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Calendar of Events

Every second Saturday of each month there is something going on at the Dahmen Barn. It could be a class, a music performance or a special event. Some of the classes are a few hours, others have a several week duration. All the events we have scheduled several months ahead are listed below. Please check the website frequently because additional items will be listed as they are finalized. You may sort among the categories of classes/workshops, music, dances, exhibits and special events.

There is a link at the bottom of this page to register for classes. You may print out the form and mail it with a check, or register on-line and pay by credit card. Please note that advance paid registration is required for all classes. No walk-ins the day of the class can be accommodated.

EVENTS ARE NOT LIMITED TO ONLY THE SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. Check out the calendar below for classes, music performances, dances and exhibits.

We are open to ideas for classes, workshops, other educational programs and performances. Please email us at info@ArtisanBarn.org if you have suggestions. If you are a performing or visual artist and would like to participate in the educational programs at the Dahmen Barn, go to Opportunities for Artists page on this site or email info@ArtisanBarn.org.

Click here to register. You may print off the form and mail it with a check or do on-line registration by credit card.

Please note our PHOTO POLICY: We take photos of events, including classes, for use in promoting our programs at the barn. If you participate in any events, a photo that includes you may be used on the website, in brochures or in flyers.

March

Dates: Saturday March 6, 2010 - Sunday March 28, 2010 Time: Opening reception 1 to 4 pm; Thursday ~ Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm thereafter
Title: "Perfecting Pastels"
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Exhibit
18 students from Judy Fairley’s pastel class show off their new skills developed in the winter semester class at the Clarkston Branch of Walla Walla Community College. The exhibit will be held March 6 – 28th at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 6th 1pm -4pm. with refreshments Instructor Judy Fairley, award winning artist who has a studio at the Dahmen Barn, and her students will be present. Many of the students are already accomplished artists and have studied under Judy for several years and some are new, beginning artists. Many artists take the class over and over because of the camaraderie with other artists who challenge Judy to come up with new techniques and applications using soft pastels. You will see many of these new applications at the exhibit. The image shown here is by student Connie McLeod. Instructor Bio Judy Fairley teaches pastel through Walla Walla Community college. Her affiliation with the college and the Valley Art Center has been 30 years in the making. She grew up in Clarkston, where she and her twin sister helped on the family horse and cattle ranch. Her experiences while growing up have provided her with endless hours of painting material. Fairley has shown all across the country: from Washington D.C., Chicago, Texas to California and more. She has been affiliated with the “Women Artist of the West” for 31 years and was an area director for several of those years. She is also a member and past President of the Snake River Showcase art organization. She is a participating artist in the Snake River Showcase Studio at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn. Judy is also an exhibiting member of “Bridging the Arts” a local art organization and an advisory board member and member of the board of directors of The Celebration of Western Art and the Fred Oldfield western heritage center located in Puyallup, Washington.

Date: Sunday March 7, 2010 Time: 1 to 3 pm
Title: Auf Gehts - a German Oom Pah Band
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Music & Dances
Each year we invite this fun group to play the same day that Uniontown has its annual Sausage Feed, which has been the first Sunday in March for more than 50 years. This is a concert with no admission fee, although the band appreciates tips. Enjoy home made sausage and an all-you-can-eat meal in the Community Building in downtown Uniontown from 10 am to 5 pm. The cost is $10 for an adult, $6 for children from 6 to 12, and $1 for children under 6. First come, first served on the meal, or you can order take-out and avoid waiting.

Date: Saturday March 20, 2010 Time: 1:30 pm
Title: Cowboys & Cowgirls in Story & Song - a program for children
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Music & Dances
Contemporary life in the American west is profoundly influenced by our rich heritage in the legend and lore of the early cowboys and cowgirls. In song, cowboy poetry and story, this colorful program relates expressions of the work ethic, hardships, and joys of frontier life. These traditions continue and are strong and vibrant in present day agricultural life. The Matleys’ storytelling approach combines narrative, poetry and music. Bruce and Susan Matley perform an average 175 times each year at fairs, festivals, libraries, schools and other events. They share in singing, narrative and live instrumentation. Bruce is a third generation Nevadan and fourth generation rancher and has worked with cowboys who started their careers in the 1890s. He has 40-plus years of musical performance and professional theatre experience in both acting and academics. Susan has directed and performed in college, semi-professional and community theatre productions and has played in orchestras and bands. Working as Cimarron Sue has fueled her passion for western history and she has expanded her studies in that direction, including five generations of family history in Washington State. This program is sponsored by Humanities Washington and Friends of Whitman County Library.

