Local artists, craft breweries and an anticipated 9,000 visitors are gearing up for the 30th Annual Stormy Weather Arts Festival in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The festival will run November 3-5 and will feature a wide range of art, live music and the creative culture that serves as a heartbeat for the small coastal town.
Dubbed as one of “The 100 Best Art Towns in America” by author John Villani in his book, Cannon Beach boasts over a dozen art galleries that have formed the Cannon Beach Gallery Group. The collective of local galleries works together to feature prominent local artists during the three days of events sponsored by the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce.
This year Erik Abel was selected to be the 30th Anniversary Festival Artist and also to compose a piece that would be used as the official poster. Abel explained, “It is such a cool event, and I’m honored. We agreed on doing something different this year, and along with the Festival poster and fine art paper print, we are offering a limited edition, canvas print of the artwork, too.”
Abel, locally represented by Archimedes Gallery, is known for his bold colors, geometric patterns and ocean-surf inspired creations. “Twenty five years of being a surfer has ingrained the ocean in my brain,” said Abel, who has lived in Seaside for many years. His artwork for the festival was inspired by Cannon Beach and its famous Haystack Rock, but he has drawn on his love of the ocean for art inspiration for the last several years. “The North Coast is such an amazing place, and the storms that roll through here are just crazy. I love those days when it’s been howling wind and pouring all day, and then it goes quiet, and that little peak of blue sky pops out,” explained Abel.
An artist that prefers to stay busy, Abel just wrapped up a series of Sector 9 Skateboard graphics and is currently painting for a circuit of art shows in Hawaii for December. As he gears up for the holidays with new prints, hats and more, check out Abel’s work on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
There will be lots to see and experience during the early November Stormy Weather Arts Festival. Local artist, gallery owner and a founding member of the Cannon Beach Gallery Group, Suzanne Kindland of Icefire Glassworks shared, “This is the longest running arts festival in Cannon Beach, and we’re excited to see the evolution taking place during this year’s event.”
Icefire Glassworks was established in December of 1974 and has enabled individual development of several full-time artists over the years. Kindland explained, “Icefire Glassworks’ participation will include introducing new works by our featured artists, Pamela Juett and Mark Gordon. Pam’s hand-worked beads and jewelry are a part of the Stormy Weather Arts Benefit, and Mark will demonstrate his glass-blowing technique throughout the weekend.”
The weekend of festivities will begin Friday evening with the Stormy Weather Arts Benefit and Cocktail Party. While providing festival-goers the opportunity to interact with artists, enjoy custom drinks and desserts by the local culinary community and participate in the auction; proceeds of the event will give back to the arts. “There is a fundraising component called Stormy Weather Arts Benefit happening Friday whose proceeds will benefit several non-profit, arts-related efforts in our town, including scholarships for local kids to attend art, theatre and music camps, art projects at the new Cannon Beach Academy and future festivals,” suggested Kindland.
Festival-goers are also invited to meet artists at the breakfast reception on Saturday, November 4, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and explore festival activities throughout Cannon Beach. The weekend will be filled with art gallery events, receptions and featured artist demonstrations.
View the Stormy Weather Arts Festival brochure, purchase tickets and check out the Chamber of Commerce sponsored events below:
2017 Schedule of Events for the Stormy Weather Arts Festival
Friday, November 3
Stormy Weather Arts Benefit Cocktail & Dessert Party – 7:30-10:00 p.m.
Interact with professional jewelry artists who discuss their techniques while their works are being modeled. Sample a custom cocktail created specifically for the event by Cannon Beach Distillery and a local craft beer also made especially for the event, alongside sparkling wine and a dessert buffet featuring sweets from local bakeries and chocolatiers. The celebration will also include live music and a raffle and silent auction featuring vacation packages.
Cost: $35 | Location: Cannon Beach Community Hall
Saturday, November 4
Music around Town – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy live performances by regional musicians at six different locations around town.
Cost: Free/Donations | Locations: The Landing, Sandpiper Square, Coaster Theatre Courtyard, Ecola Square, Haystack Square and Public Coast Brewing
Dancing in the Rain Fashion Show – 10:00 a.m. (Doors open at 9:40 a.m.)
Pick out a new outfit at this runway show featuring apparel and accessories from local and national designers available in Cannon Beach shops.
Cost: Free Entry or guaranteed VIP seating with $5 donation | Location: Coaster Theatre Playhouse
Spotlight Concert Featuring Heels to the Hardwood – 8:00-10:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
The Seattle Americana band brings their foot-stomping sound to Cannon Beach.
Cost: $30 | Location: Coaster Theatre Playhouse
Sunday, November 5
Brews, Blues & Barbecues – 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Sample local craft brews, including one created especially for the festival, enjoy live Delta Blues from Steve Cheseborough and savor a delicious barbecue lunch from a local chef.
Cost: $25 | Location: Cannon Beach Community Hall
