High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Sisters Oregon Celebrates Ranch Life and Rodeo - Saturday May 30 - Schedule of Events

Sisters Celebrates Ranch Life & Rodeo
Schedule of Events ~ May 30, 2009

All Day Events

Art Show -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

Sisters Art Works, 204 W Adams Ave, will have an opening reception for the Ranch Life & Rodeo Art Show in the Entry Gallery with work from top quality photographers, painters, custom western clothing manufacturers, and sculptors. The exhibit will also feature vintage pieces from the collections of several local Western history buffs.

Teepee Tours and Native American Traditions -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

Take a tour of a real teepee; enjoy watching flint knapping; and if you're lucky catch a glimpse of folks from the Sisters Country riding their horses into town -- keep your eyes peeled for Gayla Nelson's horse that will be traditionally painted with Native American symbols.

Llamas on Parade -- Sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce

Join Joanne Shook from Buck Haven Llama Farm as she brings her llamas to town.

Artist Reception -- Sponsored by Clearwater Gallery

Clearwater Gallery, 391 W Cascade Ave., is proud to present Tom Browning's newest paintings depicting ranch life and the wonderful works of RL Rickard' 1880s western paintings. Clearwater Gallery will also be serving homemade root beer.

West of West, a Celebration of Ranch Life -- Sponsored by High Desert Gallery

Fine Art Group Exhibition and Sale featuring work by Central Oregon Artist including, Cristina Acosta, Kathy Deggendorfer, Kimry Jelen, Grace Bishko, Paul Alan Bennett, Cary Weigand, Trisha Hassler, Glen Corbet, J Chester (Skip) Armstrong, plus special guest Central Oregon artists, Jerry Werner, Sue C Smith and Jean Wells. 281 W Cascade Ave.  (Image -- Original Painting (detail) "Branding" by Paul Alan Bennett)

Sisters Best Beef Contest -- Sponsored by the Sisters Village Association

Local restaurants will be creating a 'beef special' that will be judged by the 'Hungry Realtors of Sisters' and prizes will be awarded to the restaurants. Cheer on your favorite!

Participating Restaurants Include:

Aspen Lakes Brand 33 ~ Coyote Creek Cafe~ Scoots Bar & Grill ~ Martolli's Piazza ~ Three Creeks Brewery ~ Suttle Lake/Boathouse Restaurant ~ Ken's Old Fashioned Pizza ~ The Gallery Restaurant ~ Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon ~ Soji Noodle & Rice ~ Ski Inn ~ Papandrea's Pizza

Food Samples and Chuck Wagon Food -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

'The Cowgirl Cookbook' author Jill Stanford will provide food samples throughout the day at Sisters Art Works.

11am -- 12pm

Music on the Porch -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

Sisters resident Dyrk Godby and friends will be playing live music for all to enjoy on the porch at Sisters Art Works.

12pm -- 1:30pm

J. Chester Armstrong -- Chainsaw Sculpture -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

J. Chester 'Skip' Armstrong will be demonstrating his famous chainsaw sculpture carving live and in person at Sisters Art Works.

12pm -- 4pm

Sisters View Clydesdales -- Sponsored by the Sisters Village Association

Free Stagecoach Rides. Climb on board and take a ride on an authentic Stagecoach brought to Sisters by Jerry & Jenny Andres. The coach will provide rides beginning on the corner of Larch and Adams.

2pm -- 3:30pm

Jeff Wester -- Horseshoeing Demonstration -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

Live horses and live blacksmithing at Sisters Art Works. Watch a real farrier at work.

2pm -- 4pm

Horse Shoe Competition -- Sponsored by the Sisters Village Association

At Scoot's Bar & Grill; Signups begin at 1pm.

3-5pm

Community Jam on the Porch -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

Join in on the community jam at Sisters Art Works. Bring your guitar, mandolin, harmonica or just yourself and join in for great music and great fun.

3pm -- 6pm

Live Mannequin Fashion Show -- Sponsored by Cowgirls and Indians Resale Annex

Join Kate Aspen of Cowgirls and Indians Resale Annex at Sisters Art Works for a live Mannequin Fashion show of unique western attire.

4pm -- 4:30pm

Oregon's 150^th Birthday Celebration Stagecoach Run -- Sponsored by the Deschutes Historical Society

The reenactment of the historic stagecoach ride between Bend and Sisters will culminate at the Village Green Park at 4pm. Be there to welcome the pioneers back to Sisters.

