LH Project History and Geography
The LH is
a registered brand here in Wallowa County. “L hanging H” would
be the correct terminology, referring to character placement of the actual
iron. Jakob brought the brand with him from Colorado, where his parents
started a cattle ranch in the North Western part of the state. They ended
up selling the ranch and moving to Denver when he was just a kid, but
kept the brand in their ownership. Little did they know that he would
name this Project in honor of that brand!
The Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT, Anderson Ranch in Aspen, CO
and Watershed Center, in Newcastle, ME were inspirations for the LH Project.
During stints there as workshop participant and further invited studio
assistantships, Jakob fell in love with the sense of community and commitment
to ceramic art “that opened up the door to the continuing world
of ceramics”. These experiences were significant in forming an early
familiarity with ceramic residency programs and the importance of their
existence for artists who, for whatever reason, have the chance, need
or desire to work in clay somewhere other than their usual setting.
The Natural physical beauty of the area – the mountains, climate
changes, forests, rivers, canyons and rolling grassland prairie - speaks
to the hearts of all who enter Her majesty. Ranchers, farmers, skiers,
shopkeepers, birdwatchers, blacksmiths, photographers and loggers all
lovingly declare this unique Valley home. Musicians, chefs, bronze artisans,
brewers, woodcarvers, writers, carpenters, hockey players, outdoorsmen,
outdoorswimyn and designer craftspeople of all varieties share the passing
of each season with equal delight and admiration; the good fortune to
live and work in Wallowa County is indeed Grande.
Long before white man dipped a toe into Wallowa Lake, the Nez Perce acknowledged
this glacial masterpiece as Sacred. Tribes would gather to celebrate the
bounty of their land and waters upon its shore and along the creeks, streams
and riverbeds of the lush alpine plateau. Chief Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt
Joseph’s awesome legacy and spirit is ever apparent in the daily
unfolding of life here in the region and the Nez Perce continue to maintain
a strong presence, celebrating their tribal history and traditions throughout
the year. Chief Joseph Days Rodeo "happens Every Last Full Weekend
in July” and is an event not to be missed!
The LH Project sits tucked back along the edge of the timber on the East
Moraine, Wallowa Lake lies a splendid forty minute hike or ski over the
top. The town of Joseph is eight miles away and the County seat of Enterprise
ten more minutes distant. This is ranching country: locally grown hay
and the beef it feeds are prized all across the nation. “Field rats”
a.k.a. whitetail deer are abundant; elk, wild turkeys, foxes, skunks,
and ‘ol man Coyote make routine sightings. Occasionally one hears
rumors of Cougar or Bear nearby. Salmon and native trout can be found
sucking down the latest hatch in the many streams and rivers flowing out
of the county. Don’t be surprised to find a timber Rattler sunning
itself on a glacial erratic up yonder way… To the North lies Zumwalt
Prairie, America’s largest remaining grassland ecosystem of its
type and international breeding ground for a fantastic variety of raptor
species. To the East stretches Hell’s Canyon; carved out by the
Snake River it is deeper in certain sections than the Grand Canyon. The
LH is bordered on two sides by a tree farm and beyond their fence line
sits the National Forest and Eaglecap Wilderness Preserve. Skiers will
find Ferguson Ridge’s neat T-bar operation a nearby delight and
have endless backcountry opportunities right out our gate.
But let us not forget the residency program! – the majestic environment
of Wallowa County is sure to provide inspiration for our resident artists
and we hope they take the time to get out and explore the natural wonder
of the area.
Copyright 2008© LH Project All Rights Reserved.