High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

My Sunflower Effort -- Grace Bishko

Sunflowers, are incredibly large, strong, tall plants, and their seeds are enjoyed by most animals, including birds and human animals. So many artists have painted these interesting, yellow flowers, such as - Vincent van Gogh, who was the king of “ochres, and yellows”; and also, Egon Schiele, who preferred the dark, dried flowers and leaves, which he turned into dark blues, purples, reds and brownish greens. Such intense feelings have been deposited on this flower! How could I resist, I said to myself. So, here you have it - my sunflower effort. I decided to make them happy, with possibilities of movement. And, I do like to include “witnesses” like the cat and the bird, to take my place in the paintings I create, whenever possible.

Grace Bishko,  April 18, 2008

Sunflowers, (Gouache on Handmade Paper 15 x 19 inches (image size)) is an Original Painting by Grace Bishko.  For additional information about Grace, her work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing – An award winning fine art and custom framing gallery with retail locations in Central Oregon including Redmond, Sisters and Bend Oregon (opening December 2008) specializing in Central Oregon Artists and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery and work by Grace Bishko can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz.

Original artwork by Grace Bishko.  All rights reserved and copyright 2008. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2008.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.  Subscribe to High Desert Gallery's art gallery weblog via Feedburner RSS or our permission based email service.  Or ... Call 866-549-6250 x 3, visit our art gallery events calendar at www.events.highdesertgallery.com or subscribed to the following: Twitter, subscribe to our blog, RSS, or our events calendar.   Don't worry -- We won't spam you or give, rent or sell your email address and you can always unsubscribe. We promise!

To inquire or to purchase call 866-549-625, Email High Desert Gallery or purchase online at Sunflowers.

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Gouache on Handmade Paper -- Two new paintings by Grace Bishko

 

Cornstalks by Grace Bishko
Gouache on Handmade Paper, 19 ¾ x 15 inches

Do you think I like to make repetitive dots, lines and circles, etc. on paper?  I LOVE to do that!  It’s so completely peaceful and satisfying.  Also, painting on handmade paper is an exquisite experience.  The paper, being thin and full of fibers, becomes a bit sculptured by the paint, and takes on a life of it’s own.

These physical happenings actually help me create a strange and beautiful image, regardless of the subject, because the paper is “alive”.

The “Cornstalks” is an abstraction of a real environment – cornstalks, earth, sky, wolf, black birds.  Turning the ancient African mask image on its side makes it into something else, doesn’t it.  However, we don’t really have to know what it’s doing there. The color, the shapes, the patterns – they add to the mystery of the Cornstalks, and that’s my goal.

Old Friends by Grace Bishko
Gouache on Handmade Paper, 19 x 191/2 inches

This painting, “Old Friends”, is still another image belonging to a long series of my paintings that are based on The Ancient Trilogy – Man, Wolf and Raven.

Again, I’m carried away by the delight of working on handmade paper that responds physically to my brush.  Still another ancient African mask divides the painting into land and sky, and the flock of birds belongs to early spring.  The complex earth is wet with black.

Grace Bishko -- March 30, 2008

"Cornstocks" and "Old Friends" are Original Paintings by Grace Bishko.  For additional information about Grace, her work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing – An award winning fine art and custom framing gallery with retail locations in Central Oregon including Redmond, Sisters and Bend Oregon (opening December 2008) specializing in Central Oregon Artists and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery and work by Grace Bishko can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz.

Original artwork by Grace Bishko.  All rights reserved and copyright 2008. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2008.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.  Subscribe to High Desert Gallery's art gallery weblog via Feedburner RSS or our permission based email service.  Don't worry -- We won't spam you or give, rent or sell your email address and you can always unsubscribe. We promise!

