Support Local Art: Why Visiting Nuwave Gallery in Ellensburg Should Be On Your List

Apr 10

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Ellensburg, Nuwave Gallery is more than just an art space. It's a vibrant cultural destination, a community connector, and a celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s creative energy. Whether you’re planning an art getaway, exploring weekend activities in Washington State, or simply looking for unique things to do in Ellensburg, Nuwave Gallery offers an inspiring experience that supports artists and enriches the local economy.

“When you buy something from an artist, you’re buying more than an object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of experimentation, years of frustration, and moments of pure joy.” — Unknown

This quote captures the spirit of Nuwave Gallery. Owned and operated by Ellensburg artist and curator Erin Oostra, the gallery highlights bold, contemporary paintings, modern landscapes, digital collages, and rotating shows that celebrate nature, storytelling, and the creative soul of the region.

What makes Nuwave Gallery worth visiting?

Artist-owned and operated, Nuwave Gallery offers an intimate, welcoming environment for experiencing art that’s grounded in the natural beauty of Central Washington. It’s the perfect place to explore on your weekend trip or stop by during a leisurely wine tasting stroll.

Here’s why people are talking about it:

Rotating exhibits by regional and emerging artists
Community Wall showcasing local creatives, from students to retirees
Art paired with wine from the adjoining Fortuity Cellars tasting room
Artist events, live painting, and hands-on experiences
Located in Ellensburg’s walkable creative district with free street parking

"Art is the heartbeat of a thriving community. Supporting local artists isn’t just about collecting beauty — it’s about investing in culture, place, and people." — Erin Oostra

Things to do in Ellensburg and Central Washington

Nuwave Gallery is a must-see stop on any list of things to do in Central Washington. With its central location at 3rd and Main Street in downtown Ellensburg, it’s surrounded by other cultural gems, cozy cafes, and outdoor adventures.

Within walking distance, you’ll find:

Fortuity Cellars wine tasting (inside the gallery)
The Clymer Museum and Gallery One Visual Arts Center
Local dining favorites like The Night Owl, The Pearl, and The Mule
Unique shops, breweries, and historical architecture
Quick access to hiking, river walks, and the Yakima River Canyon

Whether you’re planning an art-inspired road trip or just looking for fun and meaningful weekend activities in Washington State, Ellensburg offers a relaxing pace, great food and drink, and a growing arts scene led by spaces like Nuwave.

"Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want." — Anna Lappé

Why buy local art?

Purchasing local art means you're supporting real people — the creatives shaping your community. You’re bringing home something with story, soul, and substance.

Here’s why it matters:

Keeps money in the community
Supports working artists and cultural workers
Adds personality and originality to your space
Connects you to a sense of place
Helps art spaces like Nuwave stay open and accessible

"Buy art from living artists — the dead ones don’t need the money." — Unknown

Featured Art

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Sailing Mt Baker

$250.00

34"x48" art print by Sari Jack

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Every Action Has A Reaction

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print About Conservation (wooden hanger included)

Every action has a reaction, every tree we plant helps the ecosystem, every windmill helps sustainable energy, every person can help.
The artwork in this poster promotes the former values, showing the local windmills as plants, and showing how people are key in protecting the climate. It is up to people to act, it is up to every person in the world to decide what they will do. It always starts with one person, one idea, one movement.
The goal with this artwork is to inspire the next person to react, and to act upon that reaction.

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Flourish, Not Fade

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By The Pollinators Path By Rebecca Sneeringer (wooden hanger included)

Flourish, Not Fade is inspired by the Pollinators Garden of Ellensburg and was created to honor the critical relationship between pollinators and plant life. At the center of this piece is a bee, carrying vibrant local blossoms as a symbol of life, renewal, and the interconnectedness of species.
The composition is simple yet bold, using a stylized visual language to depict the bee not just as a symbol, but as a living force vital to the survival of countless ecosystems. The flowers emerging from its body, yarrow, blanket flower, and milkweed, are native flora that thrive through pollination. These plants were intentionally selected to highlight the region’s biodiversity and the importance of preserving local habitats.
The phrase Flourish, Not Fade serves both as a call to action and a hopeful affirmation. It encourages viewers to reflect on the future of our natural spaces and the essential role each of us plays in protecting them. Without pollinators, we risk losing not only the beauty of our blooms, but the delicate balance of entire ecosystems.

