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February 4th, 11th, 18th and March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Join us this winter for Looking Closely at Art, a thoughtful seven-week exploration of how and why we connect with visual art. Designed for curious beginners and seasoned art lovers alike, this series builds a strong foundation in the principles of art design, composition, and style. Participants will learn how these elements shape our experience of art and discover new ways to observe, interpret, and enjoy the work around us.
With that groundwork in place, the class will move into focused sessions on landscapes, abstract art, portraiture, and photography. Each week offers guided conversation and close looking, helping you deepen your understanding of artistic choices and expand your capacity to see with intention.
No previous art experience is needed, just an interest in learning and a desire to engage more fully with art.
Sign up for the entire series, or choose a specific program that interests you!
About the Instructor
Kerry Cobb teaches adult education courses in art history, art appreciation, and literature, bringing an accessible and engaging approach to every subject she leads. She previously served as Executive Director of the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River and has long been an advocate for community arts education.
Weekly Agenda
Feb 4: Visual Perception
Feb 11: Composition in Art
Feb 18: Elements of Style
Feb 25: (No Class)
March 4: Looking Closely at Portraits
March 11: Looking Closely at Landscapes
March 18: Looking Closely at Abstract Art
March 25: Looking Closely at Photography
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Join us at Spooky's Pizza on Thursday's at 12PM.
We meet weekly.
You are always welcome to join us!
Speakers
- 2/5/26 Jeff Renard | Columbia Gorge Regional Airport Manager | He will give us an update on what's happening at the regional airport
- 2/12/26 Steve Carlson | Sharing a unique video and presentation of Mt. Helens.
- 2/19/26 Business Meeting
- 2/26/26 Kelsey Alsheimer | Adminstrative Director for North Wasco County School District 21 Education Foundation, will give us overview of the foundation's Annual Report.
The Dalles Readiness Center
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
Gorge Roller Derby Presents
A GRD DOUBLE HEADER FEBRUARY 7TH
GRD ALL STARS VS. ?MYSTERYTEAM? 4PM
GRD BLOOD N GORGE VS. Emerald City Roller Derby 6PM
All ages – Wheelchair Accessible – 6 & under free
Fort Dalles Readiness Center 402 E Scenic Dr. The Dalles, OR
97058
Doors Open at 3:00PM Bout starts at 4:00PM
LIMITED Tickets are available at the door Regular $15 Students $8
We have the perfect spot for your early Valentines Day dinner plans.
Join us for a special, reservation only 4-course "La Dolce Vita" Italian themed dinner event featuring farm raised beef from Goldendale WA, locally grown produce, curated top shelf cocktails, premium wines, and craft brews.
We will have live music, and imported and paired Italian wines for sale by the glass and bottle.
$80 / PERSON with reservations starting at 5:00pm
E M A I L events@freebridgebrewing.com with your preferred time, number of guests, a name and phone number.
Call the pub directly: 541-769-1234
Text/Call: 541-639-5665
Email events@freebridgebrewing.com
OR STOP BY and sign up at the register!
F I R S T C O U R S E
Bruschetta board featuring olive tapanade bruschetta, tomato basil bruschetta, and a white wine wild mushroom bruschetta on house crostinis with a whipped goat cheese spread.
S E C O N D C O U R S E
Butter lettuce, Raddichio, & Castelvetrano olives tossed in a white balsamic dressing and topped with crispy prosciutto and fresh shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
T H I R D C O U R S E
Brasato al Barolo.
Slow-cooked Piedmontese pot roast simmered in rich red wine, aromatic herbs, and vegetables. Served atop creamy polenta and finished with grated Pecorino Romano.
F O U R T H C O U R S E
Meyer lemon Meringue Pie Bars
Get your date night clothes out and join us!
📅Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
⏰Time: 5:15 PM
📍Location: 312 E 2nd Street
Please join us as we celebrate Prints Charming Repair Ribbon Cutting Hosted by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Come meet the team, tour the space, and share in the excitement for what's ahead. We'd love to see you there!
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Thursdays, 7:00–8:30 PM | 6 Week Program
Unlock your creative potential and bring your personal stories to life through music in this beginner-focused songwriting course with accomplished musician and songwriter Barry Crannell. Over six weeks, you’ll explore how to craft authentic, compelling songs that reflect your unique voice.
