2008 car show will be held on Saturday, June 28.
Another significant Illinois Valley event -- the Wild Blackberry Arts & Crafts Festival -- is held on the last weekend of August. Organized and directed by volunteers, notably Mark & Judy Russo, the festival in Downtown Cave Junction offers live music, and a variety of product and food booths.
Festival-goers can find items ranging from arts-and-crafts creations, to T-shirts, knives, toys and jewelry.
Yet another noteworthy art extravaganza is comprised of Second Friday Art Walk, held from March through December in Downtown Cave Junction. The series is sponsored by Illinois River Valley Arts Council.
Many stores participate with displays of art provided by guest artists. Food, music, wine and varied media are part of the evenings that attract crowds who move up and down the main street checking out the offerings.
The valley art world also consists of the gallery in Kerby provided by Southern Oregon Guild. The gallery and related offerings are in the RCC Learning Center across from Joe’s Market.
Besides all those events, Art’s Red Garter, Junction Inn, Nacho Mama’s, Carlos’ Restaurante and Taylor’s Country Store periodically provide live music. Check Illinois Valley News for announcements.
This page is best viewed with the free Firefox browser.
