First Friday Gallery Events & Exhibit Openings for December

Bend/Old Mill District First Friday

Bend Senior Center
1600 SE Reed Market Rd.
541-388-1133 • bendparksandrec.org/facility/bend-senior-center
The Bend Senior Center at the Larkspur Community Center is showing art by members of the SageBrushers Art Society. Come visit the facility and enjoy beautiful paintings in acrylic, oil, pastel, and watercolor, as well as outstanding photography. Showing through December.

Blue Spruce Pottery
20591 Dorchester E.
541-382-0197 • bluesprucepottery.com
This family-owned business has been making handmade pottery in Bend since 1976. Call to arrange a time to come shop their large selection of mugs, bowls, casseroles, lamps and more. Shop online and have gifts shipped directly to your family and friends. You can also find Blue Spruce Pottery at Red Chair Gallery in downtown Bend.

COCC Barber Library
2600 NW College Way
541-383-7560 • cocc.edu/library
Continuing through February 29 is an exhibition of landscape paintings by members of the art organization Plein Air Painters of Oregon is showing at Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) Barber Library Rotunda Gallery, with a reception from 3:30-6pm on Thursday, December 14. For complete gallery hours, visit the Barber Library’s webpage at cocc.edu/library.
The show features more than 70 works from the field and studio, all influenced by the outdoor painting experience, with artists hailing from Portland, Oregon City, Terrebonne, Prineville, Bend and beyond. Many paintings will be available for purchase. Plein air comes from the phrase “open air” in French.
Established in 2003, Plein Air Painters of Oregon is a nonprofit dedicated to sharing a love of painting outdoors in Oregon; members regularly participate in scheduled group “paint-outs” around the state.  pleinairpaintersoforegon.org.

High Desert Museum
59800 S Hwy. 97
541-382-4754 • highdesertmuseum.org
Starting on December 9, the Museum will unveil Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation, featuring the rare and valuable collection of original art by famous American artist Andy Warhol. In addition to the complete portfolio of Warhol’s Endangered Species series (1983), the exhibit will also feature selected highlights from Warhol’s Skull series (1976) and Vanishing Animals series (1986), as well as one of the Marilyn works (1967).
Andy Warhol, a household name and Pop Art icon, is best known for examining contemporary culture through images of commodification, mortality, and celebrity. Warhol’s Endangered Species collection asks visitors to reflect on our need for actionable conservation on a global scale and leverages the same style he used for celebrities to share that these animals deserve the same level of recognition and attention. The 900-square-foot gallery will convey the dynamic, ongoing efforts to preserve the highlighted endangered species but also the living implementation of the ESA itself. The exhibition will run through April 7, 2024.
The Endangered in The High Desert exhibit continues through July 7, 2024, bringing heightened attention to the variety of species in the High Desert ecosystem that are facing extinction or recovering from the threat. Examine the importance of ecological connectivity through engaging photographs and playful design. Visitors will also learn about simple conservation measures that they can take to help wildlife. In addition to learning about endangered species in the exhibit, visitors can tour the High Desert Museum’s other exhibits to meet living wildlife that have been listed on the ESA, including a bald eagle, Foskett speckled dace and desert tortoises.
Continuing through February 11, 2024, experience Wolves, a moving and stunning exhibition by acclaimed conservation photographer Ronan Donovan, created by the National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. Donovan’s images and videos feature wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic, and explore the relationship between wild wolves and humans to better understand the animals, our shared history, and what drives the persistent human-wolf conflict.

Jeffrey Murray Photography Gallery
118 NW Minnesota Ave.
541-325-6225 • jeffreymurrayphotography.com
The Jeffrey Murray Photography Gallery features the work of local photographer Jeffrey Murray. Visitors can browse comfortably in the two-story gallery enjoying visually adventurous displays of landscape, wildlife and contemporary work. Open daily Tuesday-Sunday.

