High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

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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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.

April Art Events at High Desert Gallery -- Redmond and Sisters Oregon

Three Great High Desert Art Gallery Events -- Save The Date!

Seventh Annual My Own Two Hands Art Stroll
Sisters Oregon:  High Desert Gallery – 281 W Cascade Avenue
Friday, April 11, 2008   4:30 – 7:00pm
Meet and chat with the artists, live music, refreshments and lively conversation!

High Desert Gallery will feature and display donated artwork by Cristina Acosta, Nancy Becker, Paul Alan Bennett, Glen Corbett, Kathy Deggendorfer, Patrick Horsley, Kimry Jelen, Lillian Pitt, and more!

Stop by for a great time and don't forget the other 20 plus locations and sponsors in downtown Sisters! A hoot for sure! A free event.

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!

Patrick Horsley, Artist-In-Attendance Reception
Redmond Oregon:  High Desert Gallery – 453 SW 6^th Street at Evergreen
Friday,  April 25, 2008  5:00 – 8:00pm
A “Walk The Art Beat” event.
Meet Nationally known Artist, Patrick Horsley, enjoy refreshments, live music and more!

Join us in downtown Redmond Oregon for “Walk The Art Beat” and an artist reception and exhibition and sale of fine pottery by nationally known Oregon artist Patrick Horsley.  New work will be on display and available for sale.  The event is free and open to the public.  Come and enjoy “Walk The Art Beat,” a Redmond Oregon Community Art Event.

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 December 2008), Redmond Oregon 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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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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Press Release -- Myrna Dow receives top honors at the PPFA 2008 International Framing Open Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Myrna Dow receives top honors at the PPFA 2008 International Framing Open Competition

Bend Oregon – February 15, 2008 – It's not often national or international honors are given to a small business owner in Central Oregon.  Myrna Dow, owner of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, recently competed with the best of the best  in Las Vegas and Dow's first-time entry garnered the top honor, First Place, and a Judges Award for High-Point First-Time Entry in the Open Competition.

The custom framing entries in the Open Competition ran the gamut of subject, style, and framing technique and were judged on four critical components including, overall impressions, design and creative elements,  technique, and critical assessment of skills.  The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) hosts custom picture framing completions in several categories during their Annual International PPFA 2008 - Leadership in Framing Convention held in Las Vegas in early February 2008.

Dow selected "John Day River", an original gouache on paper, for the Open Competition that was created by nationally known and collected Oregon Artist, Paul Alan Bennett.  The work has a wonderful combination of rich textures and vibrant colors. The frame design was created to allow the viewer to first look at the artwork and then to allow the eye to follow out to the frame.  The components of the frame package were pushed to their maximum using a stacked moulding combination, suede wrapped mats, and a fillet enhanced with gilt cream place on a warm metallic gold mat. The artwork was suspended so the viewers eye could go first to the art and then play back and forth within the frame design taking in the subtle colors and textures allowing the piece to shine.

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

About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of  Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Opening December 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery  honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006 & 2007) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006). In February 2008, High Desert Gallery was awarded Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition.  For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. 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.

About PPFA:  For 35 years, Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) has served as the trade association for professional custom picture framers, art galleries, and framing and art manufacturers/distributors. With more than 3,200 members, PPFA provides a growing array of services and benefits including the professional designations, CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER® (CPF®) and MASTER CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER™ (MCPF™).   PPFA serves the art and framing industry as an advocate for its members and by offering programs that elevate professional standards, enhance profitability, and expand sales.  PPFA affiliated with Photo Marketing Association International® (PMA®) in October 2001. PMA® has more than 20,000 members in 100-plus countries and provides an annual convention and trade show typically drawing more than 650 exhibitors and approximately 25,000 to 30,000 registrants.

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.