4pm -- 6pm

Line Dancing & Square Dancing -- Sponsored by the Sisters Village Association

Round-up the gang and learn how to line and square dance at Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon. Calling and Clogging by Jessica Yankey, Emerald Ranch's Manager, trainer and instructor.

Native American Band 'COYO' -- Sponsored by the Sisters Village Association

COYO will be performing free behind Don Terra Art Works, 222 West Hood Ave. Three Creeks Brewery will have a beer garden, featuring hand crafted brews available for purchase at this event?come experience great ancient melodies of native America.

4pm -- 7pm

West of West, a Celebration of Ranch Life -- Sponsored by High Desert Gallery

Fine Art Group Exhibition and Sale featuring work by Central Oregon Artist including, Cristina Acosta, Kathy Deggendorfer, Kimry Jelen, Grace Bishko, Paul Alan Bennett, Cary Weigand, Trisha Hassler, Glen Corbet, J Chester (Skip) Armstrong, plus special guest Central Oregon artists, Jerry Werner, Sue C Smith and Jean Wells. 281 W Cascade Ave.

6pm -- 9pm

Cowboy Poetry & Music with Host Charley Engel -- Sponsored by Sisters Art Works

Suggested $10 donation (tickets must be purchased during the day at Sisters Art Works as seating is limited). Charley Engel host of 106.7 KPOV's radio show ?Calling All Cowboys? has wrangled a fine group of cowboy poets and western musicians including: The Anvil Blasters; Rick Steber; John Grant and the Western Revue; Don Worthing; and Big Pine and the Pitchtones. Doors open at 6pm.

Sneak Preview – Cristina Acosta and Jerry Werner -- “West of West,” A Celebration of Ranch Life at High Desert Gallery -- Sisters Oregon

“West of West,” A Celebration of Ranch Life at High Desert Gallery Group Show Opens May 30 through June 29. Please join us for the Artist Group Reception Saturday, May 30, from 4 – 7pm. The All-Star lineup of High Desert Gallery Artists includes Cristina Acosta, J Chester Armstrong, Paul Alan Bennett, Grace Bishko, Glen Corbett, Kathy Deggendorfer, Trisha Hassler, Kimry Jelen, Sue Smith, Jean Wells, Cary Weigand, Jerry Werner.

High Desert Gallery And Custom Framing
281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak Sisters, Oregon 97759
541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250
Open Daily: F/S/S/M 10am to 5pm, T/W/H 10am-2:30pm (Spring Hours)
Open Daily: 10am to 6pm Starting June 14, 2009 (Summer Hours)
www.highdesertgallery.com

In preparation for the West of West, A Celebration of Ranch Life Group Show, High Desert Gallery featured artists, plus special guest Central Oregon artists, were asked to write about the thoughts and experiences that inspired their creativity. Here's a sneak preview from two very talented artists:

“Horses Running”

Original Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

By Cristina Acosta

I love watching horses, naked of any tack, running across a large expanse of land. They are un-tethered and moving their bodies without the constraints of human direction. Watching them, a little of myself runs with them. I lived with horses on an old homestead when I first moved to Central Oregon in the 1980's. Often alone for weeks at a time, the horses were part of the family of animals on the ranch. They became my friends and companions. Observing them taught me to remember to embrace joyful abandon in the small moments of my life. -- Cristina Acosta, May 2009

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“Daily Chores”

Original Acrylic / Oil in sepia tone

by Jerry Werner

This painting was inspired from some family photos of my cousin Joe's wife Patty.

As I was going through these old photos I really liked the one of Patty's dad, Floyd Dewayne Stuck, he was 16 at the time in 1949. Floyd was a logger: their family moved here from Oklahoma in 1940. Lived in a tent in Hillsboro Oregon for a year and then bought property in Gales Creek, Oregon.

The Stucks built a barn in 41 soon after the original house burnt down in the huge Tillamook burn fire, times were rough, the barn made it through the fire along with the chicken coup, so they remodeled the chicken coup to live in. They started a small strawberry farm and built a small logging mill on the property, the barn just fell down this last winter. Until just a few years ago there was still an outhouse on the property.

The painting is an accumulation of the two photos, the edge of the barn in the foreground is also the same barn in the background with the cow standing in front of it. Floyd would gt up early to feed and milk the cows then harness the workhorses up with the skid and take them out to do the logging.

