In 1975 a group of photographers pooled their resources to start a small gallery. It grew to become one of the most important photography exhibition centers in the country.

A non-profit space dedicated to educating the public about photography, Blue Sky Gallery, also known as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, began by showing local artists and then slowly expanded to national and international artists. Our special mission continues to be showing artists that no one has ever heard of, but will. As such, Blue Sky has been credited with having the best record of discovering new photographers of any artists' space in the country. With 24 shows a year, we continue to present some of the most exciting new work in the medium. If you had been a member of Blue Sky for the last 20 years you would have received our 140 posters, 9 books, 9 booklets, 15 issues of Blue Sky exhibition catalogues, a set of 48 postcards, and a fanciful array of plastic membership objects (like the pickle pick and the soap saver). You would also feel the deepest gratitude of more than 20 volunteers who plan and prepare the exhibits, keep the doors open during viewing hours, mail the oddly shaped plastic stuff, donate prints for raffles, and think up ways to lure you into becoming a member.

Why is membership so important? Over the past 20 years our survival has depended on the generosity of our members, the support of local businesses, and grants from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. All donations, grants and membership fees are used to pay for rent, supplies, shipping costs, printing, postage, artist honoraria, and a half-time salary. To survive over the next 20 years will require more of our time and your generosity.

Please support Blue Sky. Join today and enjoy tomorrow (or soon afterwards when the Blue Sky catalogues start coming your way)!