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Music In Public Places -- April 6 at High Desert Gallery, Redmond Oregon

2007-2008 MUSIC IN PUBLIC PLACES SERIES CONTINUES WITH CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERTS
SUNDAY APRIL 6, 2008 - 11:00AM & 2:00PM -- HIGH DESERT GALLERY IN REDMOND OREGON

Sunday, April 6, 2008 -- High Desert Gallery in Redmond, 11:00am and 2:00pm. Beethoven Sextet in Eb, Opus 81, French Horn duets and string quartet repertoire to be performed. Musicians are Kelli Kirkman and George Nemeth on French horn, Carol Kirkman and Marion Johnson on violin, Leslie Knight on viola, and Virginia Riggs on cello.

The April 6th concert, hosted by the High Desert Gallery of Redmond, at 453 SW 6th Street is the final Music In Public Places Concert event held this season.  Seating at the gallery is limited and doors open at 10:15am  and 1:15 pm.  Coffee and pastries will be served prior to the concerts.  For more information about MIPP and the Central Oregon Symphony contact the Central Oregon Symphony Association at 317-3941.

About The Central Oregon Symphony:  The Central Oregon Symphony is a community-based orchestra, the success of which is grounded in the tremendous generosity of its members, who volunteer their time and talent for the love of orchestral music. The ensemble was formed in 1967 as a part of the expanding Central Oregon Community College Fine Arts Department.   The first conductor of the COS was Tom Heron, who ... Read More

Image: “Bass,” an oil on canvas by Central Oregon Artist, Grace Bishko. Grace's artwork is  highlighted on the 2007/2008 Central Oregon Symphony program guides.    To inquire on "Bass," please contact High Desert Gallery at 1-866-549-6250 x 2 or visit:  Bass.  Grace is represented by High Desert Gallery and Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

Original artwork by Grace Bishko.  All rights reserved and copyright 2008. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.   

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High Desert Gallery Guide Now Available

The High Desert Art Gallery Guide is hot off the press and available for your online viewing!

If you would like a full color printed copy mailed to you please let us know by calling the gallery at 1-866-549-6250 or visiting:  Email High Desert Gallery.  Make sure to include your contact information and mailing address and we'll get one to you in the mail about mid April.

The guide includes our 2008 events, artist bio's, images and some great information on the gallery and our services.  To view a PDF version of our High Desert Gallery Guide online visit:    Download HDG-2008GalleryGuide-Web.pdf (897.4K)

Looking to keep in touch with High Desert Gallery?  To stay in touch and not miss new events and gallery activities we suggest that you follow us by one of many available means:  Call toll free 866-549-6250 x 3, visit our art gallery events calendar at www.events.highdesertgallery.com or subscribed to the following: Twitter, subscribe to our blog, RSS, or our events calendar.

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (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.

Central Oregon Symphony Winter 2008 Concert -- Grace Bishko

Last year, I was contacted by the Director of the Central Oregon Symphony, regarding a series of paintings I’ve done on musicians. Her idea was to use these images on the programs, as well as on symphony mailings. After several meetings, the idea was launched, and the first image, “The Cello”, was used on a brochure mailed to supporters of the Symphony. By Fall, 2007, the Central Oregon Symphony Program was redesigned for the first time in many years, and my painting of “The Flute” was on the cover, as well as on the poster for Music in Public Places, that took place in High Desert Gallery's Redmond art gallery.

The “Bass” is the program art chosen for the upcoming weekend winter concert, and has a snow setting – the painting is virtually white. The bass player, in his black overcoat, is carrying his instrument through the snow. His red hair is almost hidden by his shoulders hunched against the cold. Actually, we see very little of him and his bass, as he is entering the scene at this very moment. He is facing a row of frozen trees with their branches embracing each other against the cold. Surrounding all is the border of the painting – a rectangle of barren, brittle tree branches isolated by the winter sky.

I am honored to have my artwork associated with the Central Oregon Symphony.

Grace Bishko -- February 18, 2008

“Bass” by Grace Bishko, Oils on linen, 25” x 29” image, Framed 34.5" x 30.75" +/-

About Grace Bishko:  Grace lives in Central Oregon, hikes the trails, and paints her memories of what she has seen. A serious and honest painter, she paints from her heart and of her memories and experiences. Her imagery contains an ever so slight surreal edge to grab and retain the viewer’s attention, while at the same time satisfying their deep emotions and enjoyment. High Desert Gallery is truly honored to represent Grace Bishko. A nationally and internationally known artist.