There was an old car on the road in the back of the barn, I own a 37 Ford panel delivery, so I made the car into my old delivery, and you know that's what artist's license is all about. -- Jerry Werner, May 2009

Sneak Preview – Kimry Jelen & Sue Smith -- “West of West,” A Celebration of Ranch Life at High Desert Gallery -- Sisters Oregon

“West of West,” A Celebration of Ranch Life at High Desert Gallery Group Show Opens May 30 through June 29. Please join us for the Artist Group Reception Saturday, May 30, from 4 – 7pm. The All-Star lineup of High Desert Gallery Artists includes Cristina Acosta, J Chester Armstrong, Paul Alan Bennett, Grace Bishko, Glen Corbett, Kathy Deggendorfer, Trisha Hassler, Kimry Jelen, Sue Smith, Jean Wells, Cary Weigand, Jerry Werner.

High Desert Gallery And Custom Framing
281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak Sisters, Oregon 97759
541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250
Open Daily: F/S/S/M 10am to 5pm, T/W/H 10am-2:30pm (Spring Hours)
Open Daily: 10am to 6pm Starting June 14, 2009 (Summer Hours)
www.highdesertgallery.com

In preparation for the West of West, A Celebration of Ranch Life Group Show, High Desert Gallery featured artists, plus special guest Central Oregon artists, were asked to write about the thoughts and experiences that inspired their creativity. Here's a sneak preview from two very talented artists:

“Just Practicing”

Original Acrylic on Canvas

By Kimry Jelen

Just Practicing. Rodeo bulls are big, so big, that this one barely fit on the painting surface! It seems like they shouldn't be able to get their feet as high off the ground as they do. These one ton animals manage to leap, dive, spin and twist in a way that just doesn't seem possible. Bull riding must be quite the "rush" in so many ways! I think when we aren't watching...they work out maneuvers on their own time - just to keep tuned up and ready to rumble...like this guy, he's "just Practicing"! -- Kimry Jelen May 2009

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“High Valley”

Original Oil on Linen on Panel

by Sue Smith

I grew up listening to the stories: there was John Chapman - Johnny Appleseed - an ancestor of mine, and my grandparents, who lived in a sod-roofed house in Iowa. There was the story about a great grandmother from another branch of the family, who was kidnapped by the Sioux as a 5 year old child. I sat in awe, listening to the details of how her father and brothers had to track the raiding party, then ransom her back for two mules and a rifle.

There is a part of me that has always yearned for the empty, unexplored spaces - "West of West." Badlands and High Valley are from my Mesa Series - paintings that seek to capture an elusive isolation in the High Desert. I've walked along these trails in my mind and in my life, stood on high vantage points and stared out at the endless vista. I've relished the isolation, wondered what was just around that bend, found peace in the hawk's call while watching clouds crowd out the horizon.

The trail ahead is beckoning. Come along with me. -- Sue Smith, May 2009

Sneak Preview -- Trisha Hassler -- “West of West,” A Celebration of Ranch Life at High Desert Gallery -- Sisters Oregon

“West of West,” A Celebration of Ranch Life at High Desert Gallery Group Show Opens May 30 through June 29. Please join us for the Artist Group Reception Saturday, May 30, from 4 – 7pm.  The All-Star lineup of High Desert Gallery Artists includes Cristina Acosta, J Chester Armstrong, Paul Alan Bennett, Grace Bishko, Glen Corbett, Kathy Deggendorfer, Trisha Hassler, Kimry Jelen, Sue Smith, Jean Wells, Cary Weigand, Jerry Werner. 

High Desert Gallery And Custom Framing
281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak  Sisters, Oregon 97759
541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250
Open Daily: F/S/S/M 10am to 5pm, T/W/H 10am-2:30pm (Spring Hours)
Open Daily: 10am to 6pm Starting June 14, 2009 (Summer Hours)
www.highdesertgallery.com

“Where Seldom Is Heard A Discouraging Word”,   21.5” x 18.0”
Hand dyed and rusted cotton, found objects, beads, nuts and bolts
by Nationally Acclaimed Oregon Mixed Media Artist, Trisha Hassler

    Ranches of all shapes and sizes once dotted the western United States.  Some ranches have thrived and become modernized testimonials to the new western way of life.  Still more have vanished or been assimilated into housing developments, highways or new golf resorts.  One such ranch was offered to me as a hunting ground for rusty metal parts and treasured pieces.  The bits of old steel are full of untold stories, songs by the campfire and endless starry nights in the desert of Central Oregon.  i am inspired by the life contained in each one.  These one of a kind found objects impart their individual story to each of the pieces created from them and if you listen very carefully, maybe you will even hear the song from long ago.  -- Trisha Hassler, May 2009

