High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

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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Reception Thoughts on "Through The Envelope" - John Simpkins & Paul Alan Bennett

John Simpkins -- So many wonderful people came to the opening of Through The Envelope!  Old friends, new friends, people I had not yet had the pleasure of meeting...all gathering together to celebrate the work that Paul and I had created.  It was a team effort, an evening that focused on the outcome of over six months of love, imagination and work.

The gallery had a warm celebratory feeling that night.......a large vase of flowers graced one of the tables, and there were bountiful hors d'oeuvre and wines for those in attendance.  Soft elegant guitar music filled the gallery, played by the very talented and handsome Jacob French.  Paul and I had created some special "Through The Envelope" envelopes mounted on some of our old paint brushes, and some of us had some fun playing with those, holding them up as masks to look through.  There was so much warmth and frivolity in the gallery that night!

One of the most remarkable moments for me was when I met two collectors from New York who also have a home in Black Butte.  They come from Danish heritage, and they asked if I happened to be Danish also.  I admitted that I was at least 1/4 Danish, that my Great Great Grandfather had been a Danish sea captain.   I was curious as to why they had asked. They told me that they noticed a strong Danish sense of design and symbolism in much of my work.  My ceramics appealed to them and they purchased one of the most important pieces from my new collection.  I was greatly honored.

Andrew Moore, writer for the Bend Bulletin, had written a story on Paul Alan Bennett and me for the "Go!" magazine section of the paper, calling us "Brothers in Art".  I like that title very much!  Paul and I are indeed brothers in art, and our work is complimentary, it shows well together.  What a privilege it has been to work with Paul over the months in order to create this show!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gallery and the wonderful sales staff for their dedication and support through the years.  To Paul, my deepest gratitude and deepest bows for his good nature and remarkable imagination, friendship and humor.  We spent many a moment doubled over in laughter during the production of this show!   To James Martin, my sincere thanks for all of his remarkable help in gilding my frames and documenting my work.  And to all of my collectors and friends who attended the opening, my warmest thank you! What a supreme pleasure it has been, the journey over the past six months that has culminated in this special show.  For those of you who have not yet visited the gallery and this showing, please take some time to make a visit, I think you come away refreshed and perhaps your imagination will be massaged by the images that Paul and I have created especially for you.

I look forward to our next showing, and a chance to meet each and every one of you!

John Simpkins - August 15, 2007

 

Paul Alan Bennett -- I thought it was a great success- an "event" for Sisters and the surrounding community.  I enjoyed being a part of it and felt that all involved shared the same feeling.  I met many interesting people from various parts of the country and well as from old friends from various places and times in my life.  I found it curious that so many people asked me what was my favorite painting.  My pat answer of responding, "well, I feel it's like asking a parent who his favorite child is" didn't really carry much weight so I pointed out things I liked about "Drifting Through Time Over Black Butte" and "Nocturne."  Everyone had their own favorites and it was interesting to hear how those varied. Many people liked the boat image (Drifting Through Time Over Black Butte) as well as the Nocturne, but other choices were the sheep,  the Wedding Dancers and Chief Paulina.  I thought that the work seem to speak to everyone in a different way and I enjoyed seeing that.

The show was a very successful group effort on the part of The High Desert Gallery  (framing, publicity, reception) and the work that John and I did. John and I both challenged ourselves with new media which pulled us in new directions.  New ideas come out as a result.  The show's theme, "Through the Envelope" gave many opportunities for innovative advertising and a fun brochure. There was a certain French costume ball party in the flavor of all this.  This was greatly aided by the music of Jacob French and the refreshments.

Since the opening, I've had several people make a point of telling me how much they enjoyed the show.  They even mentioned enjoying the ad!  All this helps to make the opening a community event that all can take pleasure in.

Paul Alan Bennett - August 15, 2007

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For me the show itself is art -- Thoughts on "Through The Envelope" by John Simpkins

This show, Through The Envelope, is all about what I enjoy most about life: process.  Paul Bennett, Todd Dow and I began discussing this show early in this year, and the process has lead us to this moment, the opening day of the exhibit.  The title of  the show emerged after many casual gatherings sitting and free-thinking while sipping espressos at local Sisters coffee houses.  The wonderment of the concept was great fun, and watching the show take a shape and a direction is very much the way I paint.

Getting a spark of an idea, sometimes from dreams, or even just the way light plays off of an object, might lead to the beginning of a panel.  The initial strokes of venetian red gesso on a panel sets the foundation for what may come.  This signals an intention of creation.  I tend to watch over my creative muse as best I can, perhaps bending to the gratification of one of Janit Brockway's oatmeal cookies at The Navigator News here in Sisters!  Massaging the creative spirit, and in the case of a show like this, thinking of the effect all the work will have upon the viewer when shown together, is of great importance to me.  I like to include different shapes, complement the use of color and design, and experiment with the subject.  And, yes, I have discovered that cookies and espresso often encourage this activity!

