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 the LOCAL 14 Art Show.

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

Now celebrating its 59^th event and hailed as the oldest running art show in Portland, the art show supports Northwest art students with scholarships. Since 1974, donations at the door have funded 150 artist scholarships totaling $172,000.

This year, the art show takes place Friday, October 2^nd through Sunday, October 4^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, Patrice Cameron, Carli Schultz, Jeanne Cardana, Cheryl Chapman, and many other talented member and guest artists. 

There is a $5 suggested donation at the door, which supports their scholarship program.

Karen Gotting, patron of LOCAL 14, spoke of the show’s variety of artistry and its appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, saying, “I never miss a Local 14 Art Show. Mindfully curated, each event has a wide range of creative, skilled talent. There is always something to catch one’s interest and bring joy in displays of beauty, function, and imagination. I especially love the joy and support the artists have for each other as they share the responsibilities of the event. This genuine collaborative celebration of art always warms my heart and soul.”

Another local patron, Becky Redding, said, "This is one of my favorite shows because there is such deep talent and a variety of great inspiration: textile, ceramic, wood, paintings, drawings, and a bunch of just exceptional art.  It is fun to go and meet the exceptional local artists who highlight our beautiful world. It’s nice to just breathe in the creativity of this space and find something magical to remind you the world is really amazing.”

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