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.

Artist Thoughts - My Own Two Hands in Sisters, Oregon

Central Oregon and Sisters area art lovers will have plenty to look at during the My Own Two Hands Art Stroll, Friday Night, April 17th, from 4:30 to 7pm.   This year's theme is "Something Wild," featuring beautiful donated work to benefit the art and music programs in the Sisters Oregon School District, through the Sisters Folk Festival and the Americana Project. To bid on any of the works please contact the Sisters Folk Festival .  Good Luck and happy bidding! 

High Desert Gallery in Sisters is honored to be exhibiting the donated work by Paul Alan Bennett, Kathy Deggendorfer, J Chester (Skip) Armstrong, John Simpkins, Kimry Jelen and Cristina Acosta specifically during the Art Stroll. We thought we would share with you the artists' thoughts and the inspiration behind this year's donated work.  Join us on Friday, April 17th (4:30-7pm) during the art stroll for great art, refreshments and live music by Doug and Katie Cavanaugh.

Wild Thing - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Paul Alan Bennett

The current recession has, at times, made me feel timid and tenuous about money matters and future possibilities.  The world had become a scary place like the forests of old where monsters once were thought to lurk.  Feeling such timidity affected my productivity.  I had no ideas and was hesitant to even start.  After two months of feeling like this I knew it was time for a change.  I needed to find a place that gave me strength.  Such a place happened when I started reworking an older painting of a boy leaping into the water.  I changed the water to the forest- that leap into the unknown.  The figure is strong and in action, leaping/diving into the branches of the tree.  The dark parts of the painting deal with that unknown element and the red color of the branches could be seen as blood vessels.  The forest/recession in still a monster in the psyche needing to be confronted.   The strength in the painting comes in two forms:  The action of the figure confronting the unknown is one.  Also, the fact that I was doing this painting with the intent of giving it away.  There is strength to be found in giving.  The fears of the current recession cannot affect such an act negatively.   After I finished this painting I found my mind to be full of new painting ideas.  What a transformation from how I had been feeling just a few weeks before.  I had found my place of strength.   Paul Alan Bennett April 2009   

About Paul Alan Bennett: Award winning professional artist, educator, and art advocate, Paul Alan Bennett has garnered national attention. Paul's imagery is passionately detailed and manifests a unique perspective and style resulting in colorful, vivid imagery sought after and collected nationally. Honors graduate of Maryland Institute of Art and Master of Arts from The University of La Verne (Athens Greece), Paul has excelled in the field of watercolor and most recently in the release of a select group of Limited Edition Fine Art Giclee Prints and worked closely with Pendleton Woolen Mills to release limited edition tapestry blankets. Paul's work has been reproduced for two Sisters Folk Festival Posters and the 2008 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show poster. His style and perspective originate from memories, life experiences and travels that sparks many of the themes found in this Sisters artist's work. Paul Alan Bennett's artwork is represented by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.    

Walkin' On The Wild Side - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Kathy Deggendorfer

"Walkin' On The Wild Side". Everybody in Sisters loves their dog.... some folks like them so much they take them to day care-- puppy play dates!  So in celebration--  K and T are doin' the year of the Dog!!  Tonye and I have had such fun working on our collaborative show for this July --Going To The Dogs-- it was a natural to do this piece for My Own Two Hands.... Something Wild!  We were out for one of our "cobweb clearing" walks one day this winter and happened upon one of the folks from Central Bark (our local doggie day care) taking their charges out for their daily "constitutional".    If it had been ME in charge- it would have been "Chaos on a String" or worse.  I love dogs, but they don't seem to have too much respect for me. Not so with this pro dog walker.....  it was clear which end of the leash was in charge. So three cheers for dogs and dog walkers!   It's a "Walk on The Wild Side"  every day at Central Bark.  --- notice how the leash from the painting syncs with the leash on the quilt!    Awwww.  now that's dang cute! Come to the Auction and support art, music and creativity in Sisters....  Kathy Deggendorfer April 2009                   