About Trisha Hassler:  Lifetime quilter and award winning Oregon Artist, Trisha has enjoyed numerous group and one woman exhibits throughout the United States and New Zealand.  Her work has been published nationally in books and magazines highlighting contemporary fiber work.  As a current board member of Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival and former board member of L.O.C.A.L. 14 she is very involved in the local arts community in her home town of Portland.  Trisha embraces both torch-cut steel and improvisational quilt construction and through her artistic abilities combines the two mediums into one art form even though the two parts are considered at opposite ends of the artistic spectrum.  Her work is known for it's intricacy and surface detail and the use of the dissimilar elements has become her trademark.  Trisha Hassler's artwork is available exclusively in Central Oregon at High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon.

June 2009 Events at High Desert Gallery and High Desert Frameworks!

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon offers you the very best in the Fine Art Gallery experience, and this June, we're hosting Artist Exhibitions and Fine Art Framing at four exciting locations.

Art Exhibition and Sale: Jenelle Lynn Kathan at High Desert Frameworks! in Bend, Oregon.

High Desert Frameworks! in downtown Bend, Oregon, is pleased to announce an artist feature for Oregon glass artist, Jenelle Lynn Kathan. Jenelle specializes in functional and decorative custom designs that enhance any home or office. Presently, her expertise and style border on discovery and humility. By understanding the technical complexities of glass, she is informing a natural curiosity of how glass reacts under varied stages of heat. Her original fused glass designs in tile, platters and other whimsical works will be displayed for sale from June 5 through June 28. Join us for an opening reception at the First Friday Gallery Walk on Friday, June 5 from 5-9pm. Enjoy great art, refreshments and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the event, Jenelle and the Custom Framing and fine craft gallery please call 1-866-549-6250 or visit: www.highdesertgallery.com.

When: Opening Friday, June 5 5-9pm. Exhibition through June 28.

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 10am to 5:30pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm. Closed Sunday.

Where: High Desert Frameworks!, 431 NW Franklin Avenue Bend Oregon 97701

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West of West Group Show: High Desert Gallery in Sisters, Oregon

High Desert Gallery in Sisters, Oregon, is hosting West of West, A Celebration of Ranch Life at High Desert Gallery from May 30 through June 28, 2009. This Fine Art Group Exhibition and Sale features work by Central Oregon Artists including, Cristina Acosta, Kathy Deggendorfer, Kimry Jelen, Grace Bishko, Paul Alan Bennett, Glen Corbet, J Chester (Skip) Armstrong, Trisha Hassler, Jerry Werner, Cary Weigand, Sue Smith and Jean Wells.  Join us for an Artist Reception on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 4 – 7 PM. Meet and talk with the artists, listen to the inspirations behind their work, enjoy refreshments, and the live music.  A Hoot For Sure! West of West, A Celebration of Ranch Life is in collaboration with Sisters Art Works, Ranch Life and Rodeo Show, a day long celebration and special exhibition of the Western lifestyle and living history.

When: Artist Reception Saturday, May 30, 2009 4-7PM. Exhibit through June 28, 2009Gallery

Gallery Hours (Spring): Open Friday through Monday 10am to 6pm, Tuesday through Thursday 10amto 2:30pm. Summer Hours starting June 14, 2009 Open Daily 10am to 6pm.

Where: High Desert Gallery – 281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak Street, Sisters Oregon 97759

For more information please visit www.highdesertgallery.com, 541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250

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Stellar Custom Framing Exhibition: High Desert Gallery, Redmond, Oregon

Think outside the Frame! Yes, we want to help you stretch your creative muscles. Find out what else you can do with stellar custom framing besides a white mat and black frame. Come in to High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, in Redmond, to see our Framing Exhibition, including the new spring and summer lines of frame mouldings from the great artisans: Roma, Larson Juhl, as well as other top of the line manufacturers. We have thousands of moulding samples to choose from. Visit with a member of our experienced design team for a free framing consultation. Let us tempt you with a $50 savings coupon on any custom framing order of $250 or more, valid through the month of June. Plus, there's no appointment needed. Just remember to bring your art.

