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Art by Knight Moves Into Historic House

By VALERIE CLARK Cascade A&E Editor

The realist fine art sculptures of Steven Knight and the paintings of his wife Laurel have a new home that embodies all their uniqueness, character and beauty and fits in with the ambitious plans the couple has for their future. Steven and Laurel have been together for 25 years and share a love of realist art, and now are working to do their part in a recent resurgence in the genre. He specializes in figurative bronze, equine and western sculpture, while she focuses on figurative and portrait paintings, landscapes and wildlife paintings.

The Knights recently jumped at the chance to lease the historic mill house on 236 NW Newport Ave. as their combination living space/gallery/studio. Built in 1918 by a mill worker with scraps from the lumber mill, the craftsman-style house is now owned by former Bend Mayor Oran Teater and his wife Janie, a teacher. The house is now home to a gallery space in its main living area, a well-lit studio off the main entry and the Knights’ living quarters and office upstairs. The gallery opened to the public on Father’s Day weekend. The idea, the Knights say, is that between their own artistic abilities and their partnership with Pacific Art and Framing in Redmond, they’ll be offering a full-service fine art facility right in the heart of Bend.

Brian Platt at Pacific Art and Framing is renowned for the perfect, taut painting canvases he stretches and his fine-art framing abilities. And by working with professional art scanners who utilize the latest technology to reproduce her paintings, Laurel is able to offer them at any size a customer might want. Better yet, the artwork available fits any budget. “The concept is to make fine art affordable for literally anybody,” Steven said. “You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to be able to walk away with something that’s really special, precious and archival.”

Visitors to the gallery will not only be able to watch Steven and Laurel work, but they’ll also get an up-close and personal look at art in its various stages. Additionally, Laurel points out, the artwork displayed in the main living space is staged to feel more like art in a real house, because that’s exactly what it is, complete with the built-ins found in many of Bend’s craftsman-style, mill-era homes. People who find it challenging to place their artwork around these built-ins, such as fireplaces and shelves, would benefit from seeing the real-world arrangement at the Knight house, Laurel explained. Plus, it’s a homey, non-intimidating environment.

“People are under the illusion that all artwork in galleries is too expensive for them,” she said. “We wanted to create a casual place.” Future plans include the addition of a television playing a looped video of Steven’s sculpting process. But perhaps even more important than their new physical space, the Knights say, are their plans for the online art community. The couple plans to partner with some 20 up-and-coming realist artists and lend them their marketing expertise, featuring their art on their website.

“We came up with the idea when we decided that we wanted to be able to find a way help other artists get out there,” Laurel said. “It’s not all about us; we’re all about fine art,” Steven said. And in the interest of building a vibrant online community of artists and art fans, the Knights plan to start a “Patron’s Pass” program.

For $975, patrons will receive a 24” by 36” archival canvas print of Laurel’s limited-edition painting Late Summer Pasture, along with a 10-year membership that includes exclusive art discounts, first pick on new artworks and the chance to critique and communicate with artists. Even during a recession, Laurel said, art should remain a focal point in people’s lives because of its power to inspire. “Art can bring so much into people’s lives,” Laurel said. “There is something to be said about what moves your soul.” www.ArtByKnight.com, ArtbyKnight@gmail.com, 541-633-7488

Wildfire Pottery Showcase Coming Up

Save the date for one of Central Oregon’s most popular and fastest-growing arts traditions, the Wildfire Pottery Showcase, coming up in November. This is the sixth year that the Clay Guild of the Cascades has put on the event, which will benefit NeighborImpact and Arts Central. More than 20 potters and sculptors have submitted their wares for the show, according to publicity chair Janet Matson.

“It’s turned into a pretty big event,” Matson said. “It’s a chance for people to show their work.” In addition to showcasing the artwork, the event also will feature clay demonstrations, a high school emerging artists’ booth, a children’s area with clay activities for kids, three $25 raffles for pottery on Saturday and two $25 raffles on Sunday. Attendees are asked to bring a can of food for the NeighborImpact “Feed the Body, Feed Creativity” food drive, and a portion of proceeds from the non-profit Guild’s pottery sales will be donated to the Arts Central youth scholarship fund.

The event is scheduled for 10am-5pm Saturday, November 6 and from 10am-4pm Sunday, November 7. It will be held at the Highland Elementary School (old Kenwood school) at 701 Newport Ave. in Bend.

Old Mill District Collectible Pint Glasses are Back

It’s become an annual tradition…collecting beautiful Bend signature limited edition pint glasses from the Old Mill District. Featuring beautiful, stylized art by Paul Leighton of Stellar Design, each glass depicts a recognizable area landmark or popular activity. 2010 is the third year these popular glasses have been available to shoppers in the Old Mill District. In 2008, pint glass designs included art dedicated to the Old Mill District, Mt. Bachelor, the Les Schwab Amphitheater and Mirror Pond.

Last year, a new colorful Old Mill District design, Smith Rock, Nordeen Nordic ski Shelter and the Deschutes River graced the shelves of patrons. This year’s glasses feature Sparks Lake, The Badlands and the Cascade Mountain Range. A special glass dedicated to the National Cyclocross Championships, held in Bend for 2009 and 2010, will also be available this year. Visitors to the Old Mill District can bring in any Les Schwab Amphitheater 2010 concert ticket and receipts from any of the shops, restaurants galleries or cinema totally $50 or more and receive a FREE collector’s edition poster or pint glass. The posters feature the same artwork displayed on the glasses. Both items will be available the first week in September at the Ticket Mill or Duck Store while supplies last. In addition, pint glass holders can bring their glass into Silver Moon Brewing for special brew deals.