In the 1970’s she decided to stop painting directly from “life,” and to develop a vocabulary that would allow her to paint through her personal feelings. Through education, and experimentation, her creative endeavors evolved in many stages. The results of this adventure are embedded in the artwork she is involved in today. Now, Grace is honored that her paintings are appreciated and understood across a wide multicultural expanse.

Winning all possible awards at the Cleveland Institute of Art, she went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts degree from Rutgers, The State University, Mason Gross School of the Arts. After receiving her M.F.A. degree, Grace taught life drawing at Rutgers, design at University of the Arts, and lithography at Moore College of Art. Since then, she has focused on her own art, exhibiting yearly in solo and group exhibitions.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Grace Bishko exclusively in Central Oregon.

For more information, to inquire or purchase "Bass" call High Desert Gallery (1-866-549-6250 x 3) or visit: Bass.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening December 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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Save The Date: High Desert Gallery 2008 Events Calendar Online

Save The Date – Don't Miss A Thing – Plan Ahead – Make Your Hotel Reservations Now!

2008 looks to be a stellar year for events, functions and artist in attendance receptions at High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon.  A boat load of great activities including the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett, Patrick Horsley artist reception in Redmond Oregon, Lillian Pitt's solo show on May 24^th in our Sisters Oregon Art Gallery  and many many other great events – We have it all.

Artist Receptions:  Paul Alan Bennett and Patrick Horsley in April, Lillian Pitt in May, Kathy Deggendorfer, Rowdy Barry and Kimry Jelen in June, Trisha Hassler, Paul Alan Bennett and Libby Lehman in July, “Where Rivers Meet” with John Simpkins, Paul Alan Bennett and Cary Weigand on July 26, Glen Corbett, Nye Bennett-Miller, Ingrid Lustig, Grace Bishko, Group Shows and many more!  And don't forget that High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing in Redmond Oregon celebrates “National Art & Framing Month” each October – Some not-to-miss great events are scheduled.  To print the complete events calendar visit: High Desert Gallery's 2008 Event Calendar (64 Kb PDF)

The printable pdf file is ready for your refrigerator magnet  -- Print and stick it to your Amana (or Sub-Zero) so you don't miss an event!

You can always find up-to-date gallery events online at www.events.highdesertgallery.com or you can download our printable events calendar at: High Desert Gallery's 2008 Event Calendar (64 Kb PDF)

Plan on attending!  Meet the Artists, enjoy lively conversation, refreshments, cheer and live music!  To stay in touch and not miss new events and gallery activities we suggest that you follow us by one of many available means:  Call 866-549-6250 x 3, visit our art gallery events calendar at www.events.highdesertgallery.com or subscribed to the following: Twitter, subscribe to our blog, RSS, or our events calendar.

Thank you for supporting the arts in Central Oregon!

For additional information about the artists and High Desert Art Gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 and toll free 1-866-549-6250. 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 Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .

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Reflections on Nature -- Grace Bishko

"The Ravens Are Back"  Original Painting by Central Oregon Artist, Grace Bishko

When I first moved to Bend, Oregon I had a studio space on Greenwood Avenue, with an abundance of windows, overlooking a parking lot. The view was disappointing and distracting, but at least I had good light.  So, every day at 9am I climbed the stairs to my space, and settled down to sketch ideas in my sketchbook.  Soon, I became aware of various raven calls coming from a tree on the other side of the parking lot, and before long, a large flock of these strong, black beauties were filling the tree.  One raven perched itself at the very top of the pine tree with a mate on a limb just below.  The others kept circling the tree, flying in and out of the branches to change their positions – working their way throughout all of the branches. After about half an hour, the couple at the tip of the tree called out, and flew away, as the others followed.

