by LAUREN KERSHNER Cascade A&E Editorial Intern
From the street, the forest-green sign of Country Financial is hard to miss. Too quick of a glance, and one might overlook the sign directly beneath it marking the spot for Prineville’s hidden gem, Galerie Roger. Though artwork is sold within several of its local businesses, Galerie Roger, is Prineville’s first and only art gallery.
Inspiration for the gallery bloomed from owner Roger Peer’s passion for woodworking. After building a sculpted wood jewelry box for his wife nearly 20 years ago, Peer has been balancing his hobby for art with his full time job at Country Financial. Then it donned on him, why not combine the two? Last November, Galerie Roger was born, bringing color and artistry to the walls of Peer’s office building.
With the works of 23 different artists displayed, the artistic spectrum is vast. Woodwork, photography, jewelry, watercolors, acrylics, art deco furniture and even handmade scarves are among the treasures that adorn the front office and the conference room in the back.
“We didn’t just want to stick with one thing,” Peer says. “Crook County is full of artists that do all different kinds of art.” After doubling the amount of contributing artists last December, Peer predicts that they will soon grow to 30 artists.
Still in its first year of business, there are several additions in sight for Galerie Roger. Peer plans to convert the building’s kitchen into a display space for juvenile photography. He also plans to fully utilize the gallery’s wall space by hanging pictures from ceiling to floor. Additional plans include displaying metal artwork on the lawn outside of the gallery.
A member of the local chamber board, Peer is organizing an Arts and Crafts Festival for this summer. It is scheduled to take place on July 11, which intentionally falls amidst two major Central Oregon events: The Crook County Horse Races, and the Sisters Quilt Show. Peer hopes to entice the onset of tourists with the town’s festival, which will include booths from approximately a 100 vendors.
An artist overflowing with ideas, Peer is also putting together the Prineville Art Crawl. The event is expected to begin in May, and will continue every second Friday through September. “Crawlers” will be provided with a map of participating businesses displaying local artwork, and entertained by live music as they art-gaze. With Bend’s First Friday ArtWalk, Redmond’s Third Friday Art Stroll and Sisters’ Fourth Friday Art Stroll, there is something everywhere – and every weekend – for Central Oregon art lovers.
A treasure found in the most unexpected of places, Galerie Roger invites people to take a second glance, and behold the beauty within.
727 NW Third Street, Prineville, 541-815-9857, www.galerieroger.com