Wander around Bend on a sunny fall afternoon and it’s clear that the Central Oregon art scene is thriving. Nearly a dozen art galleries do business in Central Oregon, with lively art events popping up on the calendar on constant rotation. Plenty of other shops sell art by local artists or those from far away and festivals bring even more art to town on a regular basis.
According to Jim Peterson, owner of two downtown Bend art galleries, the flourishing art scene in Central Oregon isn’t something Bend residents should take for granted. The growth in galleries over the past few decades, Peterson said, stems from the fact that Bend possesses the magic combination necessary to support an art economy. “What successful art galleries take is a supportive local community and a strong tourism base,” he said. “In Bend, we have a wonderful community and wonderful tourism economy.”
Jim and his wife Nathalie Peterson moved to Bend from Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2007, with hopes of a change of scenery, the opportunity to raise their kids in a nice town and perhaps the chance to start a business of their own. Jim had cut his teeth in art galleries, following his mother into the art world at the age of 20 and working his way up from handling small tasks around the shop to possessing a broad understanding of the art business.
Shortly after the Petersons arrived, serendipity intervened and instead of the chance to build something from the ground up, they found an established, successful art gallery for sale. Mockingbird Gallery had opened on Wall Street in Bend’s downtown in 1990 — by 2007, the owner was ready to retire. It was as if it were meant to be and soon, the Petersons were the gallery owners.
While the economic slump of 2008 — just a year after they took ownership — created a challenge, by 2010, Peterson said, business was “full steam ahead.” He recalled, “We haven’t looked back since.”
In the past two decades, the population of Bend has increased alongside visitation from out-of-towners, not to mention second-home owners — all conditions that support art and artists. Travelers in search of souvenir art to take home bring business, as do those purchasing or building second-homes. “We are fortunate to get involved in many of those projects.”
Eight years ago, the Petersons took another leap and opened a second gallery — Peterson Contemporary Art on NW Franklin Avenue. While Mockingbird effuses a Southwest and Western flair, Peterson Contemporary Art showcases modern art, as well as transitional art —“art positioned somewhere between classic and contemporary,” explained Peterson. “People find things they love at both spaces. The galleries feel different, but there is a synergy between them.” Each space hosts more than 40 artists, with rotating shows and fresh work on display monthly. Many of the artists are local or regional, but just as many come from very far away. “The goal is to give people access to high level talent,” said Peterson.
The September show at Mockingbird is titled “Rural Paths” and displays the work of three Utah-based artists — Steven Lee Adams, Joseph Alleman and Eric G. Thompson. The collection of paintings, primarily created in oil, egg tempura and acrylic, depict rural landscapes, old barns and farmhouses, and austere skies in a striking study of the American West.
Personal collectors, interior designers, casual browsers and the artists themselves attend Mockingbird’s show openings, often held during Bend’s First Friday Art Walks — when downtown businesses stay open late and welcome wanderers in. Over at Peterson Contemporary Art, the October show launched at First Friday is called “Creative Fields,” a three-person exhibit featuring Rebecca Haines, Sandra Pratt and Tyler Swain. “First Friday attendance has been off the charts,” said Peterson. “It’s the same energy as the high points, pre-COVID.”
As further evidence of Bend’s place on the national art map, next September, Mockingbird Gallery will host an annual show of the American Impressionists Society. “We’re bringing a national juried exhibition to Bend next year,” said Peterson. “The show will consist of 140 artists and will attract people who have never been to Bend.”
Catch an art walk, wander into one of Central Oregon’s many galleries or attend a festival this fall and appreciate the beauty that exists in Bend. “We’re fortunate to be doing what we do in Bend, Oregon,” concluded Peterson. “If you compare the art scene here to those in significant art communities like Santa Fe or Jackson Hole, Bend is really special. I wouldn’t trade what we have in Bend for any other place.”
Central Oregon Art Galleries
Here is a selection of other galleries to be found in Bend and surrounds.
Lubbesmeyer Art Studio/Gallery
Lori and Lisa Lubbesmeyer are identical twins who work collaboratively on art on display at their shop in Bend’s Old Mill District. The artists work in fiber art, acrylics, and ceramic tile.
450 SW Powerhouse Dr., Ste. 423, Bend
Located in Bend’s Old Town Historic District on the corner of Oregon Avenue and Bond Street in the O’Kane Building, Red Chair Gallery offers the finest in art and contemporary craft.
103 NW Oregon Ave., Bend
This fine art gallery is located in the Old Mill District next to the Deschutes River. Owned and operated by artists, Tumalo Art Gallery brings Northwest art to patrons. The October exhibit, titled “Gather,” is a group exhibit featuring all Tumalo Art Co. artists. It opens Oct. 3 from 3-7 p.m. during the Old Mill District First Friday Gallery Walk.
450 Powerhouse Dr., Suite 407, Bend
The Workhouse is a platform for local artists and operates as a place of exchange between artists and their community, providing a retail marketplace, on-site studios, events and educational programming for Bend and Central Oregon.
50 SE Scott St #6, Bend
Fall Art Shows in Central Oregon
Bend First Friday, Downtown 5-8pm
Bend First Friday, Old Mill District 3-6pm
Sisters Fourth Friday Artwalk, Downtown, 10am-7pm
Bend Fall Festival, Downtown Oct. 3-5
This article appears in the Source September 25, 2025.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