Kreitzer Gallery
20214 Archie Briggs Rd.
805-234-2048 • KreitzerArt.com
Announcing Contemporary Realist David Kreitzer.
In the tradition of Turner and Cezanne, master oil and watercolorist David Kreitzer’s commitment to beauty and meditative work compels him to create exquisite, mood-invoking oil and watercolor Central Oregon splendor landscapes, figure, fantasy, oak and vineyard hills and Nishigoi koi images.
David, whose career was launched with a sold out show at Maxwell Galleries in San Francisco, has been a professional artist for 57 years.
David grew up as the son of a Lutheran minister who, due to his duties, moved his family frequently throughout the Nebraska countryside. Kreitzer has exhibited his work in numerous one-man shows in museums, universities and galleries across the country, and his paintings have served as posters for the Mozart Festival in San Luis Obispo, California, Atlantic Magazine and the Seattle Opera. He was a featured artist for the American Artist Magazine, and his collectors include Michael Douglas, Mary Tyler Moore, the Howard Ahmansons, the Robert Takkens, the Cargill Corporation and the Hind and Hirshhorn Foundations. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Thomas Albright, in his review of David Kreitzer’s first solo exhibit at Maxwell Galleries in San Francisco, wrote: “Kreitzer demonstrates how much poetic intensity the old tradition can still contain.” He has recently moved to Bend from the California coast, where he resides with his wife, celebrated opera singer Jacalyn Kreitzer. They have two children, Anatol and Fredrica.
Exhibiting daily 1-5pm and all First Fridays.

Layor Art + Supply
1000 NW Wall St., Ste. 110
541-322-0421 • layorart.com
Layor Art is excited to be hosting John Kelley and Pop-Up ft. Wendy Wheeler Jacobs for the month of December. John Kelley, is a Bend-based artist, climber, and adventurer on a mission to capture the essence of mountain landscapes through his art. He’s been blessed to travel the world through his career in education. His work in experiential education, guiding, and environmental stewardship, have profoundly influenced his creative pursuits. In John’s view, art has the potential to be a powerful force for positive transformation, in ourselves and our world. It’s this belief that led him to establish Thunder Mountainworks, grounded in three fundamental tenets: to create art, to share adventures, and to increase awesomeness. He aims to spark inspiration in others, encouraging them to not only create and appreciate the beauty around them but also embark on their own adventures. His vision extends beyond his artwork; it’s a call to action, inviting people to engage with their communities and contribute to the well-being of our planet. Wendy Wheeler Jacobs creates paintings of Smith Rock and the Crooked River from her unique perspective of spending countless hours and trail miles in the area. While recognizing the natural scenic beauty of the landscapes, she also gives nod to the importance of the recreational opportunities the land provides, featuring climbers, hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Wendy works in acrylic or watercolor, both in her studio and en plein air. She has degrees in studio art and graphic communications and spent nearly 20 years as a designer at Microsoft before moving back to her home state of Oregon to consult from home and spend more time painting. Wendy can be found in the early mornings at Smith Rock, either with her easel or trail running with her best friend, who is also the subject of many pet portraits.  The shows go through the month of December and can be viewed during Layor’s regular business hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm.

Lubbesmeyer Studio & Gallery
Old Mill District, second story loft
541-330-0840 • lubbesmeyerart.comtwins@lubbesmeyerart.com
New website, email and artwork! The Lubbesmeyer twins offer a range of work created in fiber and paint. Through the twins’ collaborative process, they distill literal imagery into vivid blocks of color and texture, creating an abstracted view of their surroundings. Call the studio for hours and appointments.

Oxford Hotel
10 NW Minnesota Ave.
541-382-8436
Sunriver artist and High Desert Art League member Helen Brown is the featured artist at the Oxford Hotel for the months of December and January. Helen paints with watercolor on rice paper in a batik style more often seen in ink on fabrics. Her subjects range widely, from animals to landscapes and still life. Come meet the artist at First Friday Art Walk on December 1.

Mockingbird Gallery
869 NW Wall St. Ste. 100
541-388-2107 • mockingbird-gallery.com
This Friday, December 1, Mockingbird Gallery is proud to open our five-person show, Lasting Impressions, featuring the amazing works of Mitch Baird, Marc R. Hanson, Shanna Kunz, Tad Retz and Silas Thompson. This show will run through December.
Mitch Baird is devoted to the traditions of the late 19th century artists who looked to the figure and nature’s landscape for inspiration regarding light, color, and design.
A naturalist at heart, Marc Hanson feels the landscape is the perfect vehicle for expressing the joy he has for the world that surrounds him.
Shanna Kunz developed a passion for the Tonalist movement that thrived in America from the 1880s through World War I.
Tad Retz enjoys creating through traditional methods of painting in oil, acrylic or gouache as well as painting digitally.
Silas Thompson’s desire to create work that evokes a memory continues to be a driving force to push him to be innovative and to look for new ways to create the illusion of solidity, time, and emotion.

