The Josephy Center for the Arts reimagines a 1980s log structure—once a bank—as a dynamic hub for arts and culture in Joseph, Oregon. Though the building’s original use and rustic character seemed at odds, its central location and community affection made it a natural candidate for rebirth.

Nestled at the base of the Wallowa Mountains, the Josephy Center is a vital nonprofit devoted to expanding access to the arts throughout Wallowa County and Eastern Oregon. Years of successful programming had outgrown the original facility, prompting an inclusive master planning process. Through interviews with stakeholders, board members, and staff, a design vision emerged centered on greater visibility, expanded studio spaces, and dedicated gallery areas.

A timber-framed addition clad in detailed wood shingles complement the existing architecture and dramatically elevates its civic presence. More than just a renovation, the transformation asserts the Center’s renewed commitment to creativity, education, and rural cultural life.