About Kathy Deggendorfer: Kathy Deggendorfer lives on a cattle and hay ranch just outside of Sisters, Oregon. Inspired by the color, pattern and texture of her surroundings, she creates vibrant and colorful watercolor paintings. Whimsical images of flowers and ranch life fill the paintings with color and life. "Folks tell me they just feel happy when they look at my work-- that makes me happy."  Raised in Portland, Oregon, in a clothing manufacturing family, she says ,"Sewing skills skipped a generation with me... but I love fabric. I like to call my creations 'Painters Quilts.' I can prowl around the rounders full of prints at the Stitchin' Post with the best of 'em... I just put my fabrics in with a paintbrush." Kathy's collaborative work with master quilter, Tonye Belinda Phillips, is another fun combination of painted image and textile interpretation.  Kathy is currently working on a project about Oregon Specialty Farming and sustainable farm practices. This project takes her out into the fields of Oregon farms to paint and learn about what makes Oregon agricultural practices and people unique. Trips to the cattle ranches of Eastern Oregon and vineyards of the Willamette Valley provide her with plenty of rich and colorful images.  Kathy's work is collected throughout the Pacific Northwest and reaches out to all corners of the United States.  Kathy was selected to create the official Oregon 2008 ornament for the White House Christmas Tree.   Represented by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, she has pieces in the permanent collection at Redmond Airport, 2007 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Artist, she wrote and illustrated a children's book for St. Charles Medical Center, and her work has been translated into clothing and fabric for Columbia Sportswear. In 2005, Kathy was awarded 'Citizen of the Year' in Sisters Oregon for her contributions to the community and the arts. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Kathy Deggendorfer exclusively in Central Oregon.   

Soul Catcher - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Kimry Jelen  
     
Soul Catcher, is a portrait inspired by the romantic era from the mid 1800's with the dark shadowy background and dramatic highlights. While painting, I imagined all the special horses I have met with those big liquid eyes and that wonderful silky coat that swept me off my feet and carried me on their backs. Some horses are able to look deep into your soul - they know everything about you and accept you anyway. It is a humbling experience that touches your heart. Kimry Jelen, April 2009   

About Kimry Jelen: Central Oregon is home for professional horse trainer and artist, Kimry Jelen. She demonstrates an intimate understanding of her subjects. Her contemporary style flows freely from abstract to representational. She uses playful perspectives and surprising colors to express passion in her art. "My art is an opportunity to share with others what nature shares with me. Every creation is a celebration of life, whether an aspen grove, the power of horses, or an animal's sense of humor! I receive so much joy from interpreting my love of nature with paint, brush and palette knife."

Kimry's art is also influenced by the places she has lived and traveled. She worked for ranches in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and New Mexico. She's walked with primates on safari in Africa and rode horses in the classical arenas of Portugal and Spain. Inspiration from these places can be seen in her use of space, unique texture and remarkable color combinations. This native Oregonian's work has found its way into private collections across the United States and the continents she's visited.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Kimry Jelen exclusively in Central Oregon.                         

Something Wild Outside My Window - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Cristina Acosta

This painting expresses the contentment, curiosity and happiness I feel watching the birds. The Ponderosa pine, manzanita and bitterbrush garden around my art studio offer shelter and food to the native and migrating birds in Central Oregon. I put several birdfeeders outside my studio windows so that I can watch the birds as I paint. Last summer a lost racing pigeon stayed for a couple of weeks, getting fat and rested before flying off to join a wild flock that roost near the river. 

Some birds arrive to the feeders in flocks, others visit singly or in pairs. I imagine their flights over the mountains and through severe storms before they find a haven and a snack in my garden, tucked into the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains.  Cristina Acosta                     

About Cristina Acosta: Cristina's career has included: A two-year stint as a billboard mural and lettering artist. Five years teaching college art classes. Nine years as an artisan tile designer & production artist for her nationally distributed signature line of ceramic tile during the 1990’s, life long love of the arts and more.   Her artistry is featured in a variety of books and magazines, including her successful art book, Paint Happy! (North Light Books, ©2002,2004). She illustrated the children’s book, When Woman Became the Sea (Beyond Words Pub., ©1998) and contributed to many other books and periodicals including Artist Magazine, Pure Inspiration, Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, Latina magazine, Latina Style, Good Housekeeping, and Woman’s Day home design publications.  Cristina continually paints and writes from her studio at her home in the rain-shadow of the Cascade Mountains. She creates three distinct series of paintings: Paint Happy series, Hispanic Heritage series (Madonnas) and her oils including her Animal Spirit series. Despite the different styles, her work is typified by her lush use of color, dynamic design and the presence of joy. Museums, galleries and collectors nationwide collect and exhibit her work.   Cristina's work is represented by and available for sale through High Desert Gallery's Fine Art Gallery in Central Oregon.      

Speak Your Mind - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts:  John Simpkins

“Speak Your Mind” (the painting) is the result of a stop-motion animation project used in a documentary film, "Speak Your Mind" entered in the "Doc Challenge 2009.” The painting includes an original hand-painted wooden liner created by me especially. The panel (artwork) is the final painting in a series of approximately 200 painted images in the animated film, and all the other paintings are underneath this one! So the winning bid/buyer is getting 201 paintings in one! “Speak Your Mind,” includes a copy of the documentary film created for the “Doc Challenge 2009.”

