(Photo courtesy of Art in the High Desert)
Central Oregon’s Premier Art Show Returns to Bend
From August 23-25, the banks of the Deschutes River at Riverbend Park will be displaying some of the best local, regional and national art around. Art in the High Desert (AHD), Central Oregon’s premier fine arts and crafts show and sale, is returning to Bend in August 2024.
The show hosts approximately 150 artists who have been selected from a juried process — the reason there is such exceptionally high-quality work. This year, guests can expect to see artists presenting work across a spectrum of 15 mediums: 2D and 3D mixed media, ceramics, painting, sculptures, woodworking, metalworking and so much more. Plus, everything is for sale.
The founders of the show, Dave and Carla Fox, have maintained a philosophy of excellence ever since the show’s inception in 2008. The show has two goals in mind: high-quality artwork, and showcasing the artists themselves. “Things like live music and bouncy booths, etc. is not a part of Art in the High Desert,” said board member Brian O’Neill. “As much fun as those things are, and as much as they belong in other shows, we didn’t want to do anything that would take away from the experience of artists showing their art, and interested patrons purchasing art.”
Since 2008, the show ran every year until the COVID pandemic forced the 2020, 2021 and 2022 shows to cancel, and the Foxes retired from running the show to pursue other interests. But former artists who did the show wanted it to continue. An experienced board of directors was assembled — most of whom are professional artists from a variety of mediums — restarting the nonprofit show.
Art in the High Desert is built for and run by artists who understand what it is like to tour across the country and attend shows like these. The new Board was adamant about keeping the original philosophy alive; this show exists to bring the highest quality art and craft work to Central Oregon for a show and sale. It’s about the visual arts.
The show is carefully juried, and each artist accepted into the show is held to a high standard. The jury process only accepts artists who are pushing their respective mediums to new heights and excellence. It is this standard that recently earned Art in the High Desert a number ten ranking by USA TODAY for art festivals across the country.
During the show, each artist will be at their booth presenting their work. Art in the High Desert does not accept any exhibitors from large production companies, those selling imported items or those buying or selling manufactured goods; the only people selling the art will be the artists who made it. “This is a great opportunity for the guests to come down and connect with the artists a bit and talk with them about their work, learn more about what they do, how they do it, and buy from them,” Board member Darryl Cox stated.
Because this show already features an extremely high standard of artistic quality, Art in the High Desert also has a different approach to handing out prizes. AHD does not have “best of media” awards, but instead chooses to present five Bench Mark awards that are given out for the following criteria: practicing thoughtful and professional presentation to the public, in booth and art; being well prepared for all aspects of the show; upbeat and positive in their work, with the public and with their fellow artists; making an effort to be actively involved with the public during the show; helping others to understand and appreciate the value of art in quality living; showing excellence in their applied art and their work in general.
In 2023 Art in the High Desert was held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. The space provided plenty of room and the Expo staff were a joy to work with, but the location felt a bit out of the way, according to both artists and patrons. Wanting to respond effectively to the feedback, the new board listened and moved the show back to Bend. Cox was able to find a beautiful new location, just across the road from the former site, at Riverbend Park. This year, the new venue at the park takes center stage. It offers views and a walk along the river as well as quality artwork. The show will be outdoors, utilizing the beautiful Central Oregon sunshine; guests will likely see river floaters passing by, taking advantage of the August weather.
The new board is delighted to be back in Bend, and have expressed gratitude to Bend Park and Recreation District and the Old Mill District, who have been phenomenal to work with as they strive to bring this event back to the heart of Bend.
Don’t miss your chance to soak in the sun and peruse through the work of some of the Nation’s best artists. Art in the High Desert 2024 will take place at Riverbend Park from August 23-25. The Friday showing goes from 5-9pm, while Saturday and Sunday run during the day.