Madras/Prineville

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march12

(March Issue available 2/24/12)

Picnic in the Park Free Concerts Return to Prineville

The 7th annual Picnic in the Park, presented by Mid Oregon Credit Union and the Crook County Foundation, brings music lovers a variety of music from the Big Band sound of The Notables to Grammy-nominated Nashville singer-songwriter Rhonda Hart.

This summer’s free concert series is held Wednesday, 6-8pm through August 24 in Prineville’s Pioneer Park, next to the picturesque Crook County Courthouse.

Alpha Omega Gallery of Art Opens in Prineville

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David Sherman and Debra Riggins opened the Alpha Omega Gallery of Art on 203 N. Main Street in Prineville on October 1. The two moved to the area from Klamath Falls; after contemplating Bend, Redmond and Prineville, they decided Prineville was the perfect community for a new gallery.

Alpha Omega carries fine art: landscapes, still life, pottery, gourd and wood art. They currently represent seven different artists and welcome other area artists to approach them about displaying their works.

The couple spent the past few years collecting art for their gallery. Sherman is an artist himself and works in acrylics painting portraits, animals, landscapes and miniatures. He has art on display at Favell Museum of Western Art in Klamath Falls and is a member of the High Country Artists LLC.

Alpha Omega offers art classes beginning November 3 with a basic beginning acrylics class. Other classes will be developed and a schedule is forthcoming.

The grand opening for the gallery will take place on November 5 with an all day open house from 10am–7pm and music and refreshments from 5–7pm.

541-591-8013, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Dragon Kiln Firing Party Honors Artist

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By JEFF SPRY Cascade AE Feature Writer

Longtime friends and artists from throughout Central Oregon gathered recently to honor Brian Worrell and his life in ceramics with a kiln firing party and memorial in Madras. Worrell passed away in March of liver cancer and to share in a celebration of his inspiration and creativity, his wood-fired Dragon Kiln was stoked on May 17-22. The traditional Japanese Anagama-style kiln creates one-of-a-kind pots, vases and bowls that retain a gritty, earthen appearance. Its huge size allows for hundreds of pieces to be fired within the blistered, cracked walls.

Worrell, a passionate artist and Vietnam veteran, had imagined the final firing of the massive Dragon Kiln during his last days. His wife, Pam, and a close circle of friends organized the event to carry out his wishes, hoping his spirit would preside over the occasion and feel the heat and love generated.