About John Simpkins: Renowned painter, John Simpkins’ work draws upon Americana, folk and medieval art, myth and mysticism, and is avidly collected by dedicated patrons throughout North America. Nationally published artist, gallery owner, and supporter of the arts, John has received national recognition. Born in Napa Valley, California, he studied at UC Davis and privately with Earl Thollander and Gordon Brusstar. His work has been reproduced in limited edition prints and distributed nationally. Since 1976, John has had many one-man and group shows in California and Oregon.  John lives in Central Oregon with his standard poodle companion, Phoebe, atop a rocky plateau five miles south of Sisters. His travels include much of the continental United States, Mexico, Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and most recently Nepal and Tibet. John paints intuitively, encouraging his emotional voice to speak: Simpkins says, "I paint with my heart." He enjoys painting, tending his orchid collection, and designing interiors.

My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts:  J Chester Armstrong

We all wait with anticipation to see what magic Skip will bring to us this year. The piece was not complete at press time, and will be revealed at the art stroll. Skip's support is greatly appreciated!

About J Chester Armstrong: A self taught artist, Skip achieved national and international reputation through gallery representation in major art cities including Carmel, Laguna Beach, Palm Desert, Santa Fe, Taos, Aspen and others. He has been sculpting professionally since 1972 and his work is sought after by private and corporate collectors worldwide.  "My art depicts and expresses the world of nature - primitive, immediate and direct; the screams of eagles soaring on the wind; the stealth of big cats hunting; coyotes howling at the moon rise; the pound of horses on the run; otters playing water tag ... these things move me; this and me are one - brothers of the life force. To find this is my joy, to express it, my passion," states Armstrong.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent J Chester Armstrong in Central Oregon.     

My Own Two Hands Art Stroll activities at High Desert Gallery of Sisters Oregon      

Artists of My Own Two Hands -- Original Paintings & and more!
April 1 - April 30, 2009
Artist Reception - Friday April 17, 2009 4:30-7PM. 
Meet the Artists, Enjoy Refreshments and Live Music by Doug and Katie Cavanaugh
High Desert Gallery
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 (Winter Hours)
www.highdesertgallery.com

Idaho Statesman Article on J Chester Armstrong - Saint Mary's Catholic Doors

It looks like J Chester (Skip) Armstrong's doors are up and installed!  The Idaho Statesman has done a nice piece on the installation.  The image (Artist J Chester "Skip" Armstrong (left) and sculptor Jan Hansson by Joe Jaszewski / Idaho Statesman ) captures some of the action at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Boise Idaho.  The full Idaho Statesman article can be found at: New doorway at St. Mary’s in Boise unites Hispanic, European Catholic heritage. The photo album of the install with images can be found at:  Saint Mary's Doors

Brenda Gutierrez of the Idaho Statesman indicated in her article that: “St. Mary's renovation will include a 10-foot-tall oil painting to be hung over the altar; 10 carved musical angel sculptures along the roof beams; a life-sized cast-bronze statue of Mary seated in a pew of the church; carved Glastonbury chairs; enhanced stained glass medallions along the windows ; a renewed and expanded shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe; a large carved image of the parish symbol - three roses and a butterfly; and a Shrine to the Immigrants.”

Skips artistic involvement is more than just the doors.  Per Skip:  "It's a contemporary rendition of a Renaissance art form.”

To read more about J Chester Armstrong and view our previous post with images and video please visit: J  Chester Armstrong -- I immediately had this vision of this great battle scene on the front door of the church.

J Chester Armstrong -- I immediately had this vision of this great battle scene on the front door of the church

It's been a long, hard, exhausting but extremely satisfying journey for J Chester Armstrong. A journey that has taken J Chester (Known as Skip) to Belize, back to Central Oregon and very soon to Boise, Idaho for the installation of one of his most prized creation. We've had the pleasure of knowing Skip and representing his wood carvings at High Desert Gallery in Sisters, Oregon for a number of years. His work is often monumental but his most recent creation is beyond words. We've read articles in the Nugget News, seen images and visited the doors under “construction,” but even with the advanced previews our visit today with Skip was unbelievable. We were awestruck. The following are images and a two part video of the doors to be installed in Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Boise Idaho. Please enjoy the images and quotes of Skip from the Nugget News. Links to the full Nugget News articles follows the text. Plan your trip to Boise – Installation is planned for the first week of December 2008 and the dedication to follow on a to be announced date.

Saint Mary's Church Doors Video Parts One and Two (You may want to increase the volume setting):

J Chester Armstrong Video Part One:

J Chester Armstrong Video Part Two:

J Chester ( Skip ) Armstrong:

"Before I was ever a carver and sculptor, I packed my Volkswagen van and went through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize in 1971. What inspired me to become a carver was seeing the ancient artifacts and the sculptures on the Mayan temples. So it is kind of like going back to my own roots and source of inspiration.”