Red Chair Gallery
103 NW Oregon Ave.
541-306-3176 • redchairgallerybend.com
In December, Red Chair Gallery showcases watercolors by Jacqueline Newbold and pastels by Lise Hoffman-McCabe. Stephanie Stanley displays her hand-woven scarves and cowls. The windows is full of holiday-themed gifts and the Christmas tree is adorned with handmade ornaments. Located at the corner of Bond Street and Oregon Avenue, Red Chair Gallery is open seven days a week: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm and Sunday, 12-4pm.

Sage Custom Framing & Gallery
834 NW Brooks St.
541-382-5884 • sageframing-gallery.com
Featured exhibit for December through January 27: Small Works.
For the months of December and January, Sage Custom Framing and Gallery will exhibit a selection of Small Works. As the title implies, this show features diminutive works of art in a variety of mediums, styles and subject matter.  Everything from landscape to still life, abstract to representational will be on display.
Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturday, 12-4pm — closed for the holidays December 24-January 8.

SageBrushers Art Society
117 SW Roosevelt Ave.
541-617-0900 • sagebrushersartofbend.com
SageBrushers Gallery presents the annual Affordable Art show: work by SageBrushers Art Society members, all priced under $100, just in time for your holiday shopping.  The SageBrushers Gallery is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 1-4pm.  Showing through December.

Scalehouse Gallery
550 NW Franklin Ave., Ste. 138
541-640-2186 • scalehouse.org
Opening December 1 at Franklin Building is renowned fine artist Michelle Schultz, Prisms. A stunning exhibition of hope and connection with special guests: HUE students, a nonprofit founded by Nicola Carpinelli. Meet the artist during First Friday from 5-9pm. michelleschultzstudio.com.
Continuing through December 30 is Christi Zorrilla Soto, The Endless Knot.
Christi’s work is driven by her personal experiences as a multicultural individual. Her Peruvian-Chinese heritage, along with her family’s migration from different parts of the world, has inspired an exploration at the intersection of native arts with contemporary art. Through minimal sculptures, textiles, and installation arts, Zorilla Soto exposes the delicate journey of migration and the celebration of diversity. By combining traditional and modern techniques, Christi aims to foster dialogue between the past and present while honoring her heritage and uncovering her own identity. Through art, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their roots and recognize the beauty in the diversity surrounding us. scalehouse.org/artist-christi-zorrilla-soto.

The Stacks Art Studios & Gallery
Old Mill District, Second Floor
404-944-9170
The Stacks Art Studios & Gallery features the artwork and work of local creators Kira Frances, Lindsay Gilmore, Alyson Brown and Jennifer McCaffrey.
Kira has developed a body of work that speaks to the relationship between the hidden worlds of the subconscious and the tangible reality that we all share. In this series, she concentrates on striking a balance between precisely rendered and intricately detailed feathers, and uncluttered backgrounds. Her work will be on display at The Stacks Gallery and Studios in the Old Mill above Sisters Coffee. You can also find her work online at kirafrances.com.
Lindsay Gilmore creates abstract landscape paintings inspired by the colors and compositions that have captivated her while on adventures outdoors with her family.
Alyson Brown (Wild Folklore) is a photographer and stylist specializing in beverage and botanicals. While she focuses most of her time on brand development and content creation, Alyson is also The Stacks in-house mixologist for First Fridays.
Jennifer McCaffrey says, “As a former dancer, capturing movement is the overarching theme in my work. I love painting in a variety of styles ranging from abstract to impressionistic, and my aim in any piece is to create something that feels alive. I first studied art at Wake Forest University in 2009, and went on to work in healthcare while painting in every spare moment I could find. It is a dream realized to be a part of this community of creators. Apart from painting, I work PRN as a surgical Physician Assistant, am a mother of three, runner, woodworker, music lover, and trail mix high-grader. Like most Bendites, I am usually out somewhere with poor cell reception taking in the beauty of Central Oregon when not in the studio.”
Call the studio for hours and appointments.

