High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon
is honored to announce that Gallery Director, Myrna Dow, has again
received Top Honors from the Professional Picture Framing Association
(PPFA) at the 2009-2010 International Framing Competition, held
February 21 through 23, in Anaheim, California.
Myrna Dow was awarded the Judges Award for Best Use of Fabrics during the 2010 Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) International Framing Competition. This award is another in a distinguished list of awards that Myrna Dow has received at the PPFA's International Framing Competition, including Top Honors, Top Point Earner for First Time Entry Award, and First Place Award for 2008, and Third Place Award for 2009.
In November of 2009, High Desert Gallery announced that Myrna Dow had framed “Heart Rod Guitar” by artist Rod Morris, and received First Place, Top Honors, and People's Choice Awards from the Pacific Northwest Cascades Chapter of the PPFA 2009-2010 Regional Framing Print Competition. We could reveal a sneak peek at the artwork then but not the completed framed artwork until after the International competition.
Here is the award winning framed print. Myrna Dow hand-wrapped fabrics over beveled mats and added a fillet that complimented both the artwork and the frame. The choice of fabric requires an experienced eye for color and texture combinations that will work effectively, adding visual interest and elegance. The fabric, selected from The Stitchin' Post of Sisters Oregon, must then be measured and cut, and carefully applied using archival glue, bone folders, and gentle heat. While time and labor intensive, the finished piece demonstrates what fine art custom framing can accomplish in the presentation of your artwork.
Art Image: "Heart Rod Guitar" by artist Rod Morris - antique Holbein watercolor applied to gesso on watercolor paper, pastel and felt tip pen, acrylic spray, 3 inches by 17.5 inches. For the official Press Release and complete list of all PPFA winners please visit: 2010 Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) International Framing Competition.
About Myrna Dow: Myrna Dow, owner, director, and professional picture framer of High Desert Gallery and High Desert Frameworks! has a background in the arts and framing industry spanning more than twenty five years. Earning a BFA in Graphic Arts from Portland State, Dow first started in the graphic arts field working for several large agencies and type houses. 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 with an accomplished professional picture framer. In 1999 Dow relocated to Central Oregon and soon thereafter established High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon. The constants in Myrna Dow's artistic vision include innovative design principles, expert knowledge of preservation materials and practices, and an expert understanding of color.
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 gallery locations in Bend, Oregon and Sisters Oregon. High Desert Frameworks! the award-winning framing studio for the gallery is located at 61 NW Oregon Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250.