Red Chair Newest Gallery
in Downtown Bend

by VALERIE CLARK Cascade A&E Editor

Downtown Bend’s vibrant art scene will soon expand by one more gallery as the Red Chair Gallery opens its doors just in time for August’s First Friday. The new gallery will be located in the historic O’Kane Building at 103 NW Oregon Street. Built in 1916, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gallery’s six artist/owners are: Rita Dunlavy, who specializes in fused glass and mosaics; Sue Lyon Manley, who works in pastels and watercolors; Steven Provence and Linda Heisserman, who both create functional pottery; Lise Hoffman-McCabe, specializes in pastels and Dee McBrien-Lee, whose medium is acrylics.

Through a jury process, the six founders have chosen 28-30 artists to be full members in the gallery, including well-known names such as Mike and Michele Gwinup, Kim McClain, Eleanor Murphey, Kim Jones, Denise Mahoney, Gordon and Kay Baker, Laura Jo Sherman, Jacqueline Newbold, and many more. “We wanted a nice mix between 2-D and 3-D art,” explained Hoffman-McCabe. The gallery features several different mediums, including wall art, pottery and textiles like scarves and bags. Hoffman-McCabe said the new gallery’s location on a high-traffic part of Bend’s busy downtown was key to their plan.

“We would not have done it if we hadn’t been able to get a downtown space,” she said, adding that the O’Kane building’s architectural character, use of the original Bend logo and high ceilings give it a perfect feel for an art gallery. The gallery is scheduled to open on August 1. A celebration with wine and hors d’ouvres is set for First Friday. Hopefully, Hoffman-McCabe said, many of the new gallery’s artists will be in attendance. “We hope to have as many as can come,” she said. 541-306-3176

Plein Air Painting Exhibit Planned

By VALERIE CLARK Cascade A&E Editor

For local art fans who would enjoy seeing examples of Plein Air painting right in their own backyard, the upcoming annual exhibit for the Plein Air Painters of Oregon is a must-see. To translate from a French phrase, painting “en plein air” means painting in the open air, and there’s no shortage of scenery across the state for artists, especially during the summer months. “Personally, I really like the mountains and Smith Rock just because they’re incredible,” said Lise Hoffman-McCabe, plein air pastels painter and exhibit chair of the upcoming show.

A non-profit organization, Plein Air Painters of Oregon was founded in 2003, with the goal of providing an organized environment for dedicated Oregon plein air painters to: participate in regularly scheduled group paint-outs, foster exchange of ideas and techniques through group interaction and develop public awareness of plein air painting through the written word and periodic public shows of plein air painting. The group has 73 members, 32 of which submitted artwork for the exhibit, titled Impressions of the Seasons. The show will take place on Saturday, September 4 at Clearwater Gallery in Sisters with artworks remaining on display through September.

The event will feature renowned pastels and plein air painter Richard McKinley of Medford, who will host a one-day, two-part workshop on September 3. From 9am-noon, McKinley will demonstrate his technique and 1pm-4pm he will be available to critique your artwork. The cost of attending both is $50 for PAPO members and $60 for non-members. For the demo, the cost is $35 for members and $40 for non-members. For the critique, which is expected to fill up quickly, the cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. www.pleinairpaintersoforegon.org

The ABCs of Enhancing
Our Community

By TRINITY COMBS Cascade AE Feature Writer

The Arts, Beautification and Culture award identifies the involvement in arts, community beautification and culture with emphasis on community gatherings, events, cultural tourism and the arts. This year’s winners have greatly contributed to the community in more ways than one.

The ten winners of the award have been working hard to promote their projects they are passionate about. They feel only grateful that their efforts have been acknowledged so that the whole community can see how to help promote arts, beautification, and culture in Central Oregon.

ARTS Awards
Bend Senior High School’s Broadway 101
Awarded the ABC Award for promoting art in Bend thanks to the actor’s ingenious performances promoting the past 80 years of American musicals.The production, directed by Patrick Welch, included singing, dancing, and dialogue, capturing the historical importance of the 24 numbers performed. Broadway 101 accomplished the student’s goal of showing the advancement in American Musicals through the different songs performed. The play was a free, in-house production that brought in 3,700 for the five shows ran. Broadway 101 greatly inspired the community, receiving standing ovations and encores every night.

Friends of the Library Art Committee
Denise Mahoney worked to promote art in the community by continuing with the Friends of the Library Art Committee that was formed in 1999 by Ruth Schassberger. Mahoney has been co-chair (with Laurel Francis) of the Friends since 2003. There are themed exhibits four times a year, one of which is photography and every two years there is a painting-only exhibit. All exhibits are open to the community to enter as long as certain standards are met. The Friends of the Library Art Committee is determined to be very inclusive of all levels of art ability and expression by having very open ended themes that can be loosely interpreted and they have exhibits which are defined by medium and have no theme other than that (the photography and Painterly Tradition). The artwork is usually for sale and can be purchased through the artist only. 

Randy Johnson
Johnson is a photographer who was in collaboration with Jon Taylor-Carter. Johnson and Carter started taking shots of the production La Cage Aux Folles just for fun but the shots soon turned into over 25 posters used for decoration throughout the theatre. Johnson had the important role of taking the pictures and creating the posters. Johnson said he mainly did the job just for the fun of doing it. “I commented that maybe we didn’t have to get paid,” Johnson said. “There is a significant non-profit arts presence in the community.”