For me the show itself is art.  Perhaps like dining on fine cuisine, I hope that this show provides both visual and spiritual delights.  My wish and desire is that the viewer's eye will revel in the concert of colors and shapes, then upon closer examination, be delighted by the content and detail of each work.

There was a marvelous sense of something akin to "family" as I produced this show.  Over the six months of production there have been highs and lows, challenges to be solved, and the childlike joy of acting on the sparks of creativity that make me smile.  Living with these 20 pieces of  work, saving them for the opening on August 11th, seeing them each day, imagining them hanging together in a show, this act itself is an art for me.   Each piece has it's own spirit and personality,  and to have them shown together is not unlike one of the gatherings of my family and relatives on a holiday!  The process of creating this show has been a delight for me.  I hope you will enjoy the work.

John Simpkins -- August 2007

Please plan on joining us for a wonderful evening of lively conversation, great art, refreshments and live music by Jacob French!  High Desert Gallery is honored to host an artist in attendance reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.
Date:  Saturday, August 11, 2007
Time:  4:00PM to 7:30PM
Location: High Desert Gallery -- 281 W Cascade Avenue Sisters Oregon 97759
Info:  541-388-8964 x 3

For additional information about the artists 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 and Sisters Oregon specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz . 

"The Chase" -- Original artwork by John Simpkins.  All rights reserved and copyright 2007.  Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permision.  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.

A First In My Career -- John Simpkins

On a recent trip to San Francisco I was thrilled by the antique Chinese porcelains I saw.  Many were in the collection of Richard Gervais (www.richardgervaiscollection.com ) and The Asian Art Museum.  I began researching and discovered a city in China called Jingdezhen.  This is the place that many of the blue and white porcelains originated from.  I hope to visit there one day and create some large decorated vessels in porcelain.

For the show, "Through The Envelope" (opening August 11th) I commissioned Bill Earhard (Bend, Oregon) to throw several vessels and large platters in white clay for me.  I painted  these in cobalt based under glazes and did a final satin glaze over that.  I am greatly pleased by the shapes and the imaginative aspects of the collaboration in this media.  I am most excited by a large vessel I have commissioned Brad Henry (Bend Oregon) to throw for me.  It will be almost 5 feet tall!! We will do this piece in a warm colored clay, then do a white slip over that so that I can scratch through the surface to reveal the undercolor.  Then I will decorate the vessel in cobalt blue under glazes and finish with a  soft clear glaze.

There will be 7 of these new pieces in my show, and this is a first in my career, I have never shown ceramic work until this show.  I am very excited about the direction this media has allowed me to take.  Very playful and decorative, the pieces are indeed a special collection of work that hopefully will evolve in the future to contemporary porcelain with a strong honorable nod in the direction of ancient China.  I hope you enjoy the pieces as well as the 10 paintings earmarked for the show!  Please come to the opening on August 11th!  I will see you there!

John Simpkins - July 2007

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Please plan on joining us for a wonderful evening of lively conversation, great art, refreshments and live music by Jacob French!  High Desert Gallery is honored to host an artist in attendance reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins on Saturday, August 11, 2007.

To receive updates on new work, art speak thoughts by both artists, show progress and sneak previews please subscribe to our weblog at: High Desert Gallery Weblog.

Check back for more show and artist information.  If you haven’t already done so – Mark your calendar, make your hotel reservations and plan on attending this is a not-to-be missed gallery event.  To receive a mailed invitation please call the gallery and we’ll collect (but not share) your postal mailing address.  Our toll-free phone is 1-866-549-6250 – Option 3 for the Sister Gallery and Option 4 to leave a message.  We hope to see you on Saturday, August 11 for “Through The Envelope” an Artist Reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.

For additional information about the artists 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 and Sisters Oregon specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz . 

Original artwork by listed artist(s).  All rights reserved and copyright 2007.  Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permision.  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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“Through The Envelope,” and into our hearts. Thoughts by Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.

In preparation for their upcoming show, we asked John and Paul to provide a sneak preview of an image or two and craft some thoughts on the theme, “Through The Envelope.”

This special once a year show is not to be missed!  Call the gallery (1-866-549-6250) to obtain your invitation.  Plan now to attend ...   

“Through The Envelope”
Artist Reception for Paul Alan Bennett & John Simpkins
High Desert Gallery – Sisters Oregon
August 11, 2007

A sneak preview and some thoughts ...