Touchmark at Pilot Butte
1125 NE Watt Way
541-238-6101 • touchmark.com/senior-living/or/bend
Liz Haberman is the featured artist at Touchmark at Pilot Butte for the months of December and January.  Her watercolors are on display in the upstairs mezzanine gallery.
Haberman is a latecomer to watercolor painting.  She had previously dabbled in the arts through ceramics and jewelry making, but a career as an interior designer left little time for her to learn to paint.  Once retired, she began painting and hasn’t put down her “watery” brush since.  She thinks of painting as therapeutic, creating work that may be serious or whimsical, colorful or dark.
Haberman is a member if the High Desert Art League and the Watercolor Society of Central Oregon, from which she earned an Award of Distinction at its October convention.

Tumalo Art Company
Old Mill District
541-385-9144 • tumaloartco.com
Our December group exhibit, O Tannenbaum celebrates the fir trees’ evergreen quality, traditionally a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. Being surrounded by evergreens, be it pine, fir, hemlock, or juniper trees in our high desert mountain home, this seems an apt way to illustrate one of the joys of winter. Our forests are also home to many species of wildlife and birds that will represented in some of the artwork as well.
This show will include offerings from all of our four custom jewelry makers. And our sparkly white trees are decked out with hand-made, fine (tiny) art offerings. We encourage you to give art! And we make it possible with affordable tiny art that is perfect for hostess thank-you’s, and unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Tumalo Art Co. is an artist-run gallery in the heart of the Old Mill District, open seven days a week.

The Wine Shop
55 NW Minnesota Ave.
541-389-2884 • thewineshopbend.com
The Wine Shop is showing abstract expressionist paintings by Suzanne deTurk. “The freedom to ‘not know’ where the painting is going is delicious,” says Suzanne. “Each mark on the canvas is a call to respond, whether it’s with color, line, or shape. My intention is to invite the viewer to experience a change in consciousness or emotion: If this occurs, then I’m ecstatic.” Stop in to enjoy a beverage and drink in the art! Showing through December.


Redmond First Friday

Arome
432 SW Sixth St.
541-527-4727 • aromekitchen.com
Emily Furgason excels in capturing fleeting colors and memories from Pacific Northwest scenery through watercolor. Constance Soballe works with pyrography and watercolor on live edge wood. Her subject matter is nature and the world we live in. For this First Friday Art Walk Connie is bringing her unique nutcrackers and her coasters for those looking for Christmas gifts. James Morris creates abstract images from his photography to add fluidity and motion to his work. He also manipulates his photographs into a work of art with a combination of filters and adjustments in post-processing. Trenton Bahr creates captivating portraits with a blend of silver halide canvas prints and mixed media oil paintings, immortalizing cherished moments. Bahr’s work will be on display and he will be taking consultation appointments.

Cares & Whoas
436 SW Sixth St.
916-354-2119 • caresandwhoas.com
Camille Fitterer is an intuitive, energetic and geological artist. Camille says, “I create sculptures and other works of art using my rockhounding treasures paired with my intuitive energetic connection to source energy and the flow of positive vibrations that are infused within my works of art and radiate out to enhance the body, mind and spirit as well as your space, home, sanctuary, office or meditative process with the positive energies and vibrations of happiness, wellbeing, peace, love, harmony, and joy.”

Desert Prairie Boutique
404 SW Sixth St., Ste 100
541-527-1887 • desertprairie.com
Josie Powell makes silver and copper jewelry that complements the Central Oregon lifestyle.

High Desert Florals
231 SW Sixth St.
541-923-3977 • highdesertflorals.com
Terri Dill-Simpson says she paints what her soul desires. “My style varies but if you look in the eyes of my critters, you will see not only their soul, but my heart and soul.”

SCP Redmond Hotel
521 SW Sixth Street
541-508-7600 • scphotel.com/redmond
Karen Williams enjoys the process of creation, building up layers in a work to reveal the story of the artwork. She is influenced by her work as an educator and brings a colorful, playfulness into her work, combined with her own personal journey of life. Rick Thompson. Now retired from a long career as a graphic designer, Thompson is able to fully indulge in his passion for oil painting, refusing to limit himself to a specific genre or subject. As an artist, he aims to breathe life into canvases using color, composition, light, and shadow, striving to create two-dimensional magic. Grace Gasior is dedicated to making jewelry that resonates with the body and connects the mind.  Grace says she makes “special totems to last a lifetime.” Jay Lowndes. As Jay has aged, his simple weekend woodworking projects extended into lengthier, more complex craftsmanship. Today, he gets to spend his days creating unique, one-of-a-kind crafted, hardwood pieces that not only accent any room in your home but are also practical for everyday use.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *