The Arts are alive in Siskiyou in many forms. Whether you like to experience live music, visual arts, theatre, or create art of your own, there is no shortage of creative energy to be explored around the region.
Public Art on Display
Siskiyou’s history and unique identity can be reflected in its vibrant murals and public art on display. As you drive past Yreka on Interstate 5 you can’t help but notice the dragon sculpture “Priscilla” by local welder Ralph Starritt. Starritt created much of the roadside art that dots the I-5 corridor thought Siskiyou. Other works of his are the metal cows, Moo-Donna and Calf, just south of Yreka on the NB side of I-5 and the Miner and Mule that sit under the arched “YREKA” welcoming you to the Miner Street District. You also have to go take a selfie with the towering scrap metal Bigfoot that welcomes you to Happy Camp as you come into town via Hwy 96. This was a collaboration between Starritt and Cheryl Wainwright and is a must-see when in West Siskiyou. The Living Memorial Sculpture Gardens, by Dennis Smith along Highway 97 is another notable location with eleven impressive sculptures dedicated to veterans. Murals can be found on the sides of buildings and walls throughout the county and depict local history, the gold rush era, Native American heritage, and the natural beauty of the region. There are murals on display inside the Siskiyou County Courthouse, downtown Yreka, Siskiyou County Museum, Dunsmuir City Hall and Pool, downtown Mt Shasta, The Sisson Museum, Etna in Scott Valley and more!
Art Galleries of Siskiyou
There are many spectacular galleries dotted around Siskiyou that they need their own blog! Click here to dive into the visual arts on display at these galleries and experience the culture of Siskiyou through the art and artists of this epic region.
Etna’s Avery Memorial Theatre
A visit to The Avery Theatre, in downtown Etna is like stepping back in time. A small-town performing arts space and movie theatre that is home to Scott Valley Theatre Company. First opened in 1948, the Avery was “the place” to view Disney and Western movies of the time. In the 1990’s a stage was built to allow plays, improv performances, musical concerts and more to entertain the locals and visiting folks to Scott Valley. Today, the Avery hosts monthly movies and performances. Classic movie theatre concessions are available and movie-themed cocktails can be found nearby at Denny Bar Co. Distillery.
Bella Art Works Creative Cafe
Create some art of your own art in Yreka‘s historic downtown at Bella Art Works. This soda fountain/ice cream that is also a paint-your-own ceramics studio and creative cafe. They host workshops called Art Adventures where you can create a number of creative and seasonal projects while you enjoy some award-winning grilled cheese sandwiches and other tasty treats from the cafe’.
Pops Performing Arts and Cultural Center
Located in the heart of historic Dunsmuir, across from the Amtrak Train Station, POPS Performing Arts and Cultural Center is a charming venue for performing, literary and visual artists from the local community and surrounding regions. Offering indoor and outdoor performing spaces, Pops is a superb acoustical experience for all audiences. The business was named in tribute to Louis Armstrong, aka Pops. Check the calendar for upcoming events.
Jefferson Center for the Arts
Jefferson Center for the Arts is Mount Shasta‘s premier arts education venue incorporating the natural beauty of the area for the purpose of improving social, economic and cultural assets. The JCA is a hub for live music, dramatic theatre and hands on visual arts workshops for local residents and tourists alike. The gardens of the JCA are growing to host a permaculture learning center, arts playground and local nature trail. Jefferson Center hosts a World Music Festival and assorted music, theater, and art classes for all ages and ability levels. Make sure to check the event schedule for the latest happenings.