Paul Alan Bennett

"Through the envelope" can mean so many things- endless things.  It can mean a veil or curtain that hides things but those things can still be sensed or shadows seen.  It could mean the envelope of the present through which the past peeks out now and then- when history comes to light unexpectedly.  It can mean the envelope of skin or fur or feathers or scales that the spirit dances within.  Likewise, the envelope of youth or old age.  We are all on a moving train passing "through the envelope" of time.  Or it can mean a letter, a stamp, stationary, one's handwriting, how we feel when we recognize someone else's handwriting on a letter addressed to us.  Or it can be a bill, a check, a credit card application with our typed name peeking out "through the envelope."  It can be a mood that we are passing through- anger, hurt, sadness, feeling deeply touched, longing, elation, pride, love, grief...

Or it can simply be a poetic sounding phrase that feels good on the tongue.

Paul Alan Bennett – June 2007

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John Simpkins

Paul Alan Bennett and I began pondering the possibilities of our next show in January of this year.  We spent many an hour sitting at The Navigator or Sisters Coffee Company, sipping lattes or tea and encouraging our imaginations to create a title for our show this August.  Eventually, I do not recall precisely how it happened, we decided upon the title, "THROUGH THE ENVELOPE".  I likened it to the ability of seeing into another person's persona.....in this case, taking a peek into the inner workings of our personalities.

THROUGH THE ENVELOPE encouraged my creative muse to visit often.  I began imagining new forms in ceramic to decorate, and even found a most unusual wooden form to paint while trapped by a blizzard in Laramie, Wyoming!  Though thought to be born with two left feet, this coming show has encouraged me to dance freely!  The show in August will be diverse in content and subject with an overall quality of playfulness and wonderment.

I am currently working on 12 pieces for the show.  Some paintings are the result of dreams recalled, some are based upon sketches done in Tibet, others express my sense of rhythm and balance on selected forms, all reflect my response to the dance of life....... there are images of cats and poodles, monks and Buddhas, mermaids and anteaters, and even a couple of self-portraits.........please come and see "through my envelope" and into my heart!

Warmest regards,
John Simpkins
June 2007

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Please plan on joining us for a wonderful evening of lively conversation, great art, refreshments and live music!  High Desert Gallery is honored to host an artist in attendance reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins on Saturday, August 11, 2007.

To receive updates on new work, art speak thoughts by both artists, show progress and sneak previews please subscribe to our weblog at: High Desert Gallery Weblog.

Check back for more show and artist information.  If you haven’t already done so – Mark your calendar, make your hotel reservations and plan on attending this is a not-to-be missed gallery event.  To receive a mailed invitation please call the gallery and we’ll collect (but not share) your postal mailing address.  Our toll-free phone is 1-866-549-6250 – Option 3 for the Sister Gallery and Option 4 to leave a message.  We hope to see you on Saturday, August 11 for “Through The Envelope” an Artist Reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.

For additional information about the artists 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 and Sisters Oregon specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz . 

Original artwork by listed artist(s).  All rights reserved and copyright 2007.  Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permisson.    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.

Announcing: “Through The Envelope” – Paul Alan Bennett & John Simpkins

Please plan on joining us for a wonderful evening of lively conversation, great art, refreshments and live music!  High Desert Gallery is honored to host an artist in attendance reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins on Saturday, August 11, 2007.

To receive updates on new work, art speak thoughts by both artists, show progress and sneak previews please subscribe to our weblog at: High Desert Gallery Weblog. 

Stay tuned for more information and please SAVE THE DATE and make your hotel reservations as this is a not-to-be missed gallery event.

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Redmond Third Friday & Chairs Benefit – Redmond Spokesman

The current issue of the Redmond Spokesman has two arts related articles online.  Do plan on attending “Redmond Third Friday” Art walk  this Friday, March 16th from 5pm to 8pm.  Several locations in downtown will participate including High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing.  A couple locations that have an interesting mix include: 

Historic Redmond Church: music by Bellavia and Creston Rogerson & Dennis Plant, wine tasting, art show, theatrical readings
High Desert Gallery: Oregon artist Kimry Jelen
Britz Beads: artist Gilbert Shepard and new ‘vintage’ beaded jewelry
Underdog Coffee: music, art, coffee tasting
Santiago’s Mate: music, mate tasting
Slipmat Science: music by DJs Lyfe and Oblion
The Loft: multiple artists, music and theatrical performance
Housing Works: Redmond High School art show
Simply Sofas: theatrical performances by COLT

If you subscribe to the hardcopy paper you will notice an article about “COLT” in the Juniper Breeze Section – A good read and plan on stopping by Simply Sofa this Friday.  Sandy at Britz Beads always does a great job so stop in and see what’s going on.  Maps are available at all locations and at High Desert Gallery (453 SW 6th at Evergreen in historic downtown Redmond).

As mentioned in a previous post – John Simpkins and Paul Alan Bennett donated two very nice painted chairs to raise money for the Sparrow Club of Central Oregon (see image to left as well as previous post).   If you are out of the area and would like to bid on one or both of the chairs please call the gallery and we can stand in as your proxy bidder.  The silent auction ends on March 31, 2007 at 5:30 PM.  This Friday’s Art walk will bring a lot of attention to the two chairs – Remember – Snooze you lose!