The next day, they returned at the exact time as the day before, and repeated their ritual, much to my delight. From that day on, I heard their calls as they gathered together before they even came on the scene, and stayed at the window sketching their movements and listening. For the next 6 months, until I moved out of this studio, they were there – same time, same dancing performance.  Their unified movements, voices and various positions, shaped my days into creating a plethora of drawings and paintings of these intelligent, gallant birds.

Recently, I heard a raven call out among the trees near my window, and I recalled the days back at the parking lot.  “The Ravens Are Back” emerged on canvas slowly, but eventually, I realized how I could portray the movement of the flock, and the stationary position of one raven at the same time.  The nuthatch is me, the witness.

Grace Bishko -- January, 2008 – Bend Oregon

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"August” Original Painting by Central Oregon Artist, Grace Bishko:

This past summer, it seemed to me that there were more groups of deer within the perimeters of Bend, Oregon than last year.  Driving around town, I saw them running across the streets, regardless of the cars whizzing by; and also, twice I saw a dead deer by the side of the road.  At home, looking out of my window each day, there were deer in the fields among the parking lots of the buildings around me.  Sometimes they were there all day eating the tops of the bushes, laying down to rest, and then nibbling more.

By August, the fawns were born, and they were fresh and beautiful – and added to the numbers.  At that time, the different family groups became evident – the “female yearlings” stayed with their mothers and the fawns.  Seeing this portion of their yearly cycle was tender and satisfying.  However, there was something I intensely wanted for them, and that was for the deer not to have to adapt to human beings, the surge in building and development, parking lots and cars. Rather than having to adapt to the human element, I wanted them to live, give birth and migrate in lush meadows and forestlands.

And so, as a reaction to my thoughts and feelings, I painted the pastoral, freshness of a grove of aspen trees in August – a haven of lush vegetation to nibble on for the fawn and his mother – to prepare them selves for the barren winter.  It seemed a perfect environment for them, but it’s just a painting.

Grace Bishko -- November, 2007 – Bend Oregon

"The Ravens Are Back" and "August" are Original Paintings by Grace Bishko.  For additional information about Grace, her work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing – An award winning fine art and custom framing gallery with retail locations in Central Oregon including Redmond, Sisters and Bend Oregon (open Fall of 2008) specializing in Central Oregon Artists and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz.  To purchase online visit:  "The Ravens Are Back" and "August"

Original artwork by listed artist(s).  All rights reserved and copyright 2008. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2008.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.  Subscribe to High Desert Gallery's art gallery weblog via Feedburner RSS or our permission based email service.  Don't worry -- We won't spam you or give, rent or sell your email address and you can always unsubscribe. We promise!

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Layers of Color of the High Desert -- Grace Bishko

A couple of months ago, while driving around the Millican Valley, I began to truly realize what the “high desert” is – huge areas of extremely flat land that are covered with the driest, most brittle looking, and colorful vegetation I’ve ever seen.  From a distance, though, everything looked soft, and layered with beautiful arrays of muted greens and other hues like pinks and yellows.  Then, there were the mountains, complacently anchored in the farthest distance from view - mountains with names like Bear Creek Mountain, and Pine Mountain.  Who named them?  And when were they named, and why?  I know that this valley and the mountains have history, both known and unknown, but who can tell it to me?  It’s time for some research. However, I decided to paint the mystery into this painting, before I came to know the realities.

Grace Bishko -- September 2007

"Pine Mountain" Oils on Canvas 36"x 30" Canvas

"Pine Mountain," An Original Painting by Grace Bishko.  For additional information about Grace, her work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing – An award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Central Oregon including Redmond, Sisters and Bend Oregon (open Fall of 2008) specializing in Central Oregon Artists and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .  To purchase online visit: Grace Bishko.

