Cannon Beach is one of the Northwest’s favorite getaways and it’s also the picture-perfect place to find yourself for some truly enjoyable art experiences during the Stormy Weather Arts Festival November 4-6. This is typically the quiet season on the Oregon Coast, but in Cannon Beach, a little stormy weather doesn’t slow down this annual celebration as the sound of music spills onto the streets and numerous gallery events add a buzz of activity throughout town. 

Among the three full days of arts events planned for the 2016 festival is a spotlight concert with Portland’s Grammy-nominated blues recording artist Ellen Whyte who will perform in the town’s intimate Coaster Theatre. Other events include the Art in Action Banquet & Auction, the Dancing in the Rain Fashion Show and the festival’s newest event: Brews, Blues & Barbeques. Many of the artists represented by Cannon Beach galleries will also be on hand to present their latest works, conduct demonstrations or discuss their work at gallery receptions throughout the weekend.

If you’re lucky enough to score one of the 200 tickets to see Ellen Whyte in concert, you’ll be treated to an intimate performance by the singer songwriter known for her astonishing vocals and guitar playing, as well as her ability to move fluidly between genres including blues, jazz and funk. Her list of achievements includes an induction into the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame for Best Contemporary Blues Band in 2002, in addition to nods from the association for Best Female Vocalist in 2000 and Best Self-Produced CD in the Pacific Northwest for 2009’s “Four Way Stop.” 

One of the festival’s most popular events, Saturday night’s Art in Action Banquet & Auction, is an evening featuring delicious food, music and artists demonstrating throughout the evening. During the event, the created works will be available for purchase and a silent auction will feature several great packages that include gifts, travel and Cannon Beach experiences.

In addition to musical performances in the town’s squares and courtyards, Saturday also features the free Dancing in the Rain Fashion Show featuring local designers and shops exhibiting pieces that you’ll find yourself wanting to add to your Christmas list. The festival’s newest event is designed to offer a fun way to wrap up the weekend with Sunday’s Brews, Blues & Barbeques at the Cannon Beach Community Hall featuring local beers, Delta-style Blues and sliders.

Throughout the weekend, you can pop in on dozens of gallery receptions with artist demonstrations and often including local cuisine and live music. Internationally renowned fine art landscape photographer Christopher Burkett, a recipient of the Hasselblad Masters Award, will discuss “How We See Color” in a presentation at Northwest By Northwest Gallery. Sculptor Heather Soderberg-Greene, who sold her first sculptures at age three and has been featured in People Magazine, National Geographic World and by Paul Harvey, will be demonstrating at Primary Elements Gallery throughout the weekend. DragonFire Gallery will present “Dueling Easels” during a brunch reception featuring popular landscape painters Michael Orwick and Anton Pavlenko. 

Work by Cannon Beach's best-known resident artists will also be showcased during the festival including paintings by Jeffrey Hull and blown glass by Jim Kingwell and Suzanne Kindland, all of who have been featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting's "Art Beat" television program. Hull has been capturing the North Oregon Coast in watercolor and oil for over 40 years, drawing his inspiration from the ocean and landscapes of the area. Hull will host a book signing on Friday and an open house reception on Saturday. Kingwell and Kindland, glass artists and owners of Icefire Glassworks in midtown Cannon Beach, have been blowing art glass since 1971. All three artists will be available at their galleries throughout the weekend to discuss their work with visitors. Additionally, Icefire will have demonstrations throughout the weekend, a breakfast reception on Saturday and guests can return on Sunday to watch them pull new work from the annealer while enjoying hot cider and cupcakes. 

The Stormy Weather Arts Festival is one of Cannon Beach’s most popular events and the town has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Art Towns in America.

For more information, please visit: http://www.cannonbeach.org/explore/Cannon-Beach-Stormy-Weather-Arts-Festival