We hope to see you on Friday – “Redmond Third Friday” – Downtown Redmond Oregon.

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Simpkins & Bennett Paint for "Chair-ity"

John Simpkins and Paul Alan Bennett, two nationally recognized Central Oregon artists,  have graciously donated two hand painted and embellished chairs to raise money for Sparrow Clubs of Central Oregon. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Chair-ity project will be on display around the Redmond Oregon community and ready for bids in March 2007.  Redmond Oregon High School and the International School of the Cascades students are painting more than 20 chairs and artists in Redmond and Central Oregon have embellished additional chairs.  All to raise needed funds for a great organization.

The chairs will be on display in local business the entire month of March, so the public can place silent bids with the top bidders walking away with warm hearts and some great functional artwork.  The Chair-ity, in its third year is a great community event with all of the proceeds benefitting The Sparrow Clubs.    Visit: The Redmond Spokesman’s article
“Art chairs for charity.”   

John and Paul’s chairs can be viewed at High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing located in the Butler Building at 453 SW 6th Street at Evergreen in downtown Historic Redmond Oregon.  The Oregon fine art and custom framing gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 5:30PM.  Additionally the art gallery will be open Friday, March 16th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm for Redmond Third Friday with work of Kimry Jelen featured.  Drop by and place your bid on one or both of these wonderful hand painted chairs.  Bidding Ends – March 31st at 5:30PM – Snooze You Lose! 

For more information on John and Paul please visit: John Simpkins and Paul Alan Bennett or call the Redmond Oregon Art Gallery at 541-548-1811 or toll free at 1-866-549-6250.

About High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing:  An award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Central Oregon including Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializes in Central Oregon Artists and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .

March Events at High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon!

Plan on visiting our two artist features and Redmond’s Special Third Friday Art Walk

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing – Redmond Oregon
453 SW 6th Street at Evergreen.  541-548-1811 -- Open Tuesday - Saturday 11am to 5:30pm

John Simpkins - Nationally Known Central Oregon Artist
Original Mixed Media Paintings and Fine Art Prints
March 1-31, 2007
High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing

      

Redmond Third Friday with art work of Kimry Jelen - Central Oregon Artist
Original Paintings
Friday, March 16, 2007 
5:00 PM To 8:00PM
Refreshment and lively conversation featured

John Simpkins and Paul Alan Bennett Chair Auction
Hand Painted Chairs available for silent auction to benefit The Redmond Sparrow Club
March 1-31, 2007
High Desert Gallery Redmond Gallery open Tuesday - Saturday 11am to 5:30pm


High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing – Sisters Oregon
281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak – 541-549-6250 / 866-549-6250
Open Daily 10am to 6pm

Sharron Bliss - Nationally Known California Artist
Original Paintings and Limited Edition Fine Art Prints
March 1 - 31, 2007


Detailed Event Information including artist information:
http://events.highdesertgallery.com/

About High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing:   High Desert Gallery, honored in 2005 & 2006 by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Voted “Best Art Gallery” in Redmond, Oregon (2006) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006) their flagship gallery is located in the heart of Sisters, Oregon, at 281 West Cascade Avenue at Oak Street and located in the center of the historic district of downtown Redmond at 453 SW 6th Street at Evergreen.  Both Redmond and Sisters are a short 15 minute drive from Bend, Oregon, Black Butte Ranch, Brasada Ranch, Eagle Crest Resort and Sunriver Resort, and only three hours from Portland.  High Desert Gallery in Sisters, Oregon is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. The Redmond, Oregon art gallery, located in the historic Butler Building, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM.  To contact the gallery please visit www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll-free 1-866-549-6250.

The Rhine House -- John Simpkins

JOHN SIMPKINS EARLY WORK:  THE RHINE HOUSE
This painting was one of my first works in oil .  It was completed in 1972 when I was 21 years old.  Painted on linen, this piece took me many months to complete.  I remember working on it while studying at UC Davis.......I was the possibly the only student there painting in this style, most of my colleagues were exploring non-objectivism.  The Rhine House, used as the hospitality center of Beringer Winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley, was, and still is, an excellent example of the rich late 19th Century architecture of Napa Valley.  I was driven to record it in paint!

This painting has been in my parent's collection until the spring of this year when their estate closed.  My paintings were willed back to me by my Father.  I have decided to offer this special painting for sale through The High Desert Gallery.
 
John Simpkins -- November 26, 2006

"The Rhine House", 30" X 36" oil on stretched linen, 1972 by John Simpkins.  All rights reserved and © copyright 1972-2006.  For additional information about the artist, the work and the gallery please visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-549-6250 / 866-549-6250.  Visit our online customer service center at: Online Customer Service Help Desk

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