When: The month of June, 2009

Gallery Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday (Special hours in June and during downtown Redmond's remodel)

Where: High Desert Gallery, 453 SW 6th Street, Redmond, Oregon 97756

For more information, please visit www.highdesertgallery.com, 541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250

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Miss Dotty Travels to Suttle lake Lodge! -- Art Exhibition

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon in cooperation with The Lodge at Suttle Lake is pleased to announce a special exhibition of the very collectible “Miss Dotty & Yello” collaboration from regionally acclaimed Oregon Artists, Kathy Deggendorfer and Tonye Belinda Phillips. The “Miss Dotty” series will be exhibited in the Boardroom through June 28, 2009 and is free and open to the public.

What: “Miss Dotty & Yello” - Artist Collaboration Exhibition

When: April 11, 2009 through June 28, 2009 - Open Daily

Where: The Lodge At Suttle Lake – Boardroom

Hosted by: The Lodge at Suttle Lake
13300 Highway 20, Sisters, OR 97759
Open Daily
Phone: 541-595-2628
www.thelodgeatsuttlelake.com

Sponsored by: High Desert Gallery
281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak
Sisters, Oregon 97759
541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250

About the Miss Dotty & Yello Collaboration: Each Fine Art Giclee print is signed and numbered by Kathy Deggendorfer and a wonderful reproduction of the original watercolor. Each quilted work by Tonye is signed and the two works of art are professionally framed by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon. The Miss Dotty Series has five works in sets with each set limited to 25 prints/quilts. After the Series sells out there will be no more sets produced of the same images. Not only is the collaboration a wonderful addition to any home or office but it is also limited and potentially collectible. The Miss Dotty Series is available exclusively in Central Oregon from High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

For more information or to order please call 866-549-6250 or visit: “Miss Dotty & Yello” Collaboration by Kathy Deggendorfer and Tonye Belinda Phillips.

About High Desert Frameworks!: High Desert Frameworks! the custom framing gallery for High Desert Gallery is an award winning custom picture framing and fine craft gallery located at 431 NW Franklin Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon . High Desert Gallery has retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Opening Summer 2009), Redmond and Sisters Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007 & 2008) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006, & 2008). International Framing Awards earned by High Desert Gallery include First Place and Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition and Third Place in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2008-2009 International Print Framing Competition.

About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with three High Desert Gallery retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Open Summer 2009), Redmond and Sisters Oregon and High Desert Frameworks! located at 431 NW Franklin Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007 & 2008) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006, & 2008). International Framing Awards earned by High Desert Gallery include First Place and Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition and Third Place in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2008-2009 International Print Framing Competition. For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. Follow us on Friend Feed -- track and follow all our activities in one easy location! Visit: High Desert Gallery Friend Feed. The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

About The Lodge at Suttle Lake: Nestled in a glacial valley in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and surrounded by towering pines, Suttle Lake has long been a refuge for its visitors. Suttle Lake is an oasis in the pines for those seeking activity and those seeking solitude. The Lodge at Suttle Lake offers all the elements: dramatic views, well-appointed accommodations, spectacular meeting and event space, impeccable cuisine, service and thoughtful attention to every detail. The Lodge at Suttle Lake’s distinctive guest quarters will offer you the utmost in elegant lodging, inviting you to enjoy a gracious and luxurious lifestyle while taking pleasure in our rustic mountain charm. Guests can choose from three Historic Cabins, five Waterfront Cabins, six Rustic Cabins, and eleven Lodge Suites. For more information on The Lodge at Suttle Lake, accommodations or reservations at the Boathouse Restaurant please call, (541) 595-2628 or visit: The Lodge at Suttle Lake.

2009 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show - Fabric Post Card Auction

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, in Sisters, Oregon, is the largest outdoor quilt show in the country, an annual event that drapes the little town at the foot of the Cascade Mountains with more than twelve hundred quilts, or roughly one per resident.

Every second Saturday in July – a day chosen by organizers because it has one of the least statistical chances for rain – an army of volunteers wake before dawn and begin hanging the quilts from every downtown storefront, fence and available public space.

While the spectacle attracts thousands of visitors for the one-day event, there are other numerous other quilting-related activities, including classes, contests and specialty shows. One of the more recent additions growing in popularity is the postcard show, featuring quilts the size of a four by six inch postcard.

In 2008 roughly 1,000 postcard quilts were submitted for the show, according to organizers. Of those, 73 were selected by a jury to be framed and then put up for bid at a silent auction to raise money for a local cancer charity.