Date: Saturday March 20, 2010 Time: 7:30 pm
Title: Eric - E in concert: original songs and classics
Price: $7 at the door
Type of Event: Music & Dances
"The witty, bespectacled musician made one thing abundantly clear--he sounds better playing alone, than most people do with a full band. He is a vocal chameleon and an agile finger-picker who makes each note a masterpiece." The Communicator, Brian Triplett, Spokane Falls Comm. College Eric E. is a talented singer and guitarist with a driving acoustic sound that touches on many styles, and is especially rhythmic. Eric has performed full-time since 1985, his music taking him to 49 of the United States and 18 countries around the world. Eric E. is a dynamic performer with a unique ability to make his audience feel personally involved. With only an acoustic guitar and a clear tenor voice, both enhanced by a state-of-the art sound system, he performs songs that are remembered and loved by listeners of all ages, and penetrating original numbers. Eric E. does not use drum machines or synthesized backup parts, just the pure ’unplugged’ sound of his voice and guitar, which listeners often comment “sounds like a whole band’. Eric will perform at request a Top 40 song from any year in the last nine decades, (note to promoters: it is best not to advertise this — it is much more fun when this is a surprise to the audience). plus powerful originals, blues, jazz and country hits From the ’20s to today’s music, Eric knows which songs will stir the soul and make for an unforgettable time. He enjoys letting his listeners take a concert in whatever direction they wish, instantly adapting an evening’s playlist to the tastes of that particular audience. Eric desires to communicate on a deep level, transparently sharing his spirituality, life experiences, and hopes, in a spontaneous, fun and often humorous way that will plant itself deeply in the memory of each listener. From 1985 to 1991 Eric traveled Europe and Japan performing in colleges, high schools, clubs, coffeehouses and festivals. He has performed on prime-time TV in Holland, Denmark and Poland, and has performed for thousands at European music festivals, such as Flevo, Opstand, Roskilde, Maata Nakavyssa. Eric performed with the vocal jazz group, Soundsation, at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Eric has opened for acts such as Jay Leno, Air Supply, Bobby McFerrin, Dan Seals, Candlebox, Citizen King, Phil Keaggy, The Afters, Sanctus Real, Susan Ashton, Bryan Duncan, Bill Mize, Randy Stonehill, Larry Norman, Daryl Mansfield, Larry Howard, Glenn Kaiser, The Kry, Annie Herring and many others. He lives with his wife Sylvia and three young sons in Moscow, ID. Eric is currently focusing on performances at colleges and churches across the U.S., but plans to continue touring for shorter periods overseas.

Date: Saturday March 27, 2010 Time: 6:00 pm
Title: Learn to dance
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Classes & Workshops
Drop in at 6:00 and learn to dance with two experienced instructors. If you wish to attend the Hog Heaven Big Band dance that follows at 7:30, the admission fee is due at the door.

Date: Saturday March 27, 2010 Time: 7:30 pm
Title: Hog Heaven Big Band - dance or listen
Price: $8 for a couple; $5 for a single; no charge for children under 12
Type of Event: Music & Dances
We welcome the Hog Heaven Big Band back after a winter respite. Enjoy swing era music played by this energetic 16 member band by dancing or listening. The band has been together for decades, playing on the Palouse. They have been at the Dahmen Barn since its grand opening October 2006.

