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Painted Hills

A History Cast in Bronze

Written by Oregon Media

A History Cast in Bronze

Joseph is an art lover’s dream

Bronze Sculpture in Joseph One of the nation’s leading sculpture communities has evolved here, nestled at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains in the extreme northeast corner of Oregon. Joseph is named Oregon’s first designated Art & Culture town. Why did bronze sculpting grow here? The beginning was quite an accident. Glen Anderson, a retired businessman, got a great deal on an empty building. What would he do with it? A few local sculptors suggested that a bronze foundry would be to their great convenience. Persuaded by the possibilities, Valley Bronze of Oregon was born, initiating a world-class collective for artistic bronze casting.

Valley Bronze of Oregon casts works of art for both national and international artists. Their namesake gallery accompanies several other top-notch galleries in town, including Aspen Grove, Edge of the Wilderness, the Josephy Center, Kelly’s Gallery & Barn Boutique, Missy’s Uptown Art, Phinney Gallery of Fine Art and the Stewart Jones Gallery. Within short walking distance art lovers will enjoy a wide range of art, including bronze sculpture, original oils, watercolors, pastels, fine art photography and exquisite jewelry.

Art Walk

Flowers in Joseph Isn’t Main Street beautiful? That isn’t an accident. The Joseph Mainstreet Beautification Project was completed in 2000, funded in partnership with many state and beneficiary organizations. The historic town of Joseph already had great bones, and today it’s prettier than ever. Take in the scenery on the lovely, self-guided Art Walk tour, on which you’ll be treated to over a dozen life-size and monument bronze sculptures, encapsulating the history, the wildlife and the “now” that has become Joseph, Oregon.