High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Art Gives Back At All Costs

The Source Weekly and The Nugget News, both weekly newspapers covering their local communities have some nice articles referencing two of High Desert Art Gallery's artists.

Jonas Cohen a writer for The Source Weekly crafted a story on Cristina Acosta and her evolution as an artist and her current direction.

I'll borrow from Jonas:  Acosta said she had stuck with her art because she loves what she does. “It’s like a religious calling for me” she elaborates, “because even when it seems completely, rationally stupid to continue… I am intrinsically driven to go on.”

It's a great article – Read The Source Weekly Post at:   Life as Art: Cristina Acosta is making her art at all costs. 

Image:  Bark In The Park - Acrylic and hard pastel on Paper by Cristina Acosta

It's interesting how “art at all costs” flows nicely into the theme of the Nugget News blog post.

Jim Cornelius, Editor for The Nugget News, has started a blog for the newspaper and in his most recent post:  Art gives back he mentions Kathy Deggendorfer.  The post really isn't about Kathy but more about the impact that Kathy has made in the community and how her “Deggendorfer kool-aid” (my term) has trickled down and now an economic engine to be considered. The Sisters community is better off due to the direct impact of the arts in our community.  We have a number of people to thank for their contributions with Kathy being one of many.  In fact this month we have a whole boat load of artists to thank .... I'll borrow from Jim's blog post:  “Just this month alone artists and musicians will inject tens of thousands of dollars into the school system through My Own Two Hands and Starry Nights."

We can't all contribute cash to all organizations but for some artists and businesses their way of giving back is through their art and services.  It's a win-win for the contributor, the beneficiary and the community.  As parents of Sisters Oregon School District children participating in the art, music and American Project we (as parents and the community) have benefited in ways most of us take for granted.  Please don't take the arts (and its impact) for granted.  Create, give back, support, volunteer, buy art,  buy a ticket and be involved – Then enjoy!

If you would like to view artwork by both artists visit:  Cristina Acosta and Kathy Deggendorfer.

Cheers,

Todd

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Quilts of Gee's Bend and Sisters Quilt Show Poster Preview Party

Two art and quilt related events are in motion this week in Sisters Oregon.

The Quilts of Gee's Bend

As part of the Sisters Movie House Talkies Program the movie €œThe Quilts of Gee's Bend will be shown Thursday, April 17^th (5:30PM) at the movie house.  The movie tells the story of the critically acclaimed African American quiltmakers from Gee's Bend, Alabama.  The New York Times hailed their work as €œsome of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.€  The artists are all descended from slaves who worked a plantation called Pettway located on the Alabama River.

Following the film there will be a discussion (this is the Talkies Part) hosted by the owner and founder of the Stitchin' Post,  Jean Wells Keenan.  Food, Wine and Beer will be available for purchase.  The event will also feature the music of Gee's Bend.  Proceeds benefit the Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show held on the second Saturday in July (July 12, 2008). 

The Sisters Movie House tickets are $8 and available at the Movie house prior to the show.  The Sisters Movie House is located in the FivePine Lodge and Conference Center on the east end of Sisters Oregon.

If you are unable to make the show or want more information visit:  Quilts Of Gee's Bend

Quilt Show Poster Signing!

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show^TM Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett
Sisters Oregon:  High Desert Gallery - “ 281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak
Hosted by High Desert Gallery & The Stitchin' Post.
Saturday, April 19, 2008  2:00 -€“ 6:00pm

Poster Signing, Meet Paul, Hors d'oeuvres, Great Art, New Original Paintings!

Please plan on joining us on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm for the Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show^TM Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett. Paul will be in High Desert Art Gallery (Sisters) and available to talk about his new work, the inspiration behind this years poster. The 2008 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show^TM poster will be available for sale during the event.  Come and view great art, new originals and fine art prints, meet and chat with Paul while enjoying live music, great food and refreshments.  The event is free and open to the public.  A Hoot For Sure!

Also scheduled the same weekend is the Stitchin' Post Customer Appreciation Event held in Sisters Oregon on April 18-20, 2008.  Stop by High Desert Gallery and the Stitchin' Post for the best of both worlds!