Atelier 6000
Pat Clark along with Atelier 6000, the fine art and printmaking studio, was presented the award for the company’s contribution to art in Central Oregon. Atelier is committed to fostering community art education, creative expression and personal professional artist development. The business offers memberships, presents classes, Artist–in–Residence workshops and Art Talks in all areas of fine arts with an emphasis on printmaking, bookmaking and drawing. A6’s presentation gallery is transformed each month exhibiting original exhibitions featuring local artists, artist in residence works, outsider artists and fine art crafts. Atelier 6000 contributes to the environment while also contributing to the art in town by using only water-soluble inks; no caustic chemicals or acids usually associated with printmaking process, as well as reusable cotton rags. The receptions use china plates and glassware, or biodegradable Tater ware.

Sean Meehan- Imagine Dance Company
Received the award for Arts thanks to his donated time given to Ballroom Dancing lessons throughout the community. Meehan and his wife, Rachele, own and operate Imagine Dance Company, which has been running for two and a half years. While his wife is the business end of the company, Meehan is the dancer and artist who promotes art through helping others learn the skill of dancing. Meehan donates two to three thousand lessons per year to the Bend Senior Center and to local schools to teach the art of ballroom dance. He’s held lessons at Redmond High, Westside Village Magnet School, and he even helped a Mr. BSH contestant from Bend Senior High choreograph his talent portion for the pageant.

BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS
Bob Wenger
Bob Wegner is a board member and the BPRD liaison for DogPAC, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting off leash opportunities in Central Oregon. Wegner was involved in meeting with BPRD staff and planning the six new off lease areas (OLA) in Bend. From these meetings he became aware that BPRD would not have the resources or time to do much more than fence in and add some basic amenities to these OLA’s prior to their opening last May. A couple of months before the May opening he started work on an east-west trail over the two rock ridges that had the most natural beauty and scenic views in the park but were full of heavy brush. It took a lot of hard work picking out rocks and digging up brush, but one trail turned into another and then another until there were several rock lined trail options. BPRD built additional trails and fine tuned and applied gravel to those Wegner specifically built resulting in almost two miles of trails in this fully fenced off leash area.

Cheryl Howard
Cheryl Howard, a board member of Orchid District Neighborhood Association, has a vision to build a Laurel Pocket Park in memory of Laurel Copley, a 13 year old attending Pilot Butte who died from a heart related illness. After her death, Laurel’s family learned they had to move since their house was in the middle of what is now Olney Avenue, and would need to be demolished to build the street. Cheryl Howard felt haunted at the trauma of the personal sacrifice the family had to go through and worked hard with the city for about five years to make the park happen. Two years ago, the park was finally underway, moving from just the idea to a beautiful new piece of green in Bend. The design element was education in memory of Laurel who loved school and was a great learner. The park is eco-friendly and was built with top-notch technology, such as a weather track station that uploads into satellite. The $100,000 park was paid for entirely by donations. Howard hopes it will set the stage and demonstrate that this is our city and everyone who lives here has the ability to contribute.

CULTURE AWARDS
Kristi Miller
Nominated for the Culture Award thanks to her continuous involvement in educating the public on culture and new cultural events. Miller is the host and executive producer of the long running show, Good Morning Central Oregon, and she is always first to interview the actors from a new play or musical from the different theatre companies around town. Miller said she has always been a fan of the arts and culture and she has great admiration for the people who work hard to make Bend a more beautiful place to live. Miller thinks a vibrant culture is what keeps people opting to move to Bend and live here as long as they can.

Bend Heroes Foundation
Dick Tobiason greatly contributed to the culture of the community when he requested the City of Bend and Bend Metro Park & Recreation District build a Bend Heroes Memorial at Brooks Park.Tobiason is the president of the Bend Heroes Foundation and project chair of the Bend Heroes Memorial. The memorial borders the Deschutes River at the end of Veterans Memorial Bridge and is a large elliptical plaza featuring flags of the six military services and Bend Police and Fire Departments, the latter known as First Responders. The veteran’s monument has a tribute statement honoring all Bend veterans who have served, are serving, and will serve our nation. Engraved on it are the names of 109 Bend veterans who made the supreme sacrifice during wars from WWI to the present. Eight hundred engraved bricks honoring veterans and first responders outline the plaza. The memorial was dedicated on Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2009. 

Orvis National Casting Competition
Ryan Young and the Orvis Store in Bend received recognition for promoting culture in Central Oregon thanks to the Orvis North American Fly Casting Tournament. This event uses Orvis’ 18 hole course to create the objectives for the tournament which draws people from across the country, and increasingly around the world, to compete in a unique event demanding distance, accuracy, and proficiency in a myriad of different fly casts and casting scenarios. William Smith Properties helped Orvis develop the dream of an educational system to introduce new casters to the sport of fly casting, and offer a challenge to even expert casters in either a competitive scenario, or a casual opportunity to refine skills at your own pace. The ability to encourage events like the Orvis North American Fly Casting Tournament with contestants ranging from novice to professional tournament casters, to our new children’s division, speaks to the Orvis determination to make fly fishing accessible to everyone. 