“The postcards are wonderful,” said Sally Rogers, a resident of nearby Redmond, Ore., who on a whim last year purchased one of the postcards at the silent auction for $100. It was a take on the American flag stitched by a well-known local quilter.

“It was just something that went with my house … but also a good way to raise money, and, of course, the framing is wonderful,” said Rogers.

It’s no secret to artists that a custom frame complements a painting or photograph and adds value, something Myrna Dow, a co-owner of High Desert Gallery in Sisters, knows well.

In 2007, the first year of the postcard quilt show, Dow was disappointed to see that the juried pieces were framed with generic, mass-produced frames. She approached the organizers and asked if they would be interested in custom framing each juried piece for the following year’s show.

They liked the idea but were certain the show, which is run as a nonprofit, wouldn’t have the money necessary to pay Dow for her work. So she offered to donate the time and materials.

The decision made a difference. In 2007, the show’s silent auction raised $6,000. In 2008, helped by Dow’s custom framing, the silent auction raised $11,400.

“When Myrna put them in frames, they just looked fabulous,” said Ann Richardson, the executive director of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. “The custom framing really made a difference and added a quality that caused sales to almost double.”

Custom framing 70 miniature quilts was no easy task – there were deadlines to meet and technical challenges to overcome – but Dow proved up to it.

Knowing she’d have little time between when the postcard quilts would arrive at her shop and when they had to be delivered, Dow started by building frames. Choosing from the more than 2,800 molding samples in her shop, Dow and an assistant began building different frames, each 10 by 12 inches, despite the fact they had yet to see the postcard quilts.

When the organizers finally dropped them off, roughly a month before the show, Dow began matching them to the frames.

“What was fun was to be able to use stock on hand to create different approaches, from fun and festive to elegant,” said Dow. “We had such a wonderful gamut of frames, it made each frame look like the postcard was picked for it.”

Next, each postcard quilt was mounted. Adhering to strict archival standards, no glue or adhesives were used, enabling the pieces to be easily removed if required. Pieces with finished edges, such as a border, were suspended by stitching the corners to a backing material. If the piece was flat and without finished edges, it was placed in a similar sized hole in the backing material, also called a sink set.

Many of the pieces featured 3-D relief, due to beads, buttons or other fabric forms stitched into the postcard quilts. Dow used foam core spacers in addition to double and triple matting to keep the pieces from touching the frame glass.

The end result was 73 custom framed postcard quilts, each one of them different.

“We didn’t just slap a frame on them,” said Dow. “Each piece had character and we were able to pull it out. We made them special.”

And that mattered to the show’s organizers. The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show has been around for more than three decades but the postcard quilt show has given a new meaning to the show. The silent auction benefits Wendy’s Wish, a nonprofit based in nearby Bend, Ore., that provide education and promote the early detection of colorectal cancer. It is named after Wendy Huntley, a Central Oregon quilter who contributed to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

“It’s added an element of visible community support,” said the show’s executive director, Ann Richardson. “It’s also added that art element. Because we’re an outdoor show that doesn’t attract what you would consider art quilts because people don’t want those hung outside, this show is indoors, on a small scale … it gives us an expanded dimension of the art side of quilting.”

 Alma de la Melena Cox, a Sisters fiber artist who had a postcard quilt in the 2008 juried show, was also appreciative of Dow’s efforts. The frames were perfect, she said, and made a significant impact on the show.

“What I found to be incredible was how valued the postcards were,” said Cox. “People were standing next to them at the silent auction in order to outbid others because they were so passionate about the pieces. It just seemed like people were not even thinking about the money aspect, they were just drawn to something they wanted.”

Dow is again preparing to donate her time and materials for this summer’s postcard quilt show. It’s a worthwhile effort, she says, but also helps give her business exposure as well as inspire visitors as to what is possible with framing.

“What I love is we were able to use our skills and showcase what framing can do for art and it’s for a good cause,” said Dow. “It’s a win for everyone.”

The 2009 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show will be held Saturday, July 11 in Sisters. For more information, visit: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

Andrew Moore - April 2009

Gary Miller, Photographer. 

Additionally published:  Decor Magazine -- May 2009 Retailer Focus

High Desert Frameworks! opens Friday, June 5 -- Bend First Friday Gallery Walk

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon (www.highdesertgallery.com), an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery, is proud to announce the expansion and opening of High Desert Frameworks! The 1,210 square feet retail custom picture framing gallery is located at 431 NW Franklin Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon. High Desert Frameworks! will host their first Bend First Friday Art Gallery Walk on Friday, June 5, 2009 from 5-9pm and feature fused glass by Oregon artist, Jenelle Lynn Kathan, refreshments and lively conversation.