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Good Things Come Home -- "Winter Night On The John Day," comes home to High Desert Gallery

Good things come home!  After nearly 2 months away from home, “Winter Night on the John Day” arrived home and now hangs at High Desert Gallery in Sisters Oregon.  In a previous post we commented on Myrna's trip to the International Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) convention and how surprised she was when she took First Place in the Open Framing Competition with her custom picture framing entry ... “Winter Night Time on the John Day,” a painting by Paul Alan Bennett.

Jim Cornelius, Editor for the Nugget News recently met with Myrna and wrote a wonderful article on the PPFA competition process and the recent award.  You can download a PDF of the article "High Desert Gallery owner Earns Framing Prize" (Download HighDesertGallery-Frame-Award-NuggetNews-02272008.pdf (112.3K)) or you can visit the Nugget News article directly at:  Nugget News. Typically the news media does a great job of factually reporting stories about High Desert Gallery and the Central Oregon artists we represent.  In the case of Jim's article he did an excellent job and especially the final quote from Myrna:  “I didn't expect first place at all,” she said.  “When they called it out, I must admit I didn't contain myself very well.”

Good things come home ... especially things that you work really hard at.  Myrna has spent years perfecting her craft and trade as an art gallery director, graphic artist and professional picture framer.  It is rewarding to be honored by her peers for a “good job.”  Myrna ... It's OK if you didn't contain yourself. Enthusiasm in the picture framing industry is very welcome and overdue! A special “'thank you' to the numerous clients and friends that have called to congratulate Myrna.

If you want to read more about Myrna, the award and Paul Alan Bennett visit the official press release at: Myrna Dow receives top honors at the PPFA 2008 International Framing Open Competition.

For more information, to inquire or purchase “Winter Night On The John Day,” an original gouache on paper by Paul Alan Bennett please call High Desert Gallery (1-866-549-6250 x 3) or visit:  Paul Alan Bennett.

Good things come home ... Here is a chance to own and take home “Winter Night On The John Day,” along with a bit of High Desert Gallery history.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend Oregon (Opening December 2008), Redmond Oregon and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Art Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz.

Photo credit:  Ian Wagreich Courtesy of PPFA

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Jacob Norris Reception at the Sparrow Bakery - Bend Oregon

Jacob Norris has a wonderful exhibition of new (real) art hanging at the Sparrow Bakery in Bend Oregon.  We ran into Jake about two years ago and have attended several of his wonderful and lively receptions/openings.    A young and emerging Central Oregon artist, Jake is free with his style, loose with his brush but somehow pulls it all together to create wonderful small to medium size original oils on board.  “Love Street” (right image) captures Jake's home, with all its color and life.  Visit the Sparrow Bakery this Saturday, March 8 from 6-9pm for a reception.  Please take the time to chat with Jake as he will leave an impression that will linger and touch your soul.  Enjoy!  Jake's visual blog can be found at:  Jake's Love Movement

Click on Jacob's Show Invite for larger view  -- Invite created by Omar.

The Sparrow Bakery is located in a wonderful renovated building located at 50 Scott Street a short drive or bike ride from downtown Bend.  The Bakery serves the most impressive baked goods, including hand-rolled croissants, organic banana bread, European pastries, Ocean Rolls and their Almond Croissants are to die for.  They serve Stumptown Coffee so the combination of great art mixed with their core business of great food and coffee is perfect.  They serve more than pastries so try them for lunch or breakfast.  Check their door for new hours as I don't think the website hours are correct.  The Bulletin has an older review of the business – Visit:  The Bend Bulletin.  Micah and Whitney do a great job -- If you haven't already done so -- visit the bakery.  You won't regret it and you will go back!

Enjoy the show & cheers!

Todd

Original artwork by Artist(s).  All rights reserved and copyright 2008. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.

New City Hall and Centennial Park -- Downtown Redmond Oregon

The Redmond Oregon Downtown Redevelopment project got a well deserved shot in the arm last night!  The shot isn't the cure-all  and it won't provide downtown Redmond Oregon with immunity to economical downturns but it will go a long way to continue to move downtown Redmond in the right direction.  For the most part, the Redmond City Council's approval gave the City's Community Development Team the green light to formalize the Request for Qualification and Request for Proposal for Design Service for the NEW City Hall and NEW Centennial Park Project was a formality.  Although a formality for the public record and the input process, the green light should not be taken lightly.