Beard & Moustache Championship Seeks Celebrity Judge

Until an A-List bearded celebrity agrees to serve as a judge in the June 5 National Beard and Moustache Championships in Bend, organizers will court them online using twitter (@BeardStacheNats) and Facebook. They have even launched a Facebook poll to determine which celebrity should judge. “We’d like to have Conan O’Brien as a judge, since he has a beard that tweets, but he has yet to respond to our twitter taunt,” said Jack Passion, emcee of the June 5 competition, and reigning World Champion.  “We also really like Ellen DeGeneres, and since she doesn’t have a beard, we’re sending her a few fake ones to try on.” The confirmed judges are celebrities in their own right. They include Miss Oregon, CC Barker; the owner of the world’s longest beard, Sirwan Singh; Captain Harry Lewis from the popular TV show Deadliest Catch and Burke Kenny, former world champion in the Full Beard Moustache Style category. Rounding out the panel of judges for the National Beard and Moustache Championships will be an at-large berth awarded to the winner of an online video submission contest about why he/she should be selected as a judge for the competition. To submit a video, applicants can find all necessary information at http://beardteamusa.org/events/want-to-be-a-judge/. Passion is the current world beard champion, having taken first place in the full beard natural category at the World Beard and Moustache Championships both in Brighton, England, in 2007 and in Anchorage, Alaska in 2009. Passion is the author of The Facial Hair Handbook, at 25 years of age is younger than many of the beards in his category. www.beardteamusa.org

Living the Green Lifestyle: All the Way Down to your Picture Framing

If you are like many individuals and families in Central Oregon, you try to make daily choices that help preserve the environment. You carry reusable shopping bags. You use “green” cleaning products. You recycle. There’s no need to sacrifice your ideals when decorating the walls in your home or business. Eastlake Framing can help you make the right choice. “We’ve always integrated practices into our daily operations that reduce waste, while helping others in the community,” said Debbie Spicer, owner of Eastlake Framing. “We donate leftover supplies and used frames to art teachers in public and private schools, we give packaging supplies to artists and galleries for re-use, and we donate frames to the art and photography department at COCC.” In addition, Eastlake Framing offers several lines of environmentally friendly framing products, such as frame molding and matboard. “We look for suppliers that share common goals with us when it comes to stewardship of our planet,” Spicer continued. “We’ve been able to work with companies that are committed to reducing ecological impact through practices such as reforestation, biodegradable materials, alternative packaging, reclaimed woods, and simple office practices that match our own, such as recycling.” All of these suppliers participate in certification programs around the world to ensure that responsible forest management is followed throughout their supply chain. And buyers of these products don’t have to sacrifice quality or beauty by making the right choice. All the finest woods and finishes are available to perfectly complement that special piece of art – so it may become an heirloom used for generations to come. 541.389.3770 • EastlakeFraming.com

Nashelle Jewelry Opens New Showroom

Nashelle Jewelry, founded by jewelry designer Heather Beeson-Straw, recently opened a new show room at 61511 American Lane Suite 1 in Bend. The showroom’s regular business hours will be from 11am-6pm Monday-Saturday.  Michelle Taylor of Nashelle Designs said Nashelle has been in business in Bend for 10 years.  “We are a global company that supports the local community,” she said. 

“We use recycled precious metals and are internationally recognized.” All of the jewelry is handmade to order at the studio in Bend. Several local designs show their jewelry, clothing and accessories at the new showroom. ashleigh@nashelle.com, 541-382-2360, www.nashelle.com

Bella Moda Adds Gentlemen's Resale

Not many men swing open their closet doors and moan, “I have nothing to wear!” But for those who do, heading to a resale shop instead of the mall can be a smart way to build a wardrobe without breaking the budget. Men’s resale shops aren’t as common as those that cater to women, but Bella Moda in Bend, the only of its kind in Central Oregon, is worth visiting.

“We were receiving many request from men that they needed a place to not only shop but to consign their clothing, so we thought why not give them what they want, says owner Karen Poulsen. “We are excited to announce the addition of Gentlemen’s Resale in Bend.” Designer suits, slacks, jeans, button-down shirts, and accessories fill the well-organized racks and shelves. Like other high end designer resale-store owners, Poulsen accepts only high-quality items, which have been dry-cleaned and are in excellent condition.

Designer labels such as Armani, Gucci, Cole-Haan, Coach, Prada, Hermes, Versace, Fendi, Valentino, Dior, English Laundry, Bergatti, Corneliani, YvesSaintLaurent, Manzoni, Tiglio, Ferragamo, Rossetti, Bally and more can be found. Bella Moda Resale Shop accepts men’s and women’s consignments daily. Closed audits by appointment. Bella Moda, 1001 NW Wall St., Bend, www.bellamodaresale.com. 541-550-7001

Collaboration Brings Trilogy of Inspirational Theatre to Bend

In December 2009 three separate nonprofits in Bend were busy making their independent plans for three different fundraisers to be held in the spring of 2010. Through a series of unique circumstances and several subsequent conversations, Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living (CORIL), Full Access and Bend Experimental Art Theatre (B.E.A.T) decided to come together in partnership in January of this year and present one common and distinct community offering of incredible talent and entertainment through theatre and film.

All three offerings portray very professional and inspirational messages of what great achievements people with disabilities in our community experience in their lives each day when given the right opportunities and supports. Their goal is to bring their unifying message together and to make sure that it is heard, in short, “together we are stronger.” With each of these offerings, the audience will be moved to tears, laughter and a strong sense of renewal and community through experiencing this Trilogy of quality entertainment. Saturday, May 8 CORIL is bringing Leonard Nimoy’s Vincent to the Tower Theatre.

Vincent is the heartwarming story of Vincent Van Gogh as told through the eyes of Vincent and his brother Theo, a few days since Vincent’s untimely passing at age 37. Vincent’s various mental and physical challenges created a much harsher benchmark to reach the magnificence of his work, because of the boundaries he pushed. This is a very funny play, with lots of witty asides and caustic rejoinders cast out on famed friends like Toulouse-Lautrec and Paul Gauguin.

