High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Press Release: June events at High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June events at High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Bend, Oregon – May 1, 2008:  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon announce their June artists events.  The gallery sponsored events are free and open to the public.  For more information on the events, artists and the gallery please call 1-866-549-6250 or visit: www.highdesertgallery.com.

Artist Reception -- Rowdy Barry -- High Desert Gallery -- Sisters Oregon
Thursday, June 12, 2008    5 – 8:30pm
Artist Feature from June 1 through June 15th
Location: High Desert Gallery, 281 W Cascade Avenue, Sisters Oregon 97759
Special Exhibition of artist and nationally known rodeo bullfighter! Rowdy has created the 2008 Sisters Rodeo Poster and we are honored host Rowdy and his original paintings in the gallery from June 1 to June 15th. A special Artist in Attendance reception will be held at High Desert Gallery in Sisters Oregon on Thursday, June 12th. Plan on attending the reception and the world famous Sisters Rodeo. For more information on Rowdy please visit: www.rowdybarry.com and www.sistersrodeo.com.  A Hoot For Sure!

Artist Reception -- Kathy Deggendorfer -- High Desert Gallery -- Sisters Oregon
Saturday, June 21, 2008  4 – 7pm
Artist Feature from June 1 through June 30th
Location: High Desert Gallery, 281 W Cascade Avenue, Sisters Oregon 97759
Join us for a wonderful month of new work by Kathy Deggendorfer! Nationally collected and regionally acclaimed the work of Kathy is bright, fun and often with a bit of humor!
Collectors and art lovers are invited to a special Artist in Attendance reception for Kathy on Saturday, June 21, 2008 -- Meet Kathy -- View new work and enjoy lively conversation, great art, live music by Bellavia and refreshments!

Artist Reception - Kimry Jelen -- High Desert Gallery -- Redmond Oregon
Friday, June 27, 2008   5 – 8pm
Artist Feature from June 1 through June 30th
Location: High Desert Gallery, 453 SW 6th Street, Redmond, Oregon 97756
Join us for an Artist in Attendance Reception on Friday, June 27th from 5-8pm in Redmond Oregon. Meet Kimry, view great art, enjoy lively conversation, live music and refreshments.  Join us for Kimry's artist reception and Walk The Art Beat, a Redmond Oregon community arts event.  A Hoot For Sure!

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 a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery 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. The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

About Rowdy Barry: Rowdy Barry began bullfighting when he was 14 years old and became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1986. Rowdy is much more than a bullfighter – He's a real cowboy, rancher, rodeo bullfighter and an accomplished painter and sculptor. His artwork is shown across the nation at Western art shows and rodeos and is widely collected. The Kennewick, Washington, rancher was the commissioned artist for national Wrangler Bullfight posters from 1992-1997 and honored this year with the commission for the 2008 Sisters Rodeo Poster. High Desert Gallery in Sisters Oregon will feature Rowdy's paintings and sculpture from June 1 through June 15 with an artist reception on Thursday, June 12 from 5-8pm.

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. 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.

About Kimry Jelen:  In a moment of clarity, Kimry Jelen left the corporate world and her life as a fashion designer to honor the horsewoman she is and pursue her artistic talents. The accolades she received from companies like Nike, Royal Robbins and O'Neill pale in comparison to the joy she receives from interpreting her love of nature with paint, brush and palette knife. Her contemporary style flows freely, from abstract to representational, and demonstrates an intimate understanding of her subjects. A native Oregonian, Kimry has made the central part of the state her home where she is a professional horse trainer and artist. She comments on her inspiration, "my art is an opportunity to share what nature shares with me, every creation is a celebration of life, whether an aspen grove, the power of horses, or a critter's sense of humor!" Kimry's work has found it's way into exhibitions and corporate and private collections throughout the United States and Europe.High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to exclusively represent Kimry Jelen in 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
High resolution Images available on request

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Press Release -- Artist Reception for Internationally Known Artist, Lillian Pitt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artist Reception for Internationally Known Oregon Artist, Lillian Pitt.

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon is honored to host an artist reception for Native American Oregon Artist, Lillian Pitt on Saturday, May 24th at High Desert Gallery's Sisters Oregon Art Gallery.  The event is free and open to the public.

Press Release File: Download PR-HDG-LillianPitt-Recp-04152008.pdf (166.3K)

Bend, Oregon – April 15, 2008.    High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon is pleased to announce an artist reception with Oregon Native American artist Lillian Pitt.  The Artist-In-Attendance Reception at High Desert Gallery in Sisters Oregon on Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 4pm to 7:30pm will include an extensive collection of new work including work with images from Lillian's "Crow Takes Leave of the Family"; original anagama masks and sculptures; limited edition bronzes, images and forms of "She Who Watches," raku masks, sterling silver jewelry and more.    High Desert Gallery is located in downtown Sisters, Oregon at 281 W Cascade Avenue at Oak Street.  The event is free and  open to the public.  The artist reception is a rare opportunity to meet Internationally known Artist, Lillian Pitt while enjoying great art, lively conversation, refreshments, live music and more! 

The special exhibition and sale will be featured in the gallery from May 1 through May 31, 2008.  For more information on the artist visit:  www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250.  High Desert Gallery is honored to represent Lillian Pitt in Central Oregon.

About Lillian Pitt:  Lillian Pitt is an accomplished artist who has been exhibiting her contemporary sculpture, carvings, masks, wearable art, and works on paper for over twenty years. One of the indigenous people of the Columbia River Gorge, she is called by her Indian name, Wak'amu (Strongly Rooted), by elders of the Warm Springs/Wasco and Yakama tribes. The term might also describe her art, for although her approach to form and materials is eclectic and contemporary, her intriguing metaphors are always rooted in her Native American tradition.

She says this about her work: “I use the ancient stories of my ancestors as a basis for the imagery I create. By doing this I maintain the memory of an ancient culture and keep the beliefs of my people alive. We have forgotten how to live in harmony with nature. Accessing this vast reservoir of traditional information and translating it into contemporary terms jogs our memories and provides points of reference to achieving balance within ourselves, our community and the world. My ancestors have a 10,000-year history in the Columbia River Gorge. Much of my work has to do with the preservation and care of the environment along this ancient waterway.”

2007 Earle A. Chiles Award recipient and recipient of the Governor's Award for the Arts, Oregon, in 1990, which declared that she had made, "significant contributions to the growth and development of the cultural life of Oregon.”  She is known nationally and internationally for her Raku and Anagama fired ceramic and bronze masks and "Shadow Spirit" totem images based on traditional symbols and spirits of her Columbia River ancestors. Her repertoire has expanded to include monumental bronze sculpture, sometimes reflecting the theme of Salmon migration. One recurring image, "She Who Watches," is based on a Columbia River petroglyph which represents the last of the Woman Chiefs.

Her art has been exhibited and reviewed in the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and Japan. Her work has been commissioned by numerous museums and organizations and is in several collections, including the University of Washington's Burke Museum, the Sapporo City Hall, Sapporo, Japan and the prestigious Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ. A traveling retrospective of her work, "Spirits Keep Whistling Me Home," was launched in 1999 at the Museum at Warm Springs on her native reservation in Oregon and has been exhibited at other museums nationwide.

With the turn of the millennium, Lillian's art took on an even larger dimension, as she and a team of Native American artists were commissioned by the city of Portland, OR, the Oregon Convention Center, Portland State University, and a variety of other municipalities, cultural institutions, and corporations to create public art projects. She welcomes these opportunities to share her Native American heritage and her ecological commitment with an expanded audience.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Lillian Pitt in 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 a “Top 100 Art and Frame Gallery 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.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

Press Release Contact: T Dow
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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Press Release -- Cristina Acosta Represented by High Desert Gallery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nationally Known Oregon Artist, Cristina Acosta, Represented by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

Download PR-HDG-CristinaAcosta-03182008.pdf (123.3K)

Bend, Oregon -- March, 18, 2008:    High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is proud to announce the signing of a representation agreement with Nationally known Oregon Artist, Cristina Acosta.   Cristina's original paintings and fine art hand embellished giclee prints are available for sale in High Desert Gallery's Redmond and Sisters Oregon fine art and custom framing galleries.

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 available for sale at High Desert Gallery's Fine Art Gallery in Redmond and Sisters Oregon.  For more information on the artist and to purchase on line visit:  www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. High Desert Gallery is honored to exclusively represent Cristina Acosta in 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 a “Top 100 Art and Frame Gallery 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.

Press Release Contact: T. Dow
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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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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Press Release: Cary L Weigand represented by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

For Immediate Release

Cary L Weigand represented by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Bend Oregon – December 3, 2007 -- High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon is pleased to announce the representation of Oregon Artist, Cary L Weigand.   An artist feature showcasing Cary's recent works will be open to the public through January 30 at the High Desert Gallery, 281 W. Cascade, Sisters, Oregon.   Work on display includes new fine art porcelain sculpture.   For more information including hours of operations, please call High Desert Gallery at 866-549-6250 x 3.

About Cary L Weigand:  A sixth generation Hawaiian, Cary graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Masters of Fine Art in Ceramics and relocated to Central Oregon in 2004. Since she graduated she has eagerly pursued the path of establishing herself as an independent ceramic artist.  Her major interest in figure modeling expands both the use of ceramic techniques as well as explores some relatively neglected areas in content.  Inspired by the loose slab work her figures evoke a sense of mass in contrast to the loose and flowing slab work of drapery and body appendages.  This formal device provides an important ground for the content of her work, aimed at a search for a contemporary spirituality.  Working with earthenware or porcelain, a figurine is worked upward slowly allowing each layer to dry.  Then it is painted with Terra Sigilatta, wood ash, overglazes and fired.  Next is applied a variety of stains, paints and sometimes wax.  Each piece builds a bridge connecting Cary's psyche with the physical realm.

For nationally known artist, Cary Weigand, ceramics is a very humanistic and tactile experience.  Drawn to Asian philosophies and Shamanism she finds they both focus on awareness of mind, spirit, and environment.  The figure represents a vehicle of humanity.  Cary's work is an expression of the subconscious and symbolism.  She states: “In this way, I seek to look deeper within myself.  I look upon each piece as that something which beckons the impenetrable shadows of madness, or the liquid flow of existence, day after day after day, (Or maybe this heart...) a wild beast caged within its chest, dreaming a dream which we've already seen unfolding before us, (time and time again.)

Cary's original artwork including her fine art porcelain sculpture is available exclusively in Central Oregon at High Desert Gallery.

About High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing: 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 Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery has been 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).  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .

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 2007.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

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

For high resolution images please contact T Dow at 541-388-8964 x 3.

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Press Release: Lillian Pitt represented by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

For Immediate Release

Lillian Pitt represented by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon is pleased to announce the representation of Oregon Native American artist Lillian Pitt .   An artist feature showcasing Lillian Pitt's recent works will be open to the public through December 31 at the High Desert Gallery, 281 W. Cascade, Sisters, Oregon.   Work on display includes "Crow Takes Leave of the Family" a limited edition Pendleton Tapestry; original anagama masks and sculptures; limited edition bronzes "Dreamer", "She Who Watches" , and "Wasco Coyote"; raku masks and jewelry; and sterling silver jewelry. For more information including hours of operations, please call High Desert Gallery at 866-549-6250 x 3.

2007 Earle A. Chiles Award recipient and recipient of the Governor's Award for the Arts, Oregon, in 1990, Lillian's work is both nationally and internationally recognized from Germany to Canada to New Zealand to Siberia to Japan!  Most identified with Lillian are her Shadow Spirits and Petroglyph Series, including "She Who Watches". Lillian writes, "I have continued to use shells, cones, and other natural objects to create textural surfaces on the pieces in my Shadow Spirit Series, again a collaboration with Nature.  The petroglyph and rock paintings of the Columbia River Gorge inspire the form and energy of these works".

Lillian's most recent recognition, The 2007 Earle A. Chiles Award, will be presented on December 4, 2007 at the Benson Hotel in Portland Oregon. The Earle A. Chiles Award, established in 1983, is a cash award given annually by the High Desert Museum.  This years recipient, Lillian Pitt is acknowledged for creating images that sustain ancient Columbia Plateau cultures and beliefs, and promoting harmony within people, communities, and nature.  The award is funded by the Chiles Foundation.

Using traditional images and non traditional art techniques, Lillian Pitt's work shares emotion and energy with people who find "spirits keep whistling me home" their own journey.  Lillian's work is now on permanent display and sale at the High Desert Gallery for all to visit.  Gallery Director, Myrna Dow,  says:"We are truly honored to work with Lillian and are pleased that through our representational partnership her work will continue to be showcased in a professional gallery setting here in Central Oregon.”

About Lillian Pitt:  In her book "Spirits Keep Whistling Me Home", Lillian writes, "My early work began as a playful interaction with clay...I felt that I needed to make work that represented my own culture and who I am (knowing) that my people had a 10,000 year history of living in the Columbia River Gorge...I felt privileged to begin making images in clay of the pictographs, petroglyphs, and legendary beings of my ancestral homeland".

Born in 1943 of Warm Spring/Yakima/Wasco heritage, Lillian often features Stick Indians in her masks, sculpture, and jewelry. "Growing up on the Warm Springs Reservation, we were told Stick Indians living in the mountains would whistle to guide a good person to safety if lost in the woods, and would lead a bad person deeper into the forest.  Because my life has been enriched by so many good people, I picture the Stick Indian  I make whistling people to good fortune and well being".  Lillian Pitt is represented in Central Oregon by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon.

About High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing: 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 Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery has been 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).  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .  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 2007.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

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

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Press Release -- High Desert Gallery Advances to International Frame Design Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

High Desert Gallery wins Frame Design Award at Regional Competition and advances to International Competition.

Bend, Oregon – November 6, 2007 -- Myrna Dow, Gallery Director of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon took 3^rd place at the PPFA^® Pacific Northwest Cascade Chapter Print Framing Competition on November 4, 2007 held in Portland Oregon. 

Each year framers from across the U.S. and Canada enter their Regional Professional Picture Framers Association^™ (PPFA) Chapter Print Competition. All contestants frame the same piece of artwork. Those entries that place first, second, third and/or honorable mention are eligible to advance to the PPFA International Print Framing Competition held at the PPFA Annual Convention.

The PPFA International PRINT Framing Competition entrants are vying for international recognition of technical framing expertise, artistic design, and cash awards. PPFA Annual PRINT Framing Competitions bring out the very best in the art and framing industry's framing designs.

PPFA International PRINT Framing Competition judging will take place at the 2007 PPFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.  All entries will be displayed for Popular Choice voting as well.  Winners for first, second and third places along with honorable mention and popular choice awards will be unveiled during the PPFA 2007 International Framing Competition Reception and Farewell Party.

About the 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 High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing: 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 Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery has been 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).  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz .  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 2007.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

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

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Press Release: High Desert Gallery honored with “Top 100” Award – Three Years Running.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon honored with “Top 100” Award – Three Years Running.

Bend, Oregon – September 19, 2007 --  The High Desert Gallery Staff and Directors are pleased to announce the recent recognition in Atlanta Georgia of the 2007 “Top 100 Art & Framing Retailers” Award from DECOR magazine.  The award is for year 2006 and follows prior years of “Top 100” recognition in 2004 and 2005.    “This award could not be possible without the support of the Central Oregon Community, our professional and talented artists, clients, business partners and dedicated staff,” stated Myrna Dow, Gallery Director.

The 5^th Annual DECOR Magazine Top 100 Art and Framing Retailers Awards honors the best and the brightest in the art and framing industry  The award provides recognition of industry excellence in specific categories ranging from best frontroom design and best annual marketing plan to best store event and technology integration.  Art and Framing Galleries of all sizes through out the United States are invited to participate in the competition.  The award winners are the very best and brightest within the art and framing industry and set a terrific example for their contemporaries.

About DECOR Magazine: DECOR magazine begin life in 1880 as The American Picture Trade.  DECOR continues its authoritative role in the decorative art and framing industry, keeping subscribers up-to-date with the latest news and newsmakers, trends, and the cutting-edge technology that drives the ever-changing art and framing industry. For more than a One-hundred-twenty-seven-years DECOR magazine has maintained its mission of helping art and framing retailers run better businesses. For more information visit: www.decormagazine.com .

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 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 .  For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964 or toll free 1-866-549-6250.   

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

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Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America - High Desert Gallery

It is with great pleasure that the High Desert Gallery Staff and Directors announce the recent recognition of the 2007 “Top 100 Art & Framing Retailers” Award from DECOR magazine.  The award is for year 2006 and follows prior years of “Top 100” recognition in 2004 and 2005.    “This award could not be possible without the support of the Central Oregon Community, our professional and talented artists, clients, business partners and dedicated staff,” stated Myrna Dow, Gallery Director.

The 5^th Annual DECOR Magazine Top 100 Art and Framing Retailers Awards honors the best and the brightest in the art and framing industry  The award provides recognition of industry excellence in specific categories ranging from best frontroom design and best annual marketing plan to best store event and technology integration.  Art and Framing Galleries of all sizes through out the United States are invited to participate in the competition.  The award winners are the very best and brightest within the art and framing industry and set a terrific example for their contemporaries.

About DECOR Magazine: DECOR magazine begin life in 1880 as The American Picture Trade.  DECOR continues its authoritative role in the decorative art and framing industry, keeping subscribers up-to-date with the latest news and newsmakers, trends, and the cutting-edge technology that drives the ever-changing art and framing industry. For more than a  One-hundred-twenty-seven-years DECOR magazine has maintained its mission of helping art and framing retailers run better businesses.  For more information visit: www.decormagazine.com

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 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 .  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 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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Press Release: Ingrid Lustig, Oregon Artist, Represented by High Desert Gallery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ingrid Lustig Represented by High Desert Gallery.

Sisters Oregon - June 25, 2007 -- €“High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing -- €“ An award winning fine art gallery specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond and Stellar Custom Framing is proud to announce the representation of regionally acclaimed Oregon artist, Ingrid Lustig.

"I live in the High Desert of Oregon and look to this seemingly simple, yet truly complex landscape for the foundation of my paintings. My paintings always have mountains and open spaces in them to mark the land where I live. As a second layer, my work is about our relationship with the  unconscious, signified by portals, doors, figures, or animals,"€ comments Lustig.

"The four elements of fire, earth, water and air are emerging as major components of my work. These elements embody the universal law of change -- that the natural world is always in flux and that life contains both peace and chaos,"€ reflects Lustig.

"Over the last several years we have followed Ingrid's work and have been captivated by her use of color, texture and symbolism.  We are honored to represent her in Central Oregon,"€ states Myrna Dow, Gallery Director.  "Ingrid'€™s work is a wonderful complement to High Desert Gallery and truly adds a dimension to our Sisters Oregon fine art gallery.  We look forward to having her original paintings grace the walls of our downtown Bend, Oregon fine art gallery scheduled to open in the fall of 2008."

About Ingrid Lustig:  A professional artist for 20 years, Ingrid works with acrylic on canvas and paper with a strong devotion to color and form used in a symbolic way. "I like to keep my paintings fresh, so they look like they are still in the process of being created, even when they are finished."  Ingrid moved to Bend, Oregon in 2000 from Pendleton, where she was executive director of Crow's Shadow Institute for the Arts, on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.  During the '70s, she worked for wildlife conservation groups, including three years as director of a predatory animal center in the California mountains near Reno, Nevada. Her nonprofit group traveled to schools to bring the message that predators like wolves, bears and cougars are an essential link in the ecosystem.   Ingrid holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Washington State University at Pullman.  She has enjoyed success as an artist and painter and exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in the Northwest.  In addition to her professional art career, Ingrid is the Education Director for Arts Central, the Central Oregon regional arts council located in Bend, Oregon.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon, the Art & Soul of Central Oregon is honored to exclusively represent Ingrid Lustig in Central Oregon.  For more information on Ingrid and the gallery please call toll free at 1-866-549-6250.   High Desert Gallery'€™s website can be found at www.highdesertgallery.com and their online art sales gallery can be viewed at www.highdesertgallery.biz .   

"Animus,"€ an original acrylic on canvas by Ingrid Lustig.  All rights reserved and copyright © 2007.  Use of images is restricted and prohibited without prior written permission.   Members of the media wishing high resolution images for news publication are encouraged to contact the gallery.  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright © 2007.  Art & Soul of Central Oregon and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

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

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