“High Desert Frameworks! is key to our Central Oregon expansion and will complement our retail art galleries in Redmond and Sisters, Oregon as well as our new gallery scheduled to open in the Oxford Hotel this summer,” states Myrna Dow, owner of High Desert Gallery. “Our Frameworks! location will provide all services of a custom picture framing gallery including on site manufacturing, conservation custom picture framing, consultation, design, layout and installation services. Additionally, we'll represent Pacific Northwest artists working in three dimensional glass, clay, silver, wood and other mediums. We are excited about the opportunities that Bend brings us and are looking forward to partnering with its art and business communities.”

High Desert Frameworks! is open Monday through Friday 10am to 5:30pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. For more information on the gallery please visit www.highdesertgallery.com or call High Desert Frameworks! at 541-647-2191.

About Myrna Dow: Myrna Dow, owner, director, and professional picture framer of High Desert Gallery and High Desert Frameworks! has a background in the arts and framing industry spanning more than twenty years. Earning a BFA in Graphic Arts from Portland State, Dow first started in the graphic arts field working for several large agencies and type houses. In the early 80's she began her career in the gallery business as a sales associate and gallery manager. After several years, she migrated to the custom framing industry and mentored with an accomplished professional picture framer. In 1999 Dow moved to Central Oregon and soon thereafter established High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon.

About High Desert Gallery & High Desert Frameworks!: High Desert Gallery, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with three High Desert Gallery retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Open Summer 2009), Redmond and Sisters Oregon and High Desert Frameworks! located at 431 NW Franklin Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007 & 2008) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006, & 2008). International Framing Awards earned by High Desert Gallery include First Place and Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition and Third Place in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2008-2009 International Print Framing Competition. For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250.

Myrna Dow of High Desert Gallery Receives Honors at the PPFA 2009 International Framing Competition

The winners of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) 2009 International Framing Competition, held in Las Vegas, have been announced. Myrna Dow, owner of High Desert Gallery and High Desert Frameworks! walked away with a coveted third place in the International Print Competition. All participating professional framers framed the same vintage necklace and were required to win at their local chapter to qualify for entry into the International competition. Bonnie Dietering of Art Incorporated in San Antonio, TX, took first place and a Judges Award for Best Use of Fabric in the Print category. Judy Niewald and Mike Bettmann, CPF, Colorado Frame Co., Lakewood, CO, won second place, High Point First Time Entry, and a Judges Award for Best Shadowbox. Myrna Dow, High Desert Gallery, Sisters, OR, came in third.

Dow who was honored in 2008 with a Top Honor, First Place, and a Judges Award for High-Point First-Time Entry in the Open Competition was thrilled to participate again this year. “When you challenge yourself and enter a competition it allows for critical feedback and you are judged with your peers. It's humbling to receive Third Place in the PPFA 2009 Print Competition and to be critically judged amongst so many great professional framers," states Myrna Dow.

The custom framing entries in the Print Competition were judged on four critical components including, overall impressions, design and creative elements, technique, and critical assessment of skills. The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) hosts custom picture framing completions in several categories during their Annual International PPFA 2009 - Leadership in Framing Convention held in Las Vegas in March 2009.

Dow, owner, director, and professional picture framer of High Desert Gallery and High Desert Frameworks! has a background in the arts and framing industry spanning more than twenty years. Earning a BFA in Graphic Arts from Portland State, Dow first started in the graphic arts field working for several large agencies and type houses. In the early 80's she began her career in the gallery business as a sales associate and gallery manager. After several years, she migrated to the custom framing environment and mentored with an accomplished professional picture framer. In 1999 Dow relocated to Central Oregon and soon thereafter established High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with three High Desert Gallery retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Open Summer 2009), Redmond and Sisters Oregon and High Desert Frameworks! located at 431 NW Franklin Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007 & 2008) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006, & 2008). International Framing Awards earned by High Desert Gallery include First Place and Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition and Third Place in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2008-2009 International Print Framing Competition. For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250.

