The history of Local 14 began in 1967 when Janet Almy wanted to sell some of her paintings to earn money to repair a broken player piano. She set up a makeshift gallery in her home, invited some friends to join her, and quickly discovered that she was onto something. The art quickly sold out, discussions for an annual show happened, and the 14 artists who originally called themselves Lake Oswego Crafts and Art League soon launched LOCAL 14.

The group campaigned to increase the role of female artists and their contribution to the community – especially at a time when very few women artists were featured in gallery shows. In 2016, LOCAL 14 opened the show to artists of all genders.

Now in its 58^th year, the event is the oldest running art show in Portland and supports Northwest art students with scholarships. Since 1974, donations at the door have funded 147 artist scholarships totaling $167,000.

This year, the art show takes place October 3-5^th at the World Forestry Center and will showcase more than 50 established Pacific Northwest artists and their stunning designs. Ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, paintings, drawings, sculptures, wood and paper, as well as other fine art media, will all be on display. Featured artists include a variety of member artists such as Terri Neal, Carli Schultz, Debby Neely, Jeanne Cardana, Brie Kriebel, and several other talented guest artists.

There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

Wendy Doss, patron of LOCAL 14, spoke of the show’s variety of artistic expressions, saying, “It is always an event I put on my calendar…I love taking my grandchildren with me to show them all the different ways people can be considered artists – whether they are drawing or painting or sewing or doing jewelry, it is all a part of one’s own special communication to the world about who they are and what they are interested in. Art is the mark we make in the world. It’s what sends a message to all those who come after us that we were thoughtful and curious in our endeavors, and to say we were here in a beautifully diverse way.” 

As a member artist of Local 14, Michelle Lattanzi said, "Before I was a member artist at the Local 14 Art Show, my mother had been a member artist for years, and I remember how much I adored the art and artists who participated in the show whenever I went to see it. The creativity that comes out of each booth really speaks to me…Not only are the artists phenomenally talented, but they are supportive of each other and passionate about the mission of the organization…Every year, my bucket fills with energy and inspiration from my time participating in this show.”

Visit the LOCAL 14 website to plan your trip, learn more about LOCAL 14 and its mission, and view many of the artists’ work.