It is critical that we (City, Business Community, Chamber et al.) get moving on the downtown core of Redmond.  The approval of RFQ/RFP is a step in the right direction. Heather of the City's Community Development Department did an excellent presentation last night.  The project will take a city block that is currently a blight and change it to a wonderful community civic center with park like open space and the plans call for professional landscape design standards.  The old, very tired and cramped City Hall will be leveled and a new building with expansion opportunities will replace the current City Hall.  Parking has always been a hot issue in city's and Redmond Oregon is no different.  The project calls for 50-150 new spaces to be build in addition to the spaces built under the new City Hall.  The only yellow flag I noticed in Heather's presentation was the additional 100 spaces would eat up about $3-4,000,000 of Urban Renewal money.  I'm hoping that enough money is left in the fund to start other projects that will have direct visual impact to the retail core of downtown.

And now the really good news .. The City is working on a very tight time frame so the new City Hall and Centennial Park (not the official name but I like it) will be ready July 6, 2010 – the city's Centennial Celebration!.  If all goes well the design process will start April 2008, contracts awarded November 2008, ground breaking December 1, 2008 and the dedication on July 6, 2010.  When is the first community concert scheduled?

Why does this matter?  The creation of a new city hall and civic park/center near the heart of downtown Redmond will provide a much needed boost in community pride.  Don't take me wrong – There is much community pride in Redmond and is reflected  in the renovation projects on SW 6^th street including the two new restaurants ( The Spot and The Brickhouse), the recent opening of Paulina Springs Books, relocation of Tiger Lily's and as most of you are aware, the complete renovation of the Butler Building that High Desert Gallery loves and occupies.   Unfortunately there are one or two building owners in the downtown core that haven't shown their support as they have chosen to rent their building spaces to businesses that require conditional use permits that may or may not be in the best interest of a downtown retail business district.  Ask yourself if a card room / gambling / gaming establishment is the best use of a store front in downtown Redmond.  The social gaming / card room establishments have every right to operate lawfully under the city codes and my issue isn't with the business owners but rather with the building owners that allow the use type in the downtown core.  The City's hands are tied.  The Business shop owners hands are tied.  But their spirits are not!

Now what about getting SW 5^th and 6^th Street to be more pedestrian friendly?  In a previous post we agreed with a Redmond Spokesman's editorial on “fixing” SW 5^th and 6^th street and not waiting for the bypass to be completed. Although there is not a lot of “work” being done on SW 5^th and 6^th streets I'm sure there is a bunch of work being done in the background and in offices of ODOT and the City Hall. There is work going on and plans being made. Correct?  We hope so as the bypass is ahead of schedule and the rumor is that the north bound lanes should open shortly with the south bound lanes to follow.  YES!  Now what about the balance of the Urban Renewal fund? ... Let's use some for parking but not too much! 

What do you think about social gaming and card rooms in the downtown business core?  An appropriate use or not?  What do you think about the New City Hall?  Got an opinion – Please share.

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Fresh Paint. New Wall Color. New Paul Alan Bennett

When we designed the High Desert Art Gallery in Redmond Oregon three years ago we spend a good amount of time picking paint colors for the walls, trim and the original (1915) tin ceiling.  Over the last couple of years we have really come to appreciate the look and feel of the long and narrow gallery with its open feeling.  The tall ceilings and specialized lighting has produced a great showroom and a wonderfully renovated space in the historic Butler Building.  The wall color has proven to be a blessing and really shows the artwork.  The best way to describe the color is to relate it to food – It's a warm rich light caramel or maybe a light butternut squash.  You know, the color when flan is perfectly carmalized during the cooking process. – You can almost taste the color.

Why post on our wall color in our Redmond Oregon Art Gallery?  Well it's a slow day in Sisters Oregon – No (but yes).  Actually we have started painting our Sisters Oregon Art Gallery the same color.  Last night we started the process and painted three walls and have three to go.  The gallery was completely rearranged with Sharron Bliss' work up front and center and Paul Alan Bennett's work on the main gallery wall.  Needless to say – You can taste the paint.  The color is so warm and inviting. 

Myrna, Gallery Director, is shown hanging a new original painting by Paul Alan Bennett.  If you look hard you can tell the difference in the wall color as the wall to her left is the old “white” and the main wall is the new “tasteful” color.

Please stop in and take a look.  We paint at night so don't worry we won't give you a paint brush and ask for a bit of your time.  Next on the agenda is to get rid of the gallery work station and reduce the size of the desk area and move all the files and “stuff” to our administration office.  Changes are in the works!  The gallery will be completely ready for our next Sisters Oregon Gallery artist receptions on Friday, April 11^th  ( My Own Two Hands ), Saturday, April 19^th ( Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett ), and Saturday, May 24^th ( Artist reception for Lillian Pitt ).  For a complete listing visit our previous events posting or our online calendar at: www.events.highdesertgallery.com .  To print the complete events calendar visit: High Desert Gallery's 2008 Event Calendar (64 Kb PDF)

Come to Sisters and taste our walls!

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Art Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz

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Looks like the CASA Auction for Children was a big success!

In a previous post we mentioned that we donated the custom picture framing for Kathy Deggendorfer's beautiful watercolor of a Portland Oregon city scape titled “Big City View.”    Kathy relayed to us that the “Voices for Children” auction and dinner had gone well and they (the organization) had raised some good funds for the cause. To refresh your memories ... CASA For Children is an organization that supports and acts as advocates for children, through no fault of their own, are under the protection of the Juvenile Courts.   The annual auction plays a significant role in raising critical funding to help abused and neglected kids in Multnomah and Washington Counties.  According to the letter we received yesterday, the 17^th annual CASA Voices for Children Auction & Dinner raised over $350,000 after expenses – the most ever!

If you want to get in on the action and support – Save the date for next year's auction:  January 31, 2009 at the Oregon Convention Center.

About CASA:  Each year, thousands of children in Multnomah and Washington (Oregon) Counties become wards of the juvenile court system because they have been victims of abuse and neglect. While many of these children remain at home while efforts are made to provide safety, others are placed in foster or other substitute care placements.  Due to complex home situations and lack of resources, some children can spend years in foster care until they are reunited with their birth families, or placed in an adoptive home. Oregon's child welfare system can only devote so much time and attention to each individual case. That’s where CASA steps in.  To Read More visit About CASA.  Beth Hohnstein created the artwork (image above) to help children.

For additional information about Kathy and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com   or call 541-388-8964. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond Oregon and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and  Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Art Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz . 

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Wish Upon A Card: A Fabric PostCard Program supporting Wendy's Wish Appeal

Fabric postcards are all the rage and yes - you CAN mail them.  The organizers of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show TM are asking creative souls to participate in this fundraiser by creating and donating a postcard or two!  Actually you don't have to be too creative but it does help.  Need help or don't know how to make a fabric post card? Don't worry the good folks at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show will show you how!

Free classes with all the materials, supplies and instruction provided -- just bring your creativity.  Visit us this spring in Sisters Oregon!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008  9:00AM  Location:  The Stitchin' Post
Wednesday, March 19, 2008  3:00PM  Location:  Sisters Art Works
Thursday, March 20, 2008  5:30PM  Location:  Sisters Art Works
Wednesday, April 9, 2008   9:00AM  Location:  The Stitchin' Post
Saturday, April 19, 2008**   10:00AM   Location:  Sisters Art Works

Class sizes are limited to 20 people.  Please reserve a spot by contacting Jeanne at 541-549-6161.  For more information visit:  Wish Upon A Card Fabric Post Card Project.

If you are unable to attend a class you can still participate! Postcards must be 4” x 6”.  Please provide the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show with your name, city and state information securely attached.  Please mail your card in an envelope.  Do not mail them directly as the purchaser may want them for that purpose. Cards must be received by June 1, 2008.  Send cards to SOQS/Wish Project, P.O. Box 280,  Sisters, OR  97759-0280.

Wendy’s Wish Appeal is a project to support the St. Charles Cancer Treatment Center. Wendy’s Wish exists to provide education, promote early detection of cancer and offer affordable, compassionate emotional support to each individual’s personal journey.  Wendy’s Wish is named in honor of Wendy S. Huntley, a Central Oregon quilter who had breast cancer and ultimately passed away from colon cancer in the summer of 2006.  Direct contributions to Wendy’s Wish may be made to St. Charles Foundation – Wendy’s Wish, 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend, OR  97701.

Sale and Silent Auction of selected postcards begins Saturday, July 5 during the "Around The Block Fiber Art Stroll." 

The fabric postcards will be on display and for sale from July 5th-July12th.  For fabric postcard sale locations, how to donate cards and information about Wendy's Wish Appeal, visit: www.SistersOutdoorQuiltShow.org   Read about last years event in The Nugget News.