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Days passing

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Graphic Design (wooden hanger included)

"This poster is support to show the passing of the day and how thing are. Is represent the want to keep thing the same longer as we try to preserve the history and the environment with things like Environmental friendly energy sources."

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Patterns of Endangered and Threatened Species

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print By Kate Ferguson (wooden hanger included)

"Currently there are over 16,000 endangered species on our planet. Through research I've found a number of beautiful species that are endangered and threatened in Washington alone. With this poster I hope to illustrate the beauty and value of these species, and bring awareness to the large number of endangered and threatened species we have in just Washington alone. Although not all the endangered and threatened species in Washington are represented, I hope the large numbers and species that were included will inspire action in the viewers."

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The Locals

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Of Deer Image (wooden hanger included)

"With this piece I wanted to evoke a sense of awareness of our local ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them. It may serve as a gentle reminder that we are not the only ones who call this valley home. The playful nature of the typography and the innocent look of the mule deer from the image is meant to create a sense of cheerfulness a and gratitude for our native species and to remind ourselves that we share this land with those who had it long before us."

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Rainbow Trout

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print (wooden hanger included)

"In this piece, I used trash gathered from the world around me to create the water that the rainbow trout is pictured swimming in. It is meant to serve as a visual reminder that we live in the world we create."

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Untitled

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By Conservation Efforts For Yakima Canyon Shrub-Steppe And Native Species By Mae Adams (wooden hanger included)

"'Conserving our ecosystem with efforts to better the environment is essential to the well-being of all organisms. The inspiration for this poster was drawn from concepts including maintenance, inhabitants, and sustainability. Respecting and maintaining our environment is crucial to the protection of current and future humankind. Motivated by Washington’s Yakima Canyon terrain and a passion for nature, I composed a visual statement of the criticality in acting, educating, and publicizing now. This poster was made with a combination of typographical hierarchy, photographs of local land and species, and shrub-steppe tones. With intentions to promote conservation, bold and broad typefaces organized to fill space convey a strong and powerful presence. By including endangered and local species within these letterforms I could reinforce the message of urgency and admiration. Maintaining a healthy ecosystem is essential as we are a part of our climate; a part of the balance and responsibility. As a result of my work, I hope to evoke and encourage a desire to improve and stand up. Conserve our planet, preserve your future.'"

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Be a Good Seed!

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By The Look Of Vintage Postage Stamps By Griffin Bailey (wooden hanger included)

"Inspired by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and our deep connection to them, this stamp symbolizes the paper trails we create and leave behind. The Douglas fir emerging from its seed, resembling a thumbprint, reflects the unique mark each of us leaves on the environment."

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Preserve and Protect Our Valley

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By Yakima River Canyon By Summer Isotalo (wooden hanger included)

"The Yakima River Canyon is not just scenic views of beauty, it is a living reminder of what we stand to lose. This poster is meant to encourage others to appreciate the environment around us and to consider their conservation efforts to keep Ellensburg Washington a sustainable and beautiful place to live. Surrounded by such scenic views and landscapes in the valley of Ellensburg, this work is meant to spread environmental awareness to our community and inspire viewers to take action to preserve and protect our environment. I wanted to capture the vibrant life of the Yakima River Canyon through photography, while incorporating typography to remind viewers and the community of its fragility. Through this work, my aim is to encourage viewers to cherish, respect, and protect our unique and irreplaceable landscape and feel inspired to make an impact."

