Original Paintings, Collaborations (watercolor/fiber) and Fine Art Prints by Kathy Deggendorfer April 15, 2011

Exhibition: April through Friday, June 10, 2011 Open from 6AM to 9PM Daily

Nationally recognized Central Oregon Artist, Kathy Deggendorfer's Original Paintings, Collaborations (watercolor/fiber) and Fine Art Prints are featured at the Surrounding Cascades Cafe located on the 2nd floor of the St. Charles Medical Center through June 10 , 2011. The gallery is open daily from 6am to 9pm and the exhibition and sale is open to the public and free to attend.

About Kathy Deggendorfer: Kathy Deggendorfer lives on a cattle and hay ranch just outside of Sisters, Oregon. Inspired by the color, pattern and texture of her surroundings, she creates vibrant and colorful watercolor paintings. Whimsical images of flowers and ranch life fill the paintings with color and life. "Folks tell me they just feel happy when they look at my work-- that makes me happy." Raised in Portland, Oregon, in a clothing manufacturing family, she says ,"Sewing skills skipped a generation with me... but I love fabric and pattern, much like the quilters who live in Sisters. I like to call my creations 'Painters Quilts.' I just put my fabrics in with a paintbrush." (Image Credit: Lynn Woodward)

Kathy has been working on a project about Oregon Specialty Farms and sustainable farm practices. This project takes her out into the fields of Oregon farms to paint and learn about what makes Oregon agricultural practices and people unique. Trips to the cattle ranches of Eastern Oregon and vineyards of the Willamette Valley provide her with plenty of rich and colorful images.  She says it’s mostly an excuse to see some of the prettiest places in Oregon and meet the nicest people.

Kathy’s current work celebrates the diversity of the High Desert.   The charming cabins along the Metolius River at Camp Sherman, the patterns in the water and the verdant foliage streamside are favorite subjects. A trip to Steens Mountain in Southeastern Oregon provided the inspiration for some great new Sage Land images. “It’s amazing how complex and beautiful this landscape can be when you take the time to sit in the sage and paint.”

Kathy's collaborative work with master quilter, Tonye Belinda Phillips, is fun combination of painted image and textile interpretation. Their two styles and mediums have been the source of some beautiful and unique pieces. Kathy, spinning her story with a paintbrush and Tonye piecing hers together with fabric and thread.

Kathy's work is collected throughout the Pacific Northwest and reaches out to all corners of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, England and beyond!  Kathy was selected to create the official Oregon 2008 ornament for the White House Christmas Tree.  She has pieces in the permanent collection at Redmond Airport, was the 2007 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Artist, and has been chosen to create the 2011 Quilt Show poster!

Kathy wrote and illustrated a children's book last year, “Smells Like Spring” and  also created one for St. Charles Medical Center for children who were patients at the SurgiCenter.  Her work has been translated into clothing and fabric for Columbia Sportswear, you can find it on mugs and purses .  She is proud to announce  a new line of quilting fabric from In The Beginning Fabrics , Seattle Washington. 

In 2005, Kathy was awarded 'Citizen of the Year' in Sisters Oregon for her contributions to the community and the arts. In 2010 she was appointed by Governor Kulongowski to the Board of the Oregon Cultural Trust.

High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Kathy Deggendorfer exclusively in Central Oregon.

Official Website: http://www.highdesertgallery.com