Original artwork by listed artist(s).  All rights reserved and copyright 2007. Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2007.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

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Music In Public Places - Chamber Music at High Desert Gallery in Redmond Oregon

2007-2008 MUSIC IN PUBLIC PLACES SERIES OPENS WITH CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERTS AT THE HIGH DESERT GALLERY IN REDMOND.  Members of the Central Oregon Symphony will perform “Barbara,” a flute quartet by Eugene composer Rebecca Oswald with Two Concerts on Saturday, October 6, at 11 am and 2 pm.  Four flutists of the Central Oregon Symphony (COS) will appear at Redmond's High Desert Gallery as part of the COS's Music in Public Places Series on Saturday, October 6, 2007. The musicians will perform in two concerts at 11 and 2 pm. COS Flutists Sue Steiger, Lynn Lakin, Pam Hughes, and Steph Janin will be joined by bass flutist Nick Loeffler, and will present a variety of works for small flute ensemble. Because seating at the gallery is limited, reservations are required. Reservations can be made through the Central Oregon Symphony Association office, at 317-3941.       

Among the works on the MIPP program is the world premiere of “Barbara,” a flute quartet by Eugene composer Rebecca Oswald. Oswald will attend the event and will join the musicians for a Q&A and reception with the audience after the performance. “Barbara” takes its title from Barbara Bowerman - the wife of Bill Bowerman, Oregon's legendary track coach and the co-founder of the NIKE Corporation - and it takes its melody from Oswald's longer symphonic biography, Bowerman, Man of Oregon . The October 6 th MIPP concert anticipates the upcoming world premiere of Oswald's longer work, which the Central Oregon Symphony will perform during the Fall Concert Series at Bend High School Auditorium on October 27, 28, and 29, 2007.      

The Music in Public Places (MIPP) series brings chamber music to non-traditional venues, offering the public up-close-and-personal opportunities to discover and enjoy classical music. The October 6 th concert, hosted by the High Desert Gallery of Redmond, at 453 SW 6th Street and Local Grounds, is the first of four anticipated MIPP events to be held this season. Other MIPP programs will be announced in upcoming months. For more information about MIPP and the Central Oregon Symphony contact the Central Oregon Symphony at 541-317-3941.

Music In Public Places' October event is hosted by High Desert Gallery of Redmond Oregon and Local Grounds.  Sponsorship of the event is provided by The Central Oregon Symphony, The Redmond Spokesman and High Desert Gallery.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing
453 SW 6th Street at Evergreen, Downtown Historic Redmond Oregon
541-388-8964 or toll free at 1-866-549-6250 (Gallery phone)

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For more information about MIPP and the Central Oregon Symphony contact the Central Oregon Symphony at 541-317-3941.

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Man Fooling Wolf, and Wolf Liking The Game -- Grace Bishko

Years ago I read a book, which has always remained in my mind, by the highly acclaimed Italian author, Italo Calvino. It was titled “Baron in the Trees.” Basically, without narrating the whole story, it was about a young Baron, who was unhappy with his life and his country’s politics, and started wandering the countryside. He climbed the trees to see further distances into the countryside, and frequently to hide from certain people. One day he came upon several other people up in the trees – and then more and more people living in the trees - important people from all walks of life, so to speak. Even a famous pianist and her piano! As time went on, he remained in the trees more and more, and eventually made his life up there along with the many who were already there. It became a safe haven for him as well, as, for the rest of his life, he became notorious for helping people who were poor and struggling to survive, all over the countryside and as far as the sea.

And so, Coyote and Red Wolf, my recent painting, have found a home in the trees. They are part of an ancient and mythological trilogy of Man, Wolf and Raven. Wolf and Raven are pure and true to what they naturally are in nature. Man can convert himself by costume, customs, mental freedom and logic. However, here they are - Man fooling Wolf with a coyote mask, and Wolf liking the game. And they are safe.

Grace Bishko  -- July 2007       

"Coyote and Red Wolf " Oil on Canvas 12" x 24"

"Coyote and Red Wolf"  An Original Painting by Grace Bishko.  For additional information about Grace, her work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 / 866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing – An award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Central Oregon including Sisters and Redmond Oregon specializes in Central Oregon Artists and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .  To purchase online visit:  Grace Bishko.

 

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