You will find yourself frequently lost in the amazing landscapes and haunting words that, together, frame a gifted and troubled spirit. CORIL will bring internationally acclaimed and award winning actor Jim Jarrett to Bend for this once in a lifetime offering of monologue theatre. Jarrett has portrayed Vincent and his brother Theo all over the world to rave reviews. Friday, May 14, 11:30am matinee for children and families, 7:30pm for adult viewers that is preceded by a VIP silent auction and appetizers option for these ticket holders at 5pm at Tower Theatre.

Full Access will host the Sprout Film Festival, an international touring film festival that raises the profile of people with disabilities by showcasing films that feature their work. Full Access is a nonprofit organization in Bend that assists individuals with developmental disabilities pursue a quality of life consistent with their preferences and choices. By presenting thought provoking films, the festival reinforces accurate portrayals of people with developmental disabilities, and exposes the audience to important issues. People can expect an enjoyable and enlightening experience that will entertain, and break down stereotypes promoting a greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities. www.fullaccess.org May 15-23 at Second Street Theatre B.E.A.T presents The Boys Next Door, an off-Broadway acclaimed play and then subsequent movie, written by Tom Griffin and directed by Mary Kilpatrick.

This funny yet touching production focuses on the lives of a group of mentally challenged young men, who live in a communal residence under the watchful eye of a sincere, but increasingly despairing social worker. This play peers into the world of the mentally challenged protagonists. It is filled with great poignancy and hilarity as we are reminded that differently-abled individuals face unique challenges. Ultimately, this is a story with a new perspective on learning about life and love that will move you to laughter and then to tears within the same scene. B.E.A.T. (Bend Experimental Art Theatre) is a local nonprofit dedicated to raising the quality, appreciation and participation in the dramatic arts by youth. www.beatonline.org

Art & Wine Auction Features Bruce Jackson Signature Piece

Mark your calendars for Deschutes Children’s Foundation’s 18th Annual Art & Wine Auction! This year’s event takes place on Friday, May 7 at the Riverhouse Convention Center. The Art & Wine Auction is one of Central Oregon’s most prestigious events and provides a delightful treat for the taste buds of art & wine connoisseurs.

The evening will feature a silent and live auction filled with works from the region’s best artists and wines from around the world. The signature piece for 2010 is Bruce Jackson’s Speaking Fluent Aspen. To add to the excitement, guests will enjoy the live music of Todd Haaby and Sola Via, a delicious dinner and wine tasting with prominent Northwest wineries.

The auction is DCF’s major fundraising event supporting its exceptional services for children and families at its collaborative campuses. DCF provides rent-free space to over 26 nonprofits and manages facility needs, enabling programs to focus on the services they provide to the local community. Tickets for the Art & Wine Auction are $99 and can be purchased in advance by contacting DCF at 541-388-3101 or visiting www.deschuteschildrensfoundation.org.

Beard Team USA Selects Bend to Host National Beard & Moustache Championships

Bend will host the first-ever National Beard and Moustache Championships at the Les Schwab Amphitheater on Saturday, June 5, 2010. The event will take place in conjunction with the Balloons Over Bend festival. Beard Team USA, fresh off its stunning victory over Germany at last year’s World Beard and Moustache Championships, selected Bend from a group of more than 25 bidding cities, resorts and hotels.

The event promises unique family-friendly entertainment for young and old, bearded and clean shaven, dedicated fans and newly curious. “We chose Bend to host the Nats because of the community’s love of beards and beer, two things we hold in very high regard,” said Phil Olsen, the founder and self-appointed captain of Beard Team USA.

“Through our meetings with the folks in Bend, we were convinced that despite their lack of facial hair, they were committed to hosting a world-class event and welcoming America’s elite beardletes, their friends, and fans with open arms and delicious Bend beer.” “It’s an honor for Bend to host America’s facial hair gifted from across the country,” said Doug La Placa, president and CEO of Visit Bend, the organization that courted Beard Team USA to Bend.

“While Bend is typically known for its breathtaking scenery and unparalleled outdoor recreation, we’re looking forward to showing the World that our beards and beer are second to none. Already many new beards are sprouting on the faces of normally clean shaven Bendites in anticipation of the big event.” Beard Team USA, whose motto is, “growing beards for America,” was founded in 2003 to represent the United States at the biennial world championships, long dominated by European groups, especially those from powerhouse Germany.

This will be the first national championship event held in the USA. The competition is open to everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or team affiliation. Already, Beard Team Canada has announced plans to attend. Other international groups may come too. Moreover, unlike other prestigious athletic events, there will be no annoying gender testing. The Competition will take place in four categories, with the winner in each category walking away with $1,000. So that every competitor gets a shot at the prize money, a fifth $1,000 prize will be awarded to a contestant selected at random. Additionally, a locals’ category for Deschutes County residents will be incorporated into the festivities.

Official categories include: Best Moustache: Beards are allowed in this category, but contestants will be judged on their moustaches only. Best partial beard: Includes goatees, Van Dykes, sideburns, musketeers, etc. Best full beard: Styling aids are permitted. Freestyle: Anything goes… Anything. Be creative. Beardletes will be able to register online at www.beardteamusa.org.