Date: Saturday March 27, 2010 Time: 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Title: Tissue Collage - for kids
Price: $16.50 includes most materials
Type of Event: Classes & Workshops
Children ages 7 and older will learn to cover a glass bottle or jar with tissue to make a colorful vase and then will create tissue paper flowers for the vase. Katherine Clancy is a primarily a watercolor artist. She has studio space at the Dahmen Barn and enjoys teaching classes for kids to inspire them to the arts. Find out more and see her work at the Resident Artisan page of this site. Each child should bring a glass container such as a salad dressing, vinegar or Snapple bottle. All other materials will be supplied. Registrations must be received by March 25. The class is limited to 12 students.

April

Date: Saturday April 10, 2010 Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Title: Back to Basics: Drawing Techniques
Price: $55; some materials provided
Type of Event: Classes & Workshops
Have you always wanted to learn how to draw but were afraid to get started? Did you take a few drawing lessons years ago and want to get back into it? Well, “Back to Basics: Drawing Techniques” is for you! True beginners and intermediate students will learn several key drawing techniques designed to build confidence while improving accuracy of forms and depth in your drawings. You’ll learn essential concentration methods to allow you to “see the way an artist sees,” as well as some wonderful tricks to capture values and textures. Carrie’s friendly, encouraging teaching style has proven effective for hundreds of students! This class is for students aged 16 and above and has a maximum enrollment of 10 so individual instruction is assured. The image on the left illustrates the types of drawings the students will execute while learning the basics of line, shape, form, space, value and texture. Carrie Vielle is a popular figural artist whose work is starting to emerge onto the national art scene. Her moving mixed-media drawings explore the universal communication of body language and the quiet moments of the human condition. Carrie taught design drawing classes for fourteen years at SFCC and is now pursuing her artistic career full time. View Carrie’s complete collection of artwork at www.carrievielle.com and her most resent series can be viewed at www.carrievielle.blogspot.com. She is excited to offer this beginning drawing class to supporters of the Dahmen Barn. Materials to be supplied by instructor: • Extensive hand-out packet for each student • All demonstration supplies • All still-life objects, spot lights, extension cords and small table Materials to be supplied by students: • 9x12 OR 8½ x 11 sketchbook, spiral bound is best, 20 pages min. • 4B graphite pencil • 4H graphite pencil • Hand-held pencil sharpener with shavings catch • Artist kneaded eraser • Hard eraser, Staedler is a good brand (just no Pink Pearl) • Q-Tips, Kleenex, cotton balls Registrations must be received by Wednesday, April 7.

Dates: Sunday April 11, 2010 - Sunday April 25, 2010 Time: Opening reception 1 to 4 pm; Thursday ~ Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm thereafter
Title: The Palouse Silo
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Exhibit
Details to follow.

Date: Saturday April 17, 2010 Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Title: Exploring glass as a medium - a demonstration day
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Special Event
Each year at the Barn we choose a medium, and invite as many regional artists as we can identify to demonstrate their creative process with that medium. We have done fiber to fashion, wood, clay, and this year is GLASS! Our objective is to introduce the public to the different ways the chosen medium can be worked with and give the demonstrating artists the opportunity to market both their work and classes they teach. More information will be added to this site as we finalize the visiting artists for this annual special event.

Date: Saturday April 24, 2010 Time: 7:30 pm
Title: Hog Heaven Big Band - dance or listen
Price: $8 for a couple; $5 for a single; no charge for children under 12
Type of Event: Music & Dances
Swing music from the 20s to the 40s is what you will hear from this energetic 16 piece band. Folks come to dance or listen. The group has been playing around the Palouse for decades, and has been a regular performer at the Dahmen Barn since its grand opening October of 2006.

Date: Saturday April 24, 2010 Time: 6:00 pm
Title: Dance lessons
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Classes & Workshops
Crop in at 6:00 and learn to dance with experienced instructors. If you wish to stay for the Hog Heaven Big Band dance that begins at 7:30, the admission fee applies.

