Celebrate Gorge scenic area

This first annual Gorge Community Celebration is in recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area and is designed to educate and inspire long-term local, regional and national support for stewardship of the Gorge region's cultural heritage, scenic beauty, natural resources, and recreational opportunities.

A full line-up of Gorge musicians will be playing Saturday and Sunday including the new album release for Mark Thunderwolf, a Native American flutist and recording artist of Lakota and Eastern Band Cherokee Wolf Clan descent.

During the past 8 years, Thunderwolf has toured extensively across the US and Canada, and his music has developed an explosive following in over 14 different countries.

Local photographer Peter Marbach and local writer Janet Cook have collaborated on a commemorative photo essay capturing the beauty of Gorge landscapes, rich cultural history and diverse natural and recreation resources. Marbach will be available for questions and to sign copies of his book.

Lillian Pitt, a Warms Springs artist and one of the most highly regarded Native American artists in the Pacific Northwest, will lead interpretive children's mask-making at the Celebration both days. Her works draw on over 12,000 years of Native American history and tradition of the Columbia River region, and have been exhibited and received numerous awards and distinctions regionally, nationally and internationally.

Rick Steber, the author of more than 30 books, will present and sign his new novel, "Caught in the Crosshairs." About the unsolved murder of Phil Brooks, a cowboy who was found shot to death in the desert near Fossil, Steber's new book is a true Oregon mystery and to this day, no one has stood trial for the crime.

To celebrate with Gorge youth, a poster contest using the theme "Wind. Water. Wow" was created in coordination with the US Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Office, whose staff provided educational presentations and contributions of art supplies to participating schools and winning artists. The exciting exhibit will be displayed at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center through the end of the Community Celebration.

The Discovery Center and Museum admission is free all weekend. A multi-media art exhibit of pottery, glass, watercolor, mosaics, pastels, and photography -- all inspired by the beauty of the Gorge -- will be on display in the museum's Basalt Rock Cafe.