Press Release Contact:
TDow, High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon
PO BOX 519 Bend, OR 97709-0519  Phone: 541-388-8964
Web Site: www.highdesertgallery.com

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Four New Original Paintings by Paul Alan Bennett

I always liked the simple composition of The Healing Space but, over time, there were parts of the over-all design that bothered me.  For example, the blue in the upper left hand corner seem to come forward, competing with the attention I wanted to give to the feather.  Also, the shape of the clouds were too, well, intestinal and the mountains at the bottom seemed to need to be pushed back more.

Basically, it just needed to be simplified in color and design to bring clarity to the poetic power of the composition.

Paul Alan Bennett – February 2008
All rights reserved and © copyright 2008

Read about Paul's previous post (July 2006) on "Healing Space" (older image to  right).

"The Healing Space" and three additional original paintings by Paul Alan Bennett can be viewed and purchased online at:

The Healing Space

Water Sparks

Passage from the Metolius To Lake Billy Chinook

Wallowa Moon

To inquire please call High Desert Gallery in Redmond at 1-866-549-6250 x 2 or purchase online at www.highdesertgallery.biz . For additional information about the artists and the 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 specializes 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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The Red Couch -- Paul Alan Bennett

The Red Couch -- I wanted to combine a furniture piece with a forest setting but not make it look like the piece had just been abandoned in the woods. Making it surreal by putting the feet and head of a woman on the pillows seem to put it more into that poetic realm I was reaching for.  Because the face is asleep, it also added a dreaming element that went along with this surreal intent. The piece offers much in the way of a painting about color- the reds against the greens.  My eye is drawn as much to this color theme as to the image of the woman sleeping.

Paul Alan Bennett -- 2008

"The Red Couch"  Image: 19.5" x 16"  Professionally and Archival framing by High Desert Gallery :  25" x 21" +/- Medium: Oil on Board.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2008.

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

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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Event: Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Preview Party With Paul Alan Bennett

Mark your calendar and save the date. Please plan on joining us on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for the Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show ^TM Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett.  Paul will be in the High Desert Art Gallery in Sisters Oregon on Saturday and available to talk about his new work, the inspiration behind this years poster and he plans on signing a poster or two!  The 2008 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show ^TM   poster will be available for sale during the event.  Come and view great art, new originals and 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!

It's a busy weekend in Sisters!  Also schedule the same week is the Stitchin' Post Customer Appreciation Weekend held in Sisters Oregon on April 18^th , 19^th and 20^th , 2008!   Like the good folks at the Stitchin' Post say .... Help us celebrate “you,” our customer, at our 2nd annual Customer Appreciation Days celebration on April 18, 19 and 20. There will be “Stay and Play” free demonstrations, refreshments, and drawings for six $100 gift certificates (good for Twigs home accessories, yarn, fabric, books, patterns, and notions). Place your name in a drawing for a Viking Sapphire 850 sewing machine from Morrow’s Sewing Center. Also, we will have hourly specials announced throughout the weekend. Best of all, you can meet and have books and patterns signed by Karen Stone, Leigh Radford, and Valori Wells and Carolyn Spencer. Don’t forget to check out and sign up for the quilting and knitting workshops from Karen Stone, & Leigh Radford during this weekend.  For more information on the weekend of activities at the Stitchin' Post visit:  Customer Appreciation Weekend at the Stitchin' Post!

If you miss the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show ^TM Poster Preview Party with Paul Alan Bennett you can catch him at High Desert Gallery during Quilters Affair Week ... Plan on joining us for an  Artist Reception on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 3:00 - 6:30 PM.  Great Art, new original paintings and prints, lively conversation, meet and chat with Paul and enjoy live music and great refreshments.  A Hoot for Sure.  A great way to wind down after a long day of classed during the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Quilters Affair week!

For more information on this and all of High Desert Art Gallery's events in Sisters, Redmond and Bend Oregon  call 866-549-6250 x 3 or download our print friendly calendar at: High Desert Gallery's 2008 Event Calendar (64 Kb PDF) or visit our events calendar at www.events.highdesertgallery.com .

For additional information about the artist, the work and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery's online art gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz

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 our Feeds:  Follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our blog, RSS, or our events calendar.

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show^TM is a trademark of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt show and used with permission.

 

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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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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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