Jewelz For Food - A Fundraiser
to Feed the Hungry

Bend’s Community Center is inviting people throughout Central Oregon to donate jewelry, watches, money clips, cuff links, and other sparkly items or high quality accessories to their new fundraiser, Jewelz for Food. Jewelry for all ages and both genders is being sought for this unique fundraiser scheduled for February 5-6 at BCC. Friday evening, February 5 will be a sale for adults, 21 and older. The evening will include appetizers prepared by CHOW restaurant, a no-host bar and musical entertainment from 6–9pm. Saxon’s Fine Jewelers’ owners and staff will be on hand Friday evening to assist customers in their selection of high quality jewelry from diamonds to jade, watches to earrings, all specially priced for this event. The following day, February 6, Jewelz for Food will open to the public of all ages from 10am–4pm.  Donations of non perishable foods are encouraged for both days entrance.Donations of jewelry and other accessories can be dropped off at Bend’s Community Center, 1036 NE Fifth St., Bend from 9am–5pm, Mon. – Sat. Please no donations on Sundays. All high quality jewelry will be inspected by Saxon’s staff and priced accordingly.All proceeds from this event will go toward BCC’s Feed the Hungry program which prepares as many as 1,000 meals each week for the homeless and hungry in Central Oregon. Information: 541-312-2069.

Chinese New Year Event to Benefit EcHO

The second annual Education for Chinese Orphans – EChO, Year of the Tiger Chinese New Year family celebration will be February 20, 4-10pm at the Bend Boys and Girls Club. The event proceeds will benefit EChO, a local Bend non-profit organization raising funds to support special needs orphans in China who will never be adopted.

EChO hires Chinese educators to teach independence, academic and vocational skills for orphans in China. Tickets to the event are $12 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors, 5 and under free, $30 total for a family of 6 and under and $45 for a family of 7 and larger. This is an incredible value for families looking to spend an evening together enjoying dinner and a new cultural experience. Tickets are available at the door on the day of the event. Pre-event tickets are available at Hong Kong Restaurant, Combined Communications or by calling 541-610-6967.

In addition to a Chinese buffet dinner supplied by Hong Kong Restaurant, this unique event will feature a dragon dance, live music, door prizes, Asian art and a silent auction. Craft-making booths and authentic Chinese games for the younger crowd will include Chinese lanterns, small paper dragons, a zodiac station and constructing a small informational book for the Chinese New Year.

New Gallery Coming to Downtown Bend

Like so many others, Jane Ujhazi and Jeffrey Weymouth (who currently live in Bandon-by-the-Sea on the southern Oregon coast) have wanted to live in Bend for years. Both believe things in life happen for a reason; all it takes is the courage to make the change when the opportunity arises.

That opportunity for change – the impetus to finally move to Bend — emerged in the form of Jim Peterson, owner of Mockingbird Gallery. Clients of Mockingbird for the last few years, the couple share a passion for fine art and had been exploring possibilities for Jane to return to art for an occupation. After much discussion, many questions and on-going conversation, Jane decided running a fine art gallery was the perfect culmination of her own art knowledge and talent, background in marketing and propensity for engaging others with a shared interest.

So for the last few months, she’s been crunching numbers, engaging artists and working morning, noon and night (literally) toward opening Bend’s newest fine art gallery downtown this spring. Highlighting local talent, the new gallery will also feature works by regional and nationally recognized painters and sculptors. River Bend Fine Art will open in early May, with a gala grand opening planned for Memorial Day weekend. Keep an eye out for Jane and Jeffrey downtown. They’re passionate about art . . . and Bend! www.riverbendfineartgallery.com, jane@riverbendfineartgallery.com, 541-297-3739

Downtown Bend Welcomes USA Cyclocross Event

The Downtown Bend Business Association invites bicycle fans to enjoy a special Bicycle Art Walk on Friday, December 11. Downtown business will display bicycle-themed art and other fun bike-related events will take place in conjunction with the 2009 National Cyclocross Championships in Bend, December 10-13. The Bicycle Art Walk event is in addition to the regular First Friday Art Walk downtown on December 4. For Bicycle Art Walk, everyone is encouraged to leave their cars at home and ride a bicycle. For details about bicycle art exhibits and other activities, check the new Downtown Bend Business Association website at downtownbend.org.

Coffee House Art: Serving Up a Cup of Culture

By Suzanne Johnson for Cascade AE
Lively conversation, the soft clink of cups on saucers, walls spotlighting fresh original art – is this a gallery? A museum café? A private collectors’ gathering? Nope – you’ve just walked into a local coffee house, where art is served up daily along with cappuccinos and lattes. From the first “Kiva Han” in Turkey over 500 years ago, to the seventeenth-century salons of Europe, to America’s own Beatnik gathering spots, coffee has stimulated community connections, intellectual enlightenment, and artistic innovation.

In the high-energy, caffeine-fueled community of Central Oregon, our local coffee houses are carrying on the tradition of mixing coffee and culture, while providing local artists with much-needed exhibit space.

AN ARTISTIC AMBIANCE
Thump Coffee “Art has helped us create a space where people want to be,” said Hazel Chapple of Thump Coffee in downtown Bend. Hazel and co-owner/husband Kent Chapple have integrated the visual arts into the very design of Thump Coffee since its inception in 2007. Local artists including Justyn Livingston and Andrew Wachs helped with details ranging from the curve of a counter, the metalwork along the bar, and the painted border of a menu board – subtle details that add to the ambiance.

Yet it is the art on exhibit that points to their passion for engaging the community in the visual arts. Thump’s first art installation continues to have an ongoing presence: Mark Bernahl’s “Wishes” covers the ceiling, the wish-bearing wood panels now hanging in clusters as new wishes have been added over the years. The expansive brick wall holds exhibits that change over every month or so, and range from traditional two dimensional paintings to three dimensional works such as altered books and one-of-a-kind skateboards. The Chapples also make space each year to feature art from local schools, with an eye toward nurturing kids’ confidence in themselves and their talents.

