I’d planned this week to do a longer feature on a couple of visual art shows out here in wine country, but I realized that would give short shrift to several others. That wouldn’t be fair — we’re into the holiday season, which for some people means purchasing art as a present. So, as we roll out of 2024 toward a new year, here’s a roundup of Yamhill County’s art gallery scene.

LINFIELD ART GALLERY in McMinnville is closing out the year with a show that puts students’ work front and center. Curated by Jennifer Gillia Cutshall, owner of Verum Ultimum Art Gallery in Portland, this show has a short run, closing Dec. 13. She’ll give a presentation at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the gallery. A makers’ market featuring students’ work for sale will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. that day in the art building next door. To reach the gallery from Oregon 99W, turn east on Keck Drive, then turn right at the first street onto Library Court. The James F. Miller Fine Arts Center is the second building on the left.

CHEHALEM CULTURAL CENTER’s recent expansion of the already sprawling Newberg facility means there’s even more exhibition space than before: six gallery spaces, if I’m counting right, though not all are necessarily in use at the same time. 415 E. Sheridan St.

Here’s what you’ll find there right now:

• Drawn Together: A Pastel Artists of Oregon Members Exhibition appears in the largest space, the Parrish Gallery on the ground floor. The show includes nearly 60 pieces of varying size, more than two-thirds of them landscapes or outdoor scenes; there are also some still lifes, portraiture, and more. The show runs through Jan. 9.

• A Break in the Clouds: A Solo Exhibit by Krystyny Vandenberg was due to close Oct. 24, but it was still up in the Central Gallery when I visited recently. So the clock is presumably ticking on this one; we covered it earlier this year.

• Miquiz: Transforming & Transcending with Eduardo Cruz Torres is in the lobby on the left side, and do take time to get up close. More than 20 pieces include acrylic painting, ceramics, and stunning hand-carved masks. I wrote about Cruz a couple of years ago, here’s his story. No closing date given for this one.

• Essence Of Oregon: A Solo Show by Christine Joy Swanson features 35 paintings from a 10-year period, highlighting the artist’s growth. From mountains and deserts to beaches and vineyards, these are visions of what makes the state beautiful. The show runs through March.

EUTECTIC GALLERY has relocated from Portland to digs at the East Creek Art Camp, which we wrote about in our Cultural Hubs series a few years ago. Elections Matter runs through Jan. 10, and all the pieces may be seen online. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends or by appointment. 12251 S.W. East Creek Road, Willamina.

ART ELEMENTS in Newberg is featuring two artists’ work in Contours of Energy: oil paintings by Suzanne Vaughan and fused glass by Vicki Green. From the show notes: “Focusing on contours and color, Suzanne paints a vision of our landscape that softens distinctions between rivers, horizons, and skies. In fused glass, Vicki’s interpretation of the natural world is told through her evolving experimentation with geometric forms.” The show runs through Dec. 28. 604 E. First St.

Sponsor

CURRENTS GALLERY is an artist-owned gallery in downtown McMinnville and a great place for affordable gift-giving options. Its Annual Holiday Show runs through Jan. 6. 532 N.E. Third St.

THIRD ANNUAL METAL ARTS GIFT SHOW AND EXHIBITION is a family-friendly one-day holiday event. McMinnville artist Maggie Bowman has gone all out again to present work by more than 30 local metal artists, from handmade replicas of ancient armor and swords to jewelry. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center, 11275 Durham Lane, just west of McMinnville off 99W. Demonstrations of blacksmithing, forging, wire wrapping, 3D CAD design, and gold plating will be held all day. Live music and food trucks round out the experience. Admission is by a $5 fee, or donation of five cans of food for the local food bank.