What You’ll Learn:
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The building blocks of a song: melody, lyrics, and structure
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Common song forms and how to use them effectively
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Techniques for writing freely and without judgment
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The art of authentic storytelling and connecting with your audience
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How to refine and rewrite your work to create polished songs
Through guided prompts, collaborative exercises, and individualized support, you’ll develop at least three original songs by the end of the course. Bring a notebook, a recording device (your phone works perfectly!), and your instrument of choice, and be ready to dive into the creative process.
About Your Instructor:
Barry has been immersed in music from his early days in garage bands to his performances spanning folk, rock, bluegrass, and Irish traditional styles. A veteran of the Marines, Barry honed his discipline and creativity while performing and teaching guitar in Eugene, Oregon.
Encouraged by producer Craig Carothers and mentored by acclaimed songwriter Lisa Aschmann, Barry has earned accolades in national and international songwriting contests, including the Kerrville New Folk Song Contest and Talent Is Timeless Songwriting Contest. His lyrics have been featured in American Songwriter Magazine. For over 20 years, he has taught guitar and introductory songwriting across the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing creativity, authentic expression, and the development of each student’s unique musical voice.
Currently, Barry performs and co-writes with his wife, fellow songwriter Julianna Waters. Their collaborative song “Don’t Shoot the Messenger” received Honorable Mention in the Talent Is Timeless Songwriting Contest.
Bring your stories to life! Discover your voice and write the songs only you can tell.
Only 10 spots available! Get your ticket while they last.
Experience an evening of poetry, community, and creative expression at TDAC’s first-ever Poetry Open Mic, hosted by local poet Laurel Kirby. Inspired by our current exhibition, Elemental: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Spirit, this gathering invites writers of all ages and experience levels to share original work connected to the natural forces that shape our world, or pieces that speak directly to their inner spirit.
Poets are welcome to read several pieces, depending on poem length and the number of participants. Listeners are warmly encouraged to attend and enjoy the many voices and perspectives within our community.
This promises to be a thoughtful and uplifting evening, celebrating the power of language and the stories held within the elements.
Participation, whether as a poet or a listener, is free of charge. We hope you’ll join us in experiencing the artistry of written and spoken word!
$20 per child and advance registration is encouraged as these events can fill up fast! Children ages 5-12. Call 541-769-0843 for more information!
📅Date: Saturday, February 14th
⏰Time: 5:00 PM
📍Location: 318 E 2nd Street, The Dalles
$40 Includes Lego flowers, a vase and a glass of sparkling wine.
purchased Lego at brick city & games, put it together at wines on second!
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a night of laughter featuring TWO of the Northwest's best comedians at the The Dalles Civic Auditorium!
Andrew Sleighter and Tyler Boeh are two of the nation's top touring comedians and this is your chance to see them together for one night only! What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day? Whether you're looking for a date-night option or want to celebrate your singleness this is the show for you!
Tickets are $25 for general admission, or $35 for VIP premium reserved seating.
Andrew has been seen on Conan, James Corden, Dry Bar Comedy and Comedy Central! Tyler Boeh also has a Dry Bar Special and just appeared on Comic's Unleashed on NBC with Byron Allen. This show is not to be missed!
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:15 PM
📍 Location: 1410 W 6th St | The Dalles, OR
Please Join us as we celebrate China Buffet Ribbon Cutting Hosted by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Come meet the team, tour the space, and share in the excitement for what's ahead. We'd love to see you there!
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If you love cars, come and join a like-minded group to people for a fun, relaxing time!
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✨ Business After Hours at Rayland Hotel ✨
February 19, 2026 | 5 – 7 PM
Rayland Hotel — 112 E. 2nd Street, The Dalles
Join us for an evening of connection and conversation while experiencing the beautifully transformed Rayland Hotel. Since purchasing the property, the new owners have completely remodeled the space — and now you get to see it firsthand.
Get a preview of the soon-to-open Caesura Coffeehouse on the main floor — your future go-to for morning espresso, pastries, breakfast bites, and fueling up before a day in the Gorge. Relax by the stunning two-sided fireplace, connecting the indoor coffeehouse space with the inviting outdoor patio.