Thump’s September exhibit juxtaposed two local artists whose style and technique contrasts starkly, yet find common ground in their darker themes. Painter Alex Reisfar’s muted, dreamlike scenes are done on glass, and provoke as many questions about their imagery as they do about the painting process used to create them. Reisfar’s works were interspersed between the wood block prints of Dirk Spece, of Black Rabbit Tattoo. These large graphic prints carry a Day of the Dead feel, and demonstrate how tattoo artistry can extend to other media.

Upcoming exhibits at Thump include the swirling mountain and ocean images of painter Lori LaBissoniere in October, followed by Kristen Klus’ photography in November. December’s exhibit is planned to complement the National Cyclocross competition happening in Bend at that time, with a display of Nikki Hoke’s bicycle-themed paintings. Details on Thump’s featured artists and their work can be found online at thumpology.com.

CONNECTING WITH THE ART COMMUNITY
Strictly Organic Coffee Most local coffee houses don’t have to look very hard to attract artists, according to Peter Gunby of Strictly Organic Coffee. “The blessing is that they come calling on us with their portfolio,” he explained. “We make sure it’s a good fit for our space, and mix up the types of art from month to month.” Gunby appreciates the continual change art brings to the space, and September’s exhibit of African wildlife photography by Nishon Thorstrom Smith was a favorite. “Art is a conversation starter. It gives a taste of new cultures and scenery. And everybody’s got an opinion to share.”

Lone Pine Coffee Roasters Scott Witham, of Lone Pine Coffee Roasters, agrees that art enhances the coffee house experience. “We’ve had people stop in first for the art, and come back later for some coffee.” One of the newest additions to Bend’s downtown coffee scene, Lone Pine is located in Tin Pan Alley, right around the corner from PoetHouse Art. “It’s a real asset to have PoetHouse artists nearby,” said Witham. “We’ve cultivated a really good relationship with the arts community.” PoetHouse PoetHouse provides studio and gallery space to a community of resident artists, including collage painter Kaysee Anseth-Townsend. Anseth-Townsend has been involved with the creative atmosphere in Lone Pine from the start, with a permanent painting of coffee poetry and the logo tree on the main wall, as well as exhibiting her artwork.

Anseth-Townsend appreciates the unique aspects of displaying work in the coffee house. “A whole variety of people look at your work there, and can really spend time with it,” she explained. Coffee house exhibits seem to have a distinctly different feel from gallery exhibits. Galleries attract art lovers and art buyers, with a focus on sales, while coffee houses have more of a symbiotic relationship with their artists, increasing traffic flow to both the coffee and the art. Bend’s art scene has been blessed with several quality galleries, but some have had to close their doors recently due to the economic downturn, leaving gallery space at a premium.

While coffee house exhibits may not lead to the number of sales common in galleries, the exposure artists receive is significant, especially for emerging artists who may not be able to find or afford gallery space. Bend artist Kim Jones, who exhibited paintings in Bellatazza Coffee in downtown Bend in years past, found the exposure can come to fruition down the road. “One woman saved my card for three years before calling me to commission a painting – when people like the work, they remember you.” Expect Bend’s art scene to be buzzing on the evening of October 2nd, as the bi-annual Art Hop draws out crowds of art lovers for a visual feast (supplemented, of course, with wine tasting and treats galore.)

No Art Hop route would be complete without stops at the coffee houses, for a stimulating visit with exhibiting artists, and a nod to the age-old connection between coffee and culture.

RESOURCES
Thump Coffee: www.thumpcoffee.com/ Dirk Spece art: http://blackrabbittattoo.com/section/7790_Dirk_Spece.html Alex Reisfar art: http://alexreisfar.com/ Lori LaBissoniere: www.lorilynnart.com/index2.php Nikki Hoke: http://nikkihoke.blogspot.com/ PoetHouse Art: www.tbdloft.com/poethouse.php Strictly Organic Coffee: www.strictlyorganic.com/ Lone Pine Coffee: www.lonepinecoffee.com/ Kaycee Anseth-Townsend: www.artappropriatelyamiss.blogspot.com/ Kim Jones: http://contemporaryartbykimjones.blogspot.com/

Human Dignity Coalition Applauds Vagina Monologues

The Human Dignity Coalition will be producing The Vagina Monologues at the Tower Theater on August 14 as a fundraiser for HDC. An after party at the downtown Martini Bar with DJ’s and specialty drinks will follow the performance. Written by Eve Ensler, The Vagina Monologues was originally written in 1996 following various interviews Ensler conducted with over 200 women regarding their views of sex and sexuality, relationships, and violence against women.

In her own words, Ensler wrote The Vagina Monologues to both “celebrate the vagina and feminity,” and to bring attention to the movement to stop violence against women worldwide. The Vagina Monologues is composed of monologues read by a varying number of women. Every monologue somehow relates to the vagina; through sex, love, rape, orgasm, menstruation, birth, mutilation, masturbation, the names for the vagina, or simply as an anatomical part of the female body.

A prominent theme throughout the play is the concept of the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and also as a source of individuality. The play first opened at the HERE Arts Center in New York City on October 3, 1996. Originally performed with Ensler reading every act herself, the play quickly gained popularity as celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg became involved and as the cast numbers expanded to include different women in every act.

The play version of The Vagina Monologues has been performed in over 76 countries to date. Human Dignity Coalition is a powerful voice against discrimination in Central Oregon. In 1992 a group of concerned Central Oregonians joined together to campaign against the statewide Ballot Measure 9, discriminatory legislation against sexual and gender minorities. While the ballot measure was defeated statewide, citizens still saw the need for a local human rights group and Human Dignity Coalition was born.

