Art du Jour Gallery is a cornerstone of Downtown Medford’s vibrant arts community, bringing energy, creativity, and connection to our city—especially on Third Fridays. Each month, the gallery comes alive with a welcoming mix of artists and art lovers enjoying conversation, refreshments, and, of course, stunning artwork. Adding to the atmosphere, guitarist Rod Petrone performs live at every event, creating a festive and inviting experience.
For nearly 20 years, Art du Jour Gallery has been part of Medford’s arts scene, spending the past decade at its current location, 213 East Main Street. As a cooperative gallery, it operates without paid employees. Its 22-member artists share both the costs and responsibilities of running the gallery. Each member pays a monthly fee for display space, takes turns staffing the gallery, and volunteers for special projects. One recent example was their successful pop-up show at The Blue Giraffe Day Spa Salon in Ashland during that community’s First Friday Art Walk.
Inside the gallery, visitors will find a wide variety of artwork created by member artists—all available for purchase. Art du Jour also features two special exhibits each month: The Grey Wall, highlighting one member artist, and The Art Vault, showcasing the work of a guest artist. This October, The Grey Wall presents The Small Works Collection, a group exhibition of original art priced at $200 or less. The Art Vault features the work of Veronica Thomas, curated by longtime member Ruth Heath.
The gallery is guided by elected directors Gary Wagner, Doug Staples, and Dixie Kinser. Andrea Cloud manages the website, while Angie Hanson oversees social media and newsletter communications, helping members expand their online presence. “Social media is so important in today’s world for artists,” Angie notes.
Gary Wagner adds, “Since we are a cooperative gallery, we need our artists to be successful so the gallery can be successful.”
And successful they have been. In the past nine months, Art du Jour Gallery has welcomed six new artists and is experiencing its strongest financial growth in two decades. Building on this momentum, the gallery will launch a new series of classes in November, starting with an acrylic painting workshop led by Angie Hanson. “It will be a fun event with painting, socializing, and even mocktails,” Angie says. Details will be announced soon.
Looking ahead, the gallery has applied for a grant to support expanded class offerings and is in conversation with the Art Department at RCC about hosting a student show.
“We’re really excited about working with the Downtown Medford Association to create a stronger environment for businesses and our community,” Gary shared. “We would love to participate in future DMA functions to help make Downtown Medford even more vibrant. And we’re always looking for new artists.”
Interested in joining Art du Jour Gallery? Stop by to pick up a brochure with application details. The gallery is currently seeking jewelry makers, potters, and painters.
Special thanks to gallery patrons:
- Marvin Nicholson, Owner of Designer Framing
- Dan & Ann Ebert, Owners of Central Art Supply
- Doug Staples, Co-Director, Art du Jour Gallery
ART DU JOUR GALLERY
213 East Main Street, Medford, OR
541-770-3190
Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 am–4 pm
Sunday: 10 am–2 pm
www.artdujourgallery.com
Follow Art du Jour Gallery on social media for the latest updates and event announcements.