May

Date: Saturday May 8, 2010 Time: 7:30 pm
Title: Panhandle Polecats
Price: $8 at the door
Type of Event: Music & Dances
The Panhandle Polecats is a family bluegrass band from the Coeur d'Alene area that has been plying in northern Idaho and eastern Washington since 2004. Introducing the band members: Jenny Little - Bass Although Jenny has also played flute, viola, piano, guitar, and cello, a bass was needed to make the band complete, so in 2005 she began learning the bass. Jenny has since become an accomplished bass player, but the real highlight is her voice which has been described as "Pristine" and "angelic". Some of her musical influences have been bluegrass stars Allison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent, as well as Judy Garland, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Bing Crosby, and Harry Connick Jr. Hank Little - Dobro/Harmonica Hank has the smallest hat in the band and has been known to keep the show interesting with his endless trivia and odd knowledge. He is a soldier in the US Army Reserves and also works full time for the Forest Service in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Hank plays the dobro and harmonica and adds his baritone vocals when absolutely necessary. Molly (Little) Wilbur - Mandolin Molly has become the top female mandolinist in the Idaho panhandle and one of the finest pickers around. She writes songs and does most of the lead singing in the band. Molly began learning the mandolin at age 10 because it was small and not nearly as heavy as the banjo (her first choice). Her biggest influences have been Ricky Skaggs, Dean Webb, and Adam Steffey. Molly and husband Rob live in Hayden, Idaho where they raise sheep. Molly (Little) Wilbur - Mandolin Austin Little - Banjo At the naive age of 3 Austin had wanted to play the drums but thank goodness that interest soon turned to the banjo when he saw his grandpa play an old 4-string. Austin is an award winning banjo player having been voted "Best Banjo Player of 2008" by the Inland Northwest Bluegrass Association. He has performed and recorded with many other northwest bands and now teaches banjo at North Idaho College. Bonnie (Little) Campbell - Guitar Bonnie has been Austin’s twin sister for as long as anyone can remember. Luckily she doesn’t look like him. After saving up her money she bought her first guitar at age 11 with the ambition of playing it "like grandpa". In 2008 she placed in the "Red White & Bluegrass Festival" guitar flatpicking contest. She keeps a solid rhythm, driving the band through blazing bluegrass tunes, and can also pick some mean licks on the ol’ flat top. Bonnie makes her home in Odessa, Washington with husband Clint and Australian Shepherd "Pepper".

Dates: Saturday May 15, 2010 - Sunday May 16, 2010 Time: 9 am to 5 pm both days
Title: Figure drawing workshop with Oregon artist Sam Collett
Price: $155 includes modeling fee
Type of Event: Classes & Workshops
DRAWING THE HEAD The first goal of the class is to improve the students' knowledge of the visual nature of the head by using its structural and anatomical qualities. The second goal is to translate these improved visual concepts into more expressive drawings. A live model will pose for the class, the cost of which will be shared among the students. INSTRUCTOR BIO: Sam Collett is a portrait, figurative and landscape painter living in Joseph Oregon. Joseph is in the northeast corner of the state, and it is a land of vast and majestic beauty. The mixture of forested mountains, rural farm and ranches has become his artistic metaphor. Wallowa County is a constant source of inspiration; this land and its people are always an artistic challenge to him. He received his formal education at Westminster College studying with Don Doxey followed by study at graduate program at the University of Utah Art Department with Albert Handell, Earl Jones and Alvin Gittins; and again studied with Albert Handell at Woodstock New York. Mr. Collett has more than twenty years of teaching experience in objective (realism) painting and drawing; those venues include Salt Lake Art Center UT, University of Utah, The Kimball Art Center Park City Utah, Kings Cottage Art School, the Peterson’s Art center, and workshops at The Crossroads Arts Center Oregon and Pendleton Center for the Arts. His work has been exhibited at the Salmagundi Club New York, American Pastel Society New York, Degas Pastel Society New Orleans, Louisiana, Oil Painters Of America four times, Salon International Juried Competition at the Green house Gallery Texas, one person show Kimball Art Center Park City, Utah, University Of Utah , Boise State University Idaho, Salt Lake Art Center Utah, one person show Springville Museum Utah, one person show Bountiful Arts Center Utah and numerous galleries Woodstock New York MATERIALS LIST: One 18X24 newsprint pad, smooth surface if you have it, or get a heavier drawing paper i.e. Strathmore 400 series 18 x 24 drawing pad, 80lbs., medium surface. Bring one or both and use the newsprint for gesture studies. A couple of sheets of Mi Teintes Canson tinted charcoal paper any medium valued color. One 22x25 drawing board (plywood, heavy cardboard etc.) plus a couple of “Bull Dog” clips. You can buy drawing boards with clips attached. Note be use to attach a few sheets of paper to the drawing broad for padding. 12” straight edge ruler, knitting needle or thin paint brush with long handle; anything that will act as a long straight edge. 2 Nupastel Sticks black 1 charcoal pencil (2B), 1 charcoal pencil (6B), and generals white charcoal pencil. If you use the heavier 80lb paper you may bring a few sticks of vine charcoal medium size, both soft and hard as well. I use vine charcoal with generals charcoal pencils. A “Design” kneaded eraser Paper towels and/or a piece of chamois A single edge razor blade or Exacto knife Sanding block or piece of finish sandpaper A box to carry these things.

