Mastery on Display at Art in the High Desert

Rack the kayak or bike, drain the pale ale and take time to bolster your art IQ at one of Bend’s lesser known, but also celebrated, summer shows. The ninth annual Art in the High Desert Show and Sale, August 26 to 28, will stake claim to the banks of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District and is one of the country’s best outdoor contemporary art shows.

Meander among the 115 North American artists who competed for a coveted spot in this juried show that drew 569 entries. “We select a different jury each year, and each juror is blind to the artist’s name or location, ensuring that the show is all about the quality of work,” said Carla Fox, show director and co-founder with her husband, Dave. Jurors are instructed to look for artists who have clarity of purpose, good methodology and uniqueness of the work. “If an artist gets into the show, it means their art is fabulous,” Carla said. Among this year’s successful entrants, forty-four are Oregonians, including twelve from Central Oregon.

Fifteen categories of art—painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and purses, sculpture, fiber arts, metal work and more—are represented. Artists must be in attendance, which offers the public an ideal opportunity to mingle with them, ask questions and of course, buy art. “If you’re a collector, come Friday when the show opens,” Dave advised. Part of the show’s appeal for artists is the high number of sales, ranking it among the top twenty-five shows in the nation, according to the Foxes. They point out that the festival draws all sorts of people of different income levels with affordable art for most budgets.

Admission is free but no pets, please. – Lee Lewis Husk