** Saturday, April 19th is the same day/weekend of The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Posters Preview Party and artist reception with Paul Alan Bennett and The Stitchin' Post Customer Appreciation Weekend!  Lot's going on in Sisters Oregon on Saturday, April 19th.  Join Us!

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Do-It-Yourself Liposuction and Perfecting the Art of Fart Projection,

According to a National Post article the top sellers are The Nutritional Benefits of Nose-Picking  and Perfecting the Art of Fart Projection.  We would have thought that Laser Eye Surgery at Home or Do-It-Yourself Liposuction, or Coroner by Correspondence, How to Overcome Nymphomania would have been the best sellers.  Per article and the owner of the business ( www.flapart.ca), which is now selling over 20 different titles, there is something about bodily-function humor that takes it to the top.

Next time you are in Sisters Coffee Company or down the street at Depot Deli maybe you should think about covering the book you are reading.  Do you really want your neighbors knowing you are reading  “Helter Skelter” for the 10th time or as the article references, “The Joy of Sex.”

Is it time for a book cover? – Check online at www.flapart.ca or try you local independent book store such as Paulina Springs Books (Redmond and Sisters Oregon) or The Book Barn (Bend Oregon).  Pegasus Books, also in Bend might be able to order them for you.

So you are asking -- Why post about "Do-it-yourself Dentistry" on an art gallery blog?  John Simpkins, a friend and one of the artists that we represent in Central Oregon went to Powell's Books in Portland last week and I asked him to get me a used "Vegan Cookbook."  He came back with one in hand and it is a great reference.  Thank you John!  A couple years ago (early 80's) we lived in the beautiful (and rainy) city of Portland Oregon and frequented Powell's ... Needless to say an internet search on independent bookstores brought me to find the National Post Article ... Now I just need to work on my teeth a bit more. 

Happy Reading!

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Mrs Claus Speaks with Tate Metcalf about Sisters Oregon's "Cowboy Christmas"

A Cowboy Christmas? Why of Course and especially when you think of Sisters Oregon!   The good news is that the Sisters Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman, The Lodge at Suttle Lake and Hoodoo Ski Resort are partnering to bring you a “Cowboy Christmas” in The Sisters Country. Special events are planned from the day after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.   If you missed the activities around Thanksgiving weekend you missed a Hoot!  A good time was had by all and the events of the weekend including the Tree lighting and the annual Christmas Parade -- All a blast!  We mentioned the Gingerbread House Trail in a previous post and the event goes through December 31 both in downtown Sisters Oregon and at Black Butte Ranch Resort Lodge.  To find out more about the event you can tune into a podcast from down under and a conversation with Mrs Claus ... Mrs Claus visits with Tate Metcalf, President of Sister Oregon Chamber of Commerce in the USA.   Discover the town of tiny lights that celebrates a Cowboy Christmas!  A unique group of events that embraces & honors the pioneering spirit!  Thank you to The Family Yak!

The Family Yak podcast with Mrs Claus is located at:  Sisters Oregon Cowboy Christmas or click on the "Cowboy Christmas" Image from internationally known artist Tom Browning. 

Upcoming Cowboy Christmas Events:

Gingerbread Trail, Through December 31, 2007, Downtown Sisters.  View the various gingerbread creations of the Sisters business community on the "Gingerbread Trail."  Vote for your favorite with a donation to Sisters Habitat for Humanity.

Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 15 & 22, 9am, Black Butte Ranch. 

Lunch with Santa, Saturday, December 15, 11am - 2pm, FivePine Conference Center.

Home on the Range Judging, Friday, December 21, Black Butte Ranch.

Carriage Rides, Saturday, December 15 & 22, Sunday - Monday, December 23 - 31 (except Christmas Day), Black Butte Ranch.

Night Skiing, Friday and Saturday nights, starting Saturday, December 15, Hoodoo. 

New Year's Eve Party with Fireworks Display, Monday, December 31, Hoodoo.

We hope you can make all or some of the great events!  See you in The Sisters Country this holiday Season!  For more information on the events of Cowboy Christmas please visit the Sisters Oregon Chamber of Commerce or call 541-549-0251.  For gallery information please visit www.highdesertgallery.com or call 1-866-549-6250.  Happy Holidays!

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