Dates: Saturday May 22, 2010 - Sunday May 23, 2010 Time: two 8 hour days - 10 am to 6 pm
Title: Custom Rod Building - The Basics
Price: $250.00 (includes rod kit)
Type of Event: Classes & Workshops
No doubt about it, fishing is fun; but fishing and catching fish with a rod you build yourself is even more fun. This class, taught by professional rod builder Joe Douglas, is a fast paced introduction to the rod building craft. If you have an interest in how to build a better rod, this is the place to learn. Fishing rod performance can be improved with building techniques and by tuning the rod to match your physical requirements and fishing style; much like any fine automobile, golf club or hunting rifle that you use. The class will cover all aspects of basic rod building and each student will actually complete a rod during the class. As an introductory class, we will not delve deeply into the science, engineering and artistic aspects of custom rod building normally covered in our classes at the Rod Builders Institute. However, as a student, you will learn more than enough to build a rod and create a base from which you can develop your rod building skills. Custom rod building is a very enjoyable hobby and, for some, can become a sideline business or even a full time business. We will provide reference materials, useful tutorials and supplier information you can take away and use to continue your rod building pursuits. The fee for this class does include the cost of a rod kit from which you will build your first custom rod. All consumable materials and tools needed to build the rod will be provided. This is a two day, 16 hour class, and you must be able to attend both days to complete the class and your new rod. For this class, you may elect to build a fly rod, casting rod or spinning rod. Please indicate which type of rod you wish to build when you register. We will need time to order components if they are not in stock. If you have questions or wish to discuss the various types of rods, contact Joe directly at joe@blackdogtackle.com. About the instructor: Joe Douglas is a retired university executive living in the mountains outside of Orofino. He owns Black Dog Tackle, LLC, a custom rod building business; and, Rod Builders Institute, the nation’s only school teaching custom rod building classes for hobby and professional builders. Joe has been building custom fishing rods for over 12 years. He is well known throughout the rod building industry and his rods are regularly exhibited in both fishing expos and fine art shows in the northwest. Please plan to wear work clothes or a shop apron. Rod glue is permanent! Bring a lunch. Registrations must be received no later than May 7. Minimum 4 students; maximum 8.

Date: Saturday May 22, 2010 Time: 6:00 pm
Title: Learn to dance
Price: FREE
Type of Event: Classes & Workshops
Learn to dance with experienced instructors and stay for the Hog Heaven Big Band dance that begins at 7:30 by paying the admission fee.

June

Dates: Saturday June 12, 2010 - Saturday June 12, 2010 Time: 7:00 pm
Title: Sesitshaya Marimba Band
Price: $7 at the door
Type of Event: Music & Dances
Outdoors if weather permits; inside otherwise. Details to follow.

July

Date: Saturday July 17, 2010 Time: 7:30 pm
Title: Soulstice
Price: TBA
Type of Event: Music & Dances
Details and photo to follow.

