About Crossroads Art Center; Baker City, Oregon

Crossroads Art Center was established to aid, encourage, advise, and correlate activities to promote and sustain the creative and performing arts in Baker County and

neighboring communities. We sponsor classes in drama, music, dance, oil painting, watercolor, sculpture, pottery, creative writing and other disciplines as well as adult and children's performances and visual art exhibits. Scholarships and creative outlets for disadvantaged and "at-risk" groups of all ages are provided. Crossroads Center is the only non-profit organization in Baker County devoted entirely to fostering and presenting creative and performing arts for all ages.

The Crossroads Center is, and has been, an integral part of downtown Baker City and the greater Baker County community, as a member of the Historic Baker City district. Our gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists.

Over the years our vision has been strengthened through the commitment of hundreds of volunteers, artists, teachers, members and generous patrons. The role that Crossroads fulfills includes providing:

activities dedicated to the promotion of creative and performing arts
established networks to aid, encourage and advise artists
workshops, classes and exhibits
touring art exhibits and performances
programs conducted at school sites
children’s summer programs
programs for recovering adults
partnerships with public agencies to provide programs and services
mentor programs
scholarships
economic benefits for artists and merchants

Crossroads works in close partnership with the Baker School District, Baker High School drama and music programs, the Alternative High School, and many social services and agencies in need of arts programs for their clients.

ArtSpeak: This is a unique arts project that has been growing steadily in Baker City since 1988. It is a series of art classes and a vehicle for social action and responsibility. Populations served through this program include primary and middle school students, alternative high school students, mandated juveniles, teen moms, and women in drug and alcohol treatment.

Hand-to-Heart Scholarship Fund: This was established for the financially disadvantaged. It is designed to assist those at an economic and social disadvantage by offering tuition for classes, workshops and activities. Full or partial scholarships are available and referrals are made through instructors, schools and local social services.

From the Board
First Quarter Report - 2008

We are at a very exciting time in the history of Crossroads as we move into the Carnegie Library Building, providing Crossroads with a permanent home for the next 60 years. In conjunction with the move the Board of Directors has elected to call Crossroads, “Crossroads Carnegie Art Center”, our name for the foreseeable future. The Board is also working on a new logo that will identify Crossroads with its new location.

I would like to personally thank the construction committee for the many hours they have volunteered over the years, without which we would not be moving into the Carnegie facility. I would also like to thank Jeff Givens, Project Supervisor for Sid Johnson & Co., for taking extra care in preserving numerous historic details of the original building. Jeff saved doors, corner moldings and even after working all day on the project took each lock home to rework and make them functional. This is just an example of how Jeff added small details back into the project – sometimes in a new capacity – to preserve the buildings heritage, Again thank you, Jeff.

I hope you have made plans to attend one of the Carnegie Grand Opening Events to celebrate our new home. These events will be held throughout the month of April; for more information please contact Crossroads.

Joan Jacobs will be leaving the board to focus on her work with the Museum. She has been instrumental in redesigning Crossroads’ books, budgeting and finances. Terri Bell will take over her function as the Crossroads’ Treasurer.

Alyssa Peterson will be leaving Crossroads to pursue her art career and other interests. We sincerely appreciate her many contributions to Crossroads and offer our best wishes in her new endeavors.

Nancy Peyron has joined the Crossroads team as Interim Director. For the past month, she has been working as a volunteer, meeting with other community organizations to see how we can work together to get the most out of our programs. We are all looking forward to seeing what partnershipscome out of those meetings.

As we plan to move into the new facility we encourage everyone to participate in the new art center. Volunteers make the difference in meeting our goal to provide programs and facilities for the entire community. Join us in making “ART FOR EVERYONE” possible.

--Terri Axness