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Whoops...Wrong Catch

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Digital Art By Laura Allen (wooden hanger included)

"The Yakima River is a vital migration zone for salmon and steelhead runs. As trash pollutes our rivers, this debris can create blockages that prevent salmon and steelhead from completing their runs and spawning. The beauty of Central Washington’s rivers and the strong fishing community in Ellensburg inspired me to create a satirical design that reminds viewers what happens when we don’t reduce waste or clean up after ourselves. This poster calls on our community to be stewards of the land and protect our environment and delicate ecosystems."

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THRIVE

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By Sustainability Design By Dulce Ochoa (wooden hanger included)

"'Thrive' is about how nature remembers everything, even when people forget. I made this poster to remind others that we have to respect and care for the earth if we want it to keep growing. The flower and soft colors show how life can be strong and beautiful when we protect it. This piece is a call to think about sustainability and to treat nature with the respect it deserves."

Windy Window

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By The City Of Ellensburg And The Greater Kittitas County By Hunter Elms (wooden hanger included) | "I am not an Ellensburg native, I didn't have the pleasure of growing up here. But with my time here in the burg studying at CWU has made me realize just how special this place is. The shrubbery landscaped littered with windmills and the rustic feeling of downtown Ellensburg had a profound influence on me and I made sure to include that iconic brickwork here in my piece. Hopefully this piece can act as a window into this beautiful city and help emphasize why local nature and preservation efforts are so important."

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Kittitas County

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By Kittitas Wind Energy By Ella Meyers (wooden hanger included)

"This poster was inspired by how Kittas County preserves our environment by contributing to renewable and clean energy sources. Kittitas County has three wind farms: the Wild Horse Wind Farm, Kittitas Valley Wind Farm, and PUD Wind Farm. Because we have such high winds coming through our county, this creates an effective and clean energy source for our residents here. They protect environments and habitats by not producing harmful waste and have a low impact on land use. The color scheme and the scenery are meant to enhance the beauty of our county."

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Order of Flow

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By Conservation Of Nature By Rob Gonzalez Sanchez (wooden hanger included)

"We live in a world rich with nature, yet humans are restricting its ability to prosper. This poster is a wake-up call that demands change to protect our future by conserving the nature around us. The design is inspired by a modern layout, using bold red and black colors to highlight the core message. The poster employs both symmetry and asymmetry, symbolizing the balance that life needs to survive. I chose to feature a local native plant from the Pacific Northwest—the Rhododendron. This plant represents the natural beauty the PNW offers, and without protection, native species like this will disappear. The imagery captures the essence and beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I aimed for a clean, minimal design that can be displayed in a variety of settings, making it easier for viewers to understand and connect with. This design supports an accessible and meaningful user experience, helping to spread the message of conservation to a wider audience."

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Cowboy Wind Farm

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By The Wild Horse Wind Farm And The Local Ranchers (wooden hanger included) | "Inspired by our local Wind & Solar Facility, the Wild Horse Wind Farm, I met with the crew members at the visitor center and got educated on what conservation efforts the Wind Farm makes year-round. What struck me and powered this project was allowing local ranchers onto the property and herding cows to eat the cheatgrass, which helps prevent the spread of wildfires and overgrowth."

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Less Water More Impact

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print (wooden hanger included)

"Inspired By Washington States apple production, as we are the main apple producers in the United States, I wanted to bring forward the continuous innovation in the usage of water in apple farming. I used halftone patterns, organic shapes and patterns to create a poster that brings forward innovation in saving water. Through my work, I aim to bring awareness to the innovation in water usage, reminding viewers that we can use less and achieve more."

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Conserve Nature

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print By David Badillo (wooden hanger included)

"Nature is one of the most beautiful realities God has given mankind to experience. There is a beauty and elegance in it that humanity can never truly replicate. In Genesis 1:26 and 1:28, we are told that God gives man dominion over all the living creatures that move on the earth and in Genesis 2:15, how God put man in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it. These are a few verses that, to me, serve as a good reason to conserve and protect the God given beauty that is present in all nature. "Conserve Nature" is inspired by the mountainous view atop Bean Peak in the Wenatchee area and a personal encounter with elk on I-90. This piece denotes the beauty of nature through the use of the mountainous view behind a silhouette of an elk and the choice of monochromatic green as the color scheme. The use of color also aids the idea of conservation along with a very literal use of type that spells out the title of the piece and serves as a call-to-action. This piece is an invitation back to protect and care for His creation and encourage the conservation of the masterpiece that is nature."