September

Date: Sunday September 26, 2010 Time: 2:00 pm
Title: Juni Fisher in concert
Price: $10 at the door
Type of Event: Music & Dances
There is not a more decorated cowgirl troubador in the west. See some of her awards below: 2008 Western Heritage Wrangler Award Winner 2008 WMA Songwriter of the Year 2007 WMA Song of the Year Songwriter 2006 WMA Female Vocalist of the Year 2005 AWA Western Female Performer of the Year 2005 WMA Crescendo Award 2009 nominations: WMA Entertainer of the Year WMA Female Performer of the Year WMA Traditional Western Album of the Year WMA Songwriter of the Year WMA Song of the Year Kudos from her website: "Juni Fisher is the best thing to happen to Western music in a long time. Her ability to draw the audience back in time is a talent that will help preserve the essence of the West." Waddie Mitchell, Cowboy Poet "Juni Fisher's songwriting is thoughtful, creative, and embellished with soaring melodies that transport the audience effortlessly to the grand vistas of the West. Just as important is her ability to deliver the music with a wonderful live performance." Mike Fleming, Arts and Events Supervisor, City of Santa Clarita "Music is the only art that can bring back the undercurrents of history, the heart of the past. Juni Fisher finds her untold family in 'Gone for Colorado' and all of a sudden, we see these people, we smell the air, we are there." Hal Cannon, Founding Director, Western Folklife Center and National Cowboy Poetry Gathering "Juni Fisher's luminous intensity ignites her writing and her performances. At the heart of her unique and complex artistry is her ability to bring alive what become unforgettable characters and images, stunning stories that often carry a deep and compassionate reflection of the human spirit. Known for her flawless performances and recordings, she blazes a unique trail of excellence in craft and entertainment" Margo Metagrano, Editor Cowboy Poetry.com

November

Dates: Saturday November 6, 2010 - Sunday November 7, 2010 Time: 10:00 to 4:00 both days
Title: Painting Landscape Watercolors
Price: $110
Type of Event: Miscellaneous
Learn how to apply and manipulate watercolors in various ways, simplify landscapes, and dramatically develop them through composition, values, and colors. Paint along with the instructor as you learn how to handle watercolors and be helped by him as you work with your own subjects. Wes Hanson has painted watercolors for thirty-five years, teaches drawing and painting to adults in the Inland Northwest for Spokane Art Supply and North Idaho College. His works are displayed at the Denise Oliver Gallery in Harrison, Idaho and the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown, Washington. He is an active member in Watercolorists of the Inland Northwest and is a member of the American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society. He demonstrates painting products for Jack Richeson & Co., a major art supply company. "Watercolor fascinates me because of its transparency and the ways water distributes color. It invites painters to be spontaneous and creative. Though people often say watercolor is the most challenging painting medium, I find it forgiving and versatile. Painting watercolors successfully requires understanding how water and pigments interact and learning how to create designs, organize values, and apply lively color. Imaginatively employed techniques produce compelling paintings. I can't think of a more enjoyable way to capture the beauty existing all around us." Materials to be supplied by instructor: I will supply my own painting materials as well as instructional displays and handouts. Materials to be supplied by students: 1. Close-up landscape photographs of area scenes. 2. A No. 2 school pencil, white eraser, and 8.5 by 11 inch sketchbook. 3. One full sheet (22 by 30 inches) of Arches 140 lb., 100% cotton rag, cold press watercolor paper. 4. A plywood board or stout cardboard measuring 13 by 17 inches. 5. A one-inch flat watercolor brush and a #8, 10, or 12 round watercolor brush. 6. Artist grade tube watercolor paints containing the following colors or their equivalents: Aureolin yellow or cadmium yellow light (the yellow), cadmium red light or vermillion (the orange), quinacridone rose or permanent alizarin crimson (the red), ultramarine violet or thalo purple (the purple), thalo or Prussian blue (the blue), and viridian or thalo green (the green). 7. A watercolor palette that has an ample mixing area. I use the Quiller Color Wheel Palette. You could also use a large white porcelain dinner plate. 8. A wide-mouth water container holding at least a pint of water. 9. One inch wide masking tape. 10. Paper towels. 11. A plastic tablecloth Registrations must be received by November 1. Maximum enrollment for this class is 12.

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