Valley Art Association Launches 54th Annual Art Show in March

The Valley Art Association, in collaboration with the City of Oakdale, is set to host its 54th Annual Art Show at the Gene Bianchi Community Center. This much-anticipated event will take place on March 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on March 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, making it accessible to art enthusiasts and the general public alike.

During the show, visitors will have the opportunity to admire a diverse range of artwork and engage in the voting for the People’s Choice Award. An awards reception is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m., where winners will be recognized for their contributions.

Artists from across the region are invited to showcase their work, with submissions accepted at the community center on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on March 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. The artwork will be categorized across nine classifications, including oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, photography, pottery, and sculpture. Awards will be presented for first, second, and third place, as well as honorable mentions in each category.

Student Participation and Scholarships

This year, the event has expanded to include high school students, allowing them to enter their artwork in two classifications: 2-D and 3-D art. Similar to other categories, there will be awards and ribbons for outstanding student entries.

Additionally, several tables featuring silent auction items will be available during the show. Proceeds from these auctions will support scholarships for graduating high school seniors pursuing art-related majors.

The Valley Art Association regularly meets on the second Monday of each month at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Community Center, located at 450 E. A St., in Oakdale, at 6:30 p.m. The organization welcomes anyone with an interest in art to join their meetings.

For further details or to request an artist entry form, interested parties can email [email protected]. The Annual Art Show promises to be a celebration of creativity and community engagement, highlighting the talents of local artists and providing opportunities for aspiring students.