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Quiet Disposal

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Illustrating Deforestation And Environmental Degradation By Daniel Walton (wooden hanger included)

What begins as a tree ends as fodder, and is quietly processed out of sight. This piece reflects on the efficient systems that mask environmental loss, and asks us to reconsider how much we shred in the name of progress.

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Consume

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Endangered Fish In The PNW And Commentary Of Overconsumption By Alex Littman (wooden hanger included)

"When we were first approached with the project to create posters on conservation, I recognized it as both an exciting opportunity and an important cause for our community to rally around. In developing my poster, I wanted to address the critical environmental issues and dangers resulting from human actions, particularly the overconsumption that has intensified in the last decade. This trend has led to resource depletion, pollution, and severe harm to our ecosystems. My goal is to create a conversation about the need for sustainable practices and conscious consumption choices. We must shift our mindset to prioritize the health of our planet and advocate for ethical production to benefit future generations. However, I encountered a critique from some gallery members who felt my poster lacked a “positive” or “encouraging” message. I respectfully disagree. The challenges surrounding conservation, as well as the ongoing climate crisis, are serious and cannot be taken lightly. My message is clear: these issues are happening now, and we must take action immediately. While I could soften my language to make it more palatable, I believe that would undermine the importance of the message and the urgency it represents. I appreciate the opportunity this gallery has provided, but I stand firm in my commitment to convey the gravity of the situation without dilution. Ultimately, conservation isn’t just a concept but something we all need to take seriously. When we face the truth about how we affect the environment, we can start making real changes. I hope this poster helps people understand and take action, reminding us that the decisions we make now will affect the future we leave for others."

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The Growth of a Tree

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print Inspired By The Pacific Northwest By Jenna Hunt (wooden hanger included)

Our ecosystem is important because it helps sustain our lives. This poster is hopeful, encouraging others to care for our natural world. My artwork is inspired by the Pacific Northwest, its evergreens, and nature. I combined illustration, type, organic shapes, and green tones to create a design that feels whimsical and hopeful. The illustration highlights that conservation can start with a shovel. Planting trees can have a positive impact, and doing this can help our Pacific Northwest continue to thrive. Through this work, I want to show that planting trees will help our ecosystem, and our forest creatures will continue to have a home.

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Plastic Kills

$60.00

17"x22" Poster Print By CWU Student Eva Hevesi (wooden hanger included)

Plastic effects all animals but the effect on sea animals is where we see it the most and is the environment that is the hardest to clean up. This poster draws attention to the negative effects plastic has on sea animals. Plastic in our waters can kill animals!

Plan your visit to Nuwave Gallery

Location: Corner of 3rd & Main Street, Downtown Ellensburg, WA
Hours: Open Thursday–Monday and by appointment (check for updates at nuwavegallery.co)
Admission: Always free
Parking: Free street parking
Events: Monthly exhibitions, community art shows, live painting, wine pairings

Make Nuwave part of your next trip — whether you’re seeking creative inspiration, hunting for a unique gift, or simply exploring new things to do in Washington State.

Final thought

Art makes us slow down. It reconnects us to what matters. And when it’s local, it connects us to each other.

Your visit — and your purchase — helps keep the creative spirit of Central Washington alive and growing.

Erin Oostra

Support Local Art: Why Visiting Nuwave Gallery in Ellensburg Should Be On Your List

What makes Nuwave Gallery worth visiting?

Things to do in Ellensburg and Central Washington

Why buy local art?

Plan your visit to Nuwave Gallery

Final thought

“Paper Trails” Poster Show at Nuwave Gallery Highlights CWU DESIGN Student POSTERS and Ellensburg Conservation

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