Oregon Crafted is proud to present its first annual Oregon Crafted Sampler – A Fine Arts and Crafts Show, November 14th and 15th, 2009 at the Lane County Fairgrounds Auditorium. The show features over 50 artists that are participating members of Oregon Crafted, Eugene Glass Guild, Eugene Glass School, Guild of Eugene Metalsmiths (GEM), Clay Space, Local Clay and East Linn Artists (ELA). The Oregon Crafted Sampler will be held for one weekend only, and show hours are: Saturday, November 14th from 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, November 15th from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission is free with a suggested donation of canned goods for Food For Lane County. A variety of art mediums will be on display, including: glass, ceramics, jewelry, metal, wood, paintings, fiber, baskets, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and gourd art. Patti Lomont, Art Program Coordinator for Oregon Crafted, says, “Many of the exhibiting artists are in fine arts galleries around the country, and locally do not show their work very often. This is an excellent opportunity to see and purchase their work.” Come to the Oregon Crafted Sampler and help keep art alive by supporting local artists. For more information and a complete list of show artists, visit the Oregon Crafted website at www.oregoncrafted.org.

November brings lots and lots of rain to Oregon and forces many of us to seek indoor activities. As November also christens the winter holiday season, one indoor winter activity popular with many Oregonians is shopping. The winter gift-giving season creates a treasure hunt atmosphere for many of us looking for a special gift for a special someone.

Oregon attracts a multitude of fine artists, with its luscious landscapes and inspirational settings. These artists create uniquely Oregon pieces that can be the prize at the end of your treasure hunt. Whether its metal garden art, jewelry crafted wood, glass bowls, ceramics, textiles or paintings, Oregon Crafted can put you in touch with the treasure you seek.

The first annual Oregon Crafted Sampler show brings over 45 of these fine Oregon artists indoors under one roof to display and sell their works of art to the November shoppers. Instead of searching for that gift in national chain stores at the mall, you can find it at the Oregon Crafted Sampler show at the Lane County Fairgrounds Auditorium on November 14th and 15th. Not only will you by buying a locally-made unique hand-crafted gift instead of a mass-produced made out-of-town product, you will be supporting local Oregon artists. Give a special gift. Buy local!