MEET CHELSEY HAWKEY!
This month, we’re so thrilled to introduce the Clackamas Arts Alliance’s new Artist Exhibit Program Manager, Chelsey Hawkey. Join us in welcoming and learning about Chelsey’s background and her work as an artist. In this Q&A Chelsey tells us about what she is looking forward to as the new AEP Manager, how she learned about the Arts Alliance as an artist herself, and what she is watching and doing in the arts and culture realm to make life feel better these days.
POETRY CONTEST 2026
The Clackamas Arts Alliance's Literary Arts Committee is excited to announce its 4th Annual Writing Contest. Once again, we are looking for all POETRY submissions! There will be one First Place winner and one or more Runner Up winners. First Place winners will receive a cash prize of $250. Runner Up winners will receive a cash prize of $100. Winners will be invited to read their entries at the Milwaukie Poetry Series, First Friday reading on June 5, 2026. Please download and review the ELIGIBILITY AND CONTEST RULES and submit your poetry by April 27, 2026, 11:59 PM PST.
ARTIST EXHIBIT PROGRAM NEWS
This month the Arts Alliance is wishing Sue Allen, Artist Exhibit Program Manager, a very bittersweet farewell as she will be retiring at the end of 2025. For over 20 years, Sue has been tied to the Clackamas Art Alliance's Artist Exhibit Program. First as Art Preparator, then Coordinator, and finally Manager. Sue has helped the program evolve and grow, installing artworks of hundreds of artists and perhaps over 10,000 artworks, in our Clackamas County rotating galleries. THANK YOU, SUE! We will hold a retirement celebration at Corcilla Cellars in Oregon City on February 12th, 2026 from 5 - 7 PM. Please RSVP.
ARTIST EXHIBIT PROGRAM 2026 ARTISTS SELECTED!
The Clackamas Arts Alliance announces the selection of 77 Individual Artists for the 2026 Artist Exhibit Program, including 44 artists who have not exhibited in our program before. The annual application process, open to Clackamas County artists, exhibits each accepted artist for a few months in one of our 19 public gallery spaces located in 11 county venues. Learn more and see the full list of artsits.
SUPPORT THE ARTS ALLIANCE BY RECYCLING VIA BOTTLEDROP!
You can now support the Clackamas Arts Alliance by simply recycling through the BottleDrop Program! BottleDrop Give is the can drive that never ends. Learn more!
A CREATIVE COMMUNITY MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER
Our Community Engagement & Public Programs Manager, Ariella-Sophie, reflects on the summer and shares events and opportunities to stay tuned for this fall!
POETRY CONTEST WINNERS
On June 6th the Clackamas Arts Alliance’s Literary Arts Committee, with Oregon Poet Laureate Emerita Paulann Petersen presenting awards, hosted its 3rd Annual Writing Contest. The winners read their poems at the Milwaukie Poetry Series First Friday Reading and Open Mic.
THREADS | PUBLIC ART PROJECT
Join the Clackamas Arts Alliance in celebrating the opening of “The Threads That Connect Us; Echoes of Time.” This is a Public Art Initiative now open at the Historic Milwaukie City Hall. Learn more about the two artists and their inspirations.
NOVEMBER UPDATES!
It's been a great year at the Clackamas Arts Alliance and we are so thankful to all of you who joined us in keeping arts and culture alive. Hear from our Executive Director Dianne Alves, learn about upcoming events, and read our November edition of News Now.
2025 ARTIST EXHIBIT PROGRAM
The Clackamas County Arts Alliance announces the selection of 56 Individual Artists for the 2025 Artist Exhibit Program, including 26 artists who have not exhibited in our program before.
2024 WRITING CONTEST WINNERS
On May 18th the Clackamas Arts Alliance’s Literary Arts Comittee hosted its 2nd Annual Writing Contest at the Clackamas Community College’s Compose Creative Writing Conference. We were proud to welcome this year’s contest award winners!
MEET OUR NEW STAFF MEMBER!
Join the Clackamas Arts Alliance is welcoming Ariella-Sophie Sternberg to the team as our first-ever Community Outreach & Engagement Manager
2024 ARTIST EXHIBIT PROGRAM
We're excited to announce the 2024 Artist Exhibit Program (AEP) will include 63 Individual Artists and 7 separate Artist Groups and Special Exhibits.Plus, an update on our 2025 CALL TO ARTISTS!
LEARN LONDON SLANG
The Arts Alliance's Literary Arts Committee Chair, Bob Sterry, is here to teach us some new London slang for your writing fun! Plus, learn about our 2024 Writing Contest and how to become a sponsor!
2023 BY THE NUMBERS
Check out our 2023 By the Numbers! We're excited to share our 2023 Annual Report, including a look back at events, opportunities, our Artists Exhibit Program and more.
OPPORTUNITY SUBMISSION FORM UNVEILED
Now opportunity organizers can submit their opportunities to our Opportunities Page with ease using our quick Google Form.
WRITING CONTEST WINNERS
On May 20th, 2023, the Literary Arts Committee of Clackamas Arts Alliance was proud to present the winners of their 2023 Writing Contest at Clackamas Community College's Compose Creative Writing Conference.
OUR CREATIVE FUTURE
"Over the next year, community members in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties will be invited to connect to this process and shape the future of arts and culture in our region – celebrating successes, identifying gaps and developing strategies to meet those needs."
CULTURAL COALITION 2023 GRANT AWARDS
The Arts Alliance is proud to have joined the Clackamas County Cultural Coalition once again to distribute the 2023 Grant Awards!
JUNETEENTH 2023
Clackamas County staff build community despite isolation, and reflect on what Juneteenth means to them in this exhibit showcased in the Public Services Building in Oregon City.
NEWS NOW MARCH 2023
Happy Spring! Keep reading to catch up on what we have been up to these last couple of months and exciting things to come for Clackamas County and the Arts Alliance!
ADVOCATE
Arts and culture exist not only for social, cultural or entertainment value. They also have major impacts on the economy and serve as a primary way for communities to preserve and celebrate our culture and heritage.
YOUTH RESPOND TO COVID
An Unprecedented Year: Youth Respond to COVID and express their pandemic experience through art in our Youth Arts for Change Program.
2023 ARTIST EXHIBIT PROGRAM
Clackamas County Arts Alliance is pleased to announce the selection from our 2023 AEP call of 46 Individual Artists and 8 Artist Groups and Special Exhibits to exhibit in the 2023 Artist Exhibit Program.
NEWS NOW JANUARY 2023
We are delighted to be relaunching our monthly News Now newsletter this month with our fresh look and feel. In maintaining our commitment to keeping arts and culture central to life in Clackamas County, we wrapped up a great year of programming.
YAC 2022 IN REVIEW
2022 brought many successes and triumphs to our Youth Arts for Change Program (YAC). This review is a snapshot of the program and the incredible youth we have had the opportunity to work with.
NEW WEBSITE + LOGO!
We are thrilled to share our brand new website and branding with the Clackamas County community! Hear from our Executive Director Dianne Alves and please join us in celebrating our new style and improved offerings.