"It came about through Father Faucher who was the pastor at the Catholic church here in town. I did the sculptures that are in the garden and church there as a part of the remodeling program that he instituted. He was a visionary and a renaissance man, who wanted to use art to the fullest in the church."

"What started as an idea in my mind as Father Faucher read a passage out of Revelations about the seven-headed dragon attacking the virgin queen, defended by Archangel Michael, led to a sketch on paper, a journey to Belize and now into the physical dimension - this is it!" .

"I immediately had this vision of this great battle scene on the front door of the church. He loved the idea, so I drew him a sketch of what I had in mind and that is how this project developed."

"The key to this whole thing is the scale. These doors will be 16 feet high by 10 feet wide by 18 inches thick. So that is timber, not just wood. I wanted to do it out of mahogany because that is such a classic wood. It is durable and has great color. It is a perfect wood in a church context."

"You can't get wood like I am looking for in this country, so I came up with this whole concept. The only place this wood is available is in the area around Belize. About eight years ago there was a hurricane that came through there and knocked down millions of board feet of mahogany. Those trees are still laying in the jungle.”

"I am going to mill the wood and assemble them into a door, which is critical as only finished products can be exported. The Belizeans will not allow timber to be exported; only finished goods can be exported. I am going to carve it in the jungle on the Mayan ruins, so I am going to tie this whole thing into the Mayan history of carving."

"The first two weeks were spent getting the wood together for the door timbers. Mahogany,  12-inch-by-18-inch  by-16-feet, proved to be difficult to get as most of the big trees have already been cut. We tracked through the jungle's deep mud and finally found the hurricane-damaged trees we were looking for. With help from the local Mayans, we assembled the doors and on day 15 I drew the image on the surface with a piece of chalk and began carving with the chainsaw."

"I started sculpting the dragon first as I could hardly wait to see what it was going to look like 14 feet high and 20 inches deep. And Wow! It looked like the serious contender for bad-ass of the universe. But, Father Faucher said he liked drama."

"The doors will weigh eight tons, and I will be removing four tons of wood. The back of the door will be Noah's Ark using all the animals of the Northwest, which will bring it back home."

"It's a contemporary rendition of a Renaissance art form.”

Read the complete Nugget News article: Sisters sculptor: Have chainsaw, will travel

Nugget News: Sculptor unveils cathedral doors

Nugget News: Armstrong unveils spectacular doors

About J Chester Armstrong: A self taught artist, Skip achieved national and international reputation through gallery representation in major art cities including Carmel, Laguna Beach, Palm Desert, Santa Fe, Taos, Aspen and others. He has been sculpting professionally since 1972 and his work is sought after by private and corporate collectors worldwide.

"My art depicts and expresses the world of nature - primitive, immediate and direct; the screams of eagles soaring on the wind; the stealth of big cats hunting; coyotes howling at the moon rise; the pound of horses on the run; otters playing water tag ... these things move me; this and me are one - brothers of the life force. To find this is my joy, to express it, my passion," states Armstrong.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent J Chester Armstrong in Central Oregon.

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.

Trouble in Paradise - Skip Armstrong's Studio is Destroyed

The Nugget News (Image by The Nugget News) as well as a couple of other Central Oregon News outlets have reported that J Chester "Skip" Armstrong's studio caught fire this morning and was destroyed.  We spoke with Skip early this afternoon and offered to help in anyway and he stated that it was a total burn and his main studio was destroyed along with completed and work in progress sculptures.  Most if not all tools are gone.   Skip is on the look for industrial studio space and we'll keep an eye open for a perfect space.

We'll update this post as relevant information is provided.  For the complete Nugget News article please visit:  Fire consumes artist's shop

If you have information on studio / industrial space in the Sisters Area please contact us at:  Contact High Desert Gallery  and we'll pass on the information to Skip.

VOTE VOTE VOTE -- Oregon Art Beat

OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) and Oregon Art Beat historically have done an excellent job at highlighting some of Oregon’s best and interesting artists.  Our Thursday evenings are typically structured around the 8PM TV program but we miss a few due to gallery and family commitments.

KC Cowen and Jeff Douglas of Oregon Art Beat do an excellent job interviewing and in the production.  If you are a viewer then you are aware of this excellent program.  Here’s your chance to vote for your favorite segments in years past and guide OPB on their summer schedule.

Browse the list and you notice many talented artists including some represented by High Desert Gallery including, J Chester (Skip) Armstrong, Paul Alan Bennett, Danae Bennett Miller, Cary Lathan Weigand, and Jerry Werner.  Other Central artists among many include Kate Aspen, The Americana Project, Donna Young, Dennis McGregor, Steve Allely and many others. 

VOTE VOTE VOTE: Oregon Art Beat Viewers Choice