About PPFA: Serving the art and framing community worldwide, the Professional Picture Framers Association™(PPFA®) encourages artisans to hone the time-honored skill of custom framing. As the professional trade association for the custom framing industry, PPFA connects frame shops, art galleries, and suppliers to a network of knowledge and support. PPFA, a PMA® member association,builds on its 37-year history of establishing best practices for framing and providing programs and services essential for entrepreneurial success. Through education, certification, business services, industry research, and events, PPFA leads its members to discover, understand, and act on new business opportunities.

Going To The Dogs -- Kathy Deggendorfer and Tonye Phillips -- Online Ordering Available

Going To The Dogs -- A collaborative trip through the neighborhood from a dog’s perspective.

Kathy Deggendorfer, watercolor artist, and Tonye Belinda Phillips, quilter, have been having fun again! It’s never a dull moment when these two creative women put their heads together. Out on a long walk along the Metolius River with their dogs last summer, “to get outside and stretch our legs and our imaginations,” they dreamed up what has turned out to be their latest project! Tonye had been working on a series of whimsical houses that is called “House Party.” These great images are full of color and pattern. Kathy, as part of her project about Oregon specialty farms, had been working on a book. The main character and his (surprise, surprise!) Yellow Dog travel around Oregon visiting farms and ranches in their little pickup truck.

Dog Houses? Dogs!? What could be more fun?

“Going To The Dogs” includes 5 new collaborative images featuring a variety of breeds on the “Street of Doghouse Dreams.” These five were selected to be reproduced as a limited edition of 25 each. Tonye’s wonderful hand-quilted original designs are faithfully recreated – using fabrics sourced here in the United States – by skilled quilters in China. These women are accomplished quilters whom Tonye has trusted and worked with as treasured friends over many years. Kathy’s colorful watercolor paintings are professionally reproduced as fine art giclees on high quality archival watercolor paper. The combined pieces of artwork are expertly framed by Myrna Dow, award winning framer, of High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon and High Desert Frameworks!.

To order -- Call the gallery at 866-549-6250, contact us at:  Contact High Desert Gallery or best bet -- Order online at:  Going To The Dog's online ordering.

Some Key Points:

1. The limited editions are just that  -- Limited and as the edition sells the price may increase.  The limited editions start at $595 framed plus shipping or free instore pick up.
2. The original watercolors Kathy Deggendorfer and hand created quilts by Tonye Phillips are available framed and start at $2100.  Five images -- Five Originals -- Only five lucky people will own an original.
3. The Going To The Dogs creations are available exclusively at High Desert Gallery -- Visit your local High Desert Gallery or order online: Going To The Dog's online ordering
4. Order early.  It's your best value.
5. You may upgrade to museum glass as a framing option. 
6. If you would like to avoid shipping charges please note in the order comments that you would like to pick up your purchase at one of High Desert Gallery's three Central Oregon Locations.  Your shipping charges will be credited.
7. Orders will start shipping in early July 2009.

About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with three High Desert Gallery retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Open Summer 2009), Redmond and Sisters Oregon and High Desert Frameworks! located at 431 NW Franklin Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007 & 2008) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006, & 2008). International Framing Awards earned by High Desert Gallery include First Place and Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition and Third Place in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2008-2009 International Print Framing Competition.

For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. Follow us on Friend Feed -- track and follow all our activities in one easy location! Visit: High Desert Gallery Friend Feed. The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

MY WAY: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra at the Tower Theatre - Bend Oregon

The Tower Theatre Foundation presents an

 

  Production of

A Musical Tribute to FRANK SINATRA

Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson 

Innovation Theatre Works is delighted to announce their next production will be MY WAY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA at the Tower Theatre.
 
This announcement is the realization of a first-ever partnership between Innovation and the Tower Theatre Foundation to produce our next professional production.  Following on the heels of the tremendous success of our first productions, DRIVING MISS DAISY and A LITTLE NIGHT OF BROADWAY with CINDY BENSON, ITW is diving in to pre-production of this Actor's Equity contracted musical revue featuring 56 of the songs that Sinatra made famous.

"We are in final negotiations with a well-known Los Angeles Director and will then continue the casting process," said Brad Hills, ITW's Executive Artistic Director.  "We expect casting to be complete by mid-May with rehearsals slated to begin in Los Angeles at the end of May and transferring to the Tower on June 3rd."

MY WAY will preview at the Tower on Thursday, June 18th with opening night scheduled for Friday, June 19th and will play a total of 8 performances through Sunday, June 28th.

Tickets are on sale NOW and can be purchased through the Tower website at www.towertheatre.org or by calling the box office at (541) 317-0700.