(Update: Comments from visitors and co-chairs added)
BEND, Oregon (KTVZ) – Artists and art lovers from near and far gathered this weekend at Riverbend Park in Bend for this year’s “Art in the High Desert.”
More than 100 artists from the United States and Canada participated in the 14th annual Art in the High Desert, the premier arts and crafts exhibition and sale in Central Oregon.
“This is an art exhibition founded by artists Dave and Carla Fox and has always been held by artists, for artists and for art lovers,” event co-chair Rachel Harvey said on Sunday, the final day of this year’s exhibition.
Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of art and interact with the various artists, including photographers, jewelers and painters as well as sculptors, ceramicists and woodworkers.
Co-chair Darryl Cox said: “The patrons can actually talk to the artists who created the artwork. They stand there, have the conversation and it’s enriching for the artists too because they learn why it is so, why there is this connection between the art and the patron.”
Dawn King drove three hours from Amity to Riverbend Park to view the artwork on display, especially that of her sister-in-law.
“We came here to surprise them and then look around and see different things,” King said. “It’s pretty cool. There are some great artists here.”
King said she appreciates seeing a family member’s dedication to their craft.
“It’s great to come and see what she experiences when she goes to these (shows),” King said.
Participating artists are selected based on certain criteria, including originality and intent, concept, and uniformity of style and presentation.
Harvey added that the event is “heavily juried, so there is a new panel of judges every year. There is an anonymous application process and five judges who select the best of the best.”
If you missed the show, you can view a list of participating artists’ works, as well as links to their own websites, on the Art in the High Desert website.