EGO on Ice

Ellen Gienger Features Wearable Art at Jewelry Store

Well-known clothing designer Ellen Gienger has collaborated with Marty Smith, owner of Ice in downtown Bend on Wall Street to feature her hand-painted line of wearable art. Ego Originals art-to-wear garments are part fantasy, part function and all exquisite. Designed and produced in Bend, the fabrics are hand painted and sewn by local artisans. “My designs look great on many different body types from extra small to extra large,” says Gienger, founder and creator of Ego Originals.

“Each shape is classic and will never go out of style. Although I don’t base my designs on fashion trends, I am influenced by fashion elements like color and length.” Gienger uses the techniques of layering, block printing and painting to achieve the dramatic and varied abstract patterning that appears on her fabrics that in turn play off one another to contrast forces such as light and dark, movement and statis, sheer and opaque. Gienger’s designs are featured in boutiques and high end galleries throughout the nation. She noted that sales have dropped nationwide, “but we’re hanging in there and have decided to see if Bend still has a desire for our high end clothing line. Marty’s place seems like the perfect venue for us to be reestablished locally.”

“I've been doing the designs for 15 years,” explained Gienger. “the designs are still basically the same, however the button shirt, a casual approach to hand-painted fabric is very hot right now. I am using more fabrics with a combination of linen and silk. “These are classic designs that never go out of style.” Smith is delighted to have Ego Originals as part of her jewelry store and sees it as the perfect fit. “We have space towards the back of the store and with the fashionable wearable art that Ellen designs we can compliment everything else we sell in the store.

The kind of clientele we get oftentimes shop in boutiques all over the world and they travel here to find these great designs. “Plus, these clothes are made right here in Central Oregon and she’s not even being shown…..this way people don’t have to go to the factory to see the original pieces. “I also think that it’s a good marriage for us. Ellen does things for the mother-of-the-bride and we sell a lot of bridal jewelry including wedding sets and accessories and I always get this question: where do you go for mothers of the bride outfits? Now we have them right here.” So now Ice has there very own artist who will be on hand during First Friday Artwalk and other downtown venues. “We’ve already sold some special orders and are getting a wonderful response, people know about her and see her designs in the window and come right in,” added Smith. Ice Fine Jewelry 382 7475 871 NW Wall Street, Bend www.egooriginals.com

Bella Moda Offers Finest in Fashion Resale

by SONDRA HOLTZMAN CBN Feature Writer
Like a picnic on a starry night in Rome’s Coliseum, Bella Moda is an idea whose time has come. In Italian, it means “beautiful fashion.” Here in Bend, Bella Moda heralds the arrival of high-end designer label fashion at an affordable price. Intrigued? Partners Karen Poulsen and Angela Hudspeth are excited about the opening of their new store in the heart of downtown Bend.

“We want to bring new, high-end fashion that isn’t available normally in this area to people who can now access it,” says Poulsen. “The merchandise is going to be on a resale type basis that is either gently used or a year or two old. We’re finding many pieces are brand new with the price tags still attached in many of the ladies’ closets. It’s exciting to provide a downtown location to feature this merchandise and the store will be stunning.”

A grand opening party is scheduled for the end of June. Patrons will be dazzled by the elegant décor throughout the store. Spacious dressing rooms will feature a plush chaise lounge with two oversized mirrors and a flat screen television poised above the counter will entertain clients with continuous runway model fashion shows. In August, Bella Moda will host a benefit fashion show for the American Cancer Society and the Cattlemen’s Baron’s Ball in September.

Other future events include Ladies’ Night and other fundraising activities. Folks, this isn’t your mother’s consignment store. Aside from high-end designer fashions and designer samples, clients can treat themselves to a plethora of accessories, handbags and shoes. “The designer samples are just yummy and two of our lines are from France and Germany,” says Hudspeth. “We’re calling ourselves a resale store because it’s not just consignments – we’re going to have stunning designer samples as well.

And if a client is seeking a specific brand, we’ll contact them as soon as it comes into the store.” Poulsen came up with the bright idea of a high-end fashion resale store when she was in Barnes and Noble last January researching environmentally friendly businesses. “I found all these wonderful places online that are doing very high end designer label consignment businesses that look like New York boutiques,” she shares. “I decided I could do just that right here in Bend.”

Trunk shows that feature elegant lines such as Carlisle, Worth Collection and Doncaster are an integral part of the fashion education Poulsen and Hudspeth hope to bring to their patrons. “This is clothing that is designed extremely well and is very fashionable, but yet not trendy,” says Poulsen. “So when you pay $700 for a jacket or coat that is very unique and stylish, you’re going to keep it in your wardrobe for at least five to ten years. It’s going to be your ‘go to’ piece when you want to dress up. This is fine merchandise that we’ll be bringing into the store while offering it at a much more reasonable price than when it was brand new. Some of the trunk show merchandise is made from the exact same fabric that Channel uses to craft its fashions.”

These ladies aren’t just cleaning out closets here in Bend. Poulsen has developed relationships from San Francisco to Seattle and has brought this merchandise to Bend to sell at Bella Moda. She says, “It’s great for Bend and it’s great for the economy. It’s an idea whose time has come, and we’ll have an online presence as well. Our patrons won’t be wearing something you saw on Betty Jones two weeks ago on Bond Street.” Information: 541/550-7001 Bella Moda 1001 NW Wall Street Bend, OR 97701

Spring Fashion 2009

This Season's hottest looks from hot box betty, emily jane and Urban Beauty Bar