Business After Hours is one of The Dalles Area Chamber’s intentional networking events — designed to build relationships, support local investment, and strengthen our business community.
Open to everyone — Chamber membership not required.
Join the Fort Dalles Riders Club as we celebrate and crown our 2026 Riders Club Queen, Valentina, on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The celebration will include brunch, a silent auction, and more. Brunch begins at 12:30 p.m.
Visiting royalty and children under 5 eat free. Brunch pricing is $10 for ages 6–12 and $15 for ages 13 and older, payable at the door.
For more information, contact Mary Jo at (541) 296-5626 or Jana at (360) 219-7516, or reach out to us on Facebook.
Join us for a relaxed and fun evening of creativity! In this adults-only Sip & Paint class, each participant will select a pre-bisqued vase and learn simple glazing techniques to bring their design to life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this guided workshop is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, sip their favorite beverage, and create something beautiful. All materials are provided - just bring your imagination!
About the Instructor:
Amber Anderson is a local ceramic artist known for transforming raw clay into warm, functional pieces meant to be used and enjoyed. With more than a decade of experience in ceramics, she has recently expanded her practice to share and sell her work throughout the community.
In addition to her studio practice, Amber teaches ceramics to youth each summer through The Dalles Art Center and leads a variety of adult workshops ranging from glazing sessions to hand-building projects. She is passionate about fostering creativity and connection in the community and continues to collaborate closely with TDAC to offer accessible, engaging opportunities for all.
☕ February Morning Buzz 🧇
at The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 24 | 7:30–8:30 AM
404 W 2nd St. The Dalles, OR
Coffee, treats & Connections — Don’t Miss this February's 2026 Morning Buzz!
Start your morning with purpose, great company, and delicious treats our very
own The Dalles Chamber. Don’t miss our first Morning Buzz of the year!
Connect with local professionals, make new business connections, and enjoy a
fun, welcoming atmosphere that’s all about supporting The Dalles business community!
🎟️ Bring your business card for the door prize raffle, you might walk away with something special!
💼 Chamber membership not required — everyone’s welcome! Bring a friend!
Invite someone! Tell another!
Let’s keep those OPEN signs shining bright and celebrate the spirit of small
business together. 💙
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📅 Date: Thursday, February 26,2026
⏰ Time: 12:15 PM
📍 Location: 312 E 3rd Street, The Dalles, OR
Please Join us as we celebrate ToxiScreen's Ribbon Cutting hosted by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Come meet the team, tour the space,and share in the excitement for what's ahead. We'd love to see you there!
Gentle Flow unfolds like a quiet walk through an art gallery. Each posture is approached as a curated piece, inviting you to move slowly and thoughtfully from one shape to the next, guided by the rhythm of your breath. The lighter, unhurried pace creates space to pause, observe, and fully experience each posture; much like standing before a work of art and taking in its details.
This class is designed as an open gallery exploration, where strength and stretch, stability and ease, are in constant dialogue. With time to study alignment and balance, you're invited to develop a deeper understanding of how the body moves and holds itself, cultivating presence, curiosity, and a sense of quiet appreciation throughout your practice.
Please bring a yoga mat, and wear comfortable clothing.
Experience the beauty of the winter Gorge from the warmth of the Discovery Center’s grand, river-facing windows. This February program brings the spirit of plein air painting indoors, offering artists a chance to observe and capture the subtle browns, whites, and atmospheric tones of the season without braving the cold.
Led by Portland artist Jinnet Powel, this acrylic class invites participants to slow down, study the landscape, and approach winter painting as both creative exploration and a form of quiet meditation. Jinnet will guide students through two foundational plein air techniques: using preliminary thumbnail sketches to clarify composition, and working with a limited palette to build luminous, compelling winter scenes.
This program takes place in the Discovery Center’s naturally lit lobby in front of their floor-to-ceiling windows, making it an ideal environment for direct observation and artistic focus. Your ticket includes full-day admission to the museum, allowing you to enjoy its exhibits before or after the class.
To learn more about the instructor, visit www.jinnetpowel.com.











