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Art by Knight Moves Into Historic House By VALERIE CLARK Cascade A&E Editor
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
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 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
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 Friends of the Library
Art Committee Randy Johnson Atelier 6000 Sean Meehan- Imagine
Dance Company BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS Cheryl Howard CULTURE AWARDS Bend Heroes Foundation
Orvis National Casting
Competition Beard & Moustache Championship Seeks Celebrity Judge
Living the Green Lifestyle: All the Way Down to your Picture Framing
Nashelle Jewelry Opens New Showroom
“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
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
“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
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 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 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 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 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 “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
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