The frenzy of the holidays is almost behind us and 2026 is just around the corner. For many, using the new year to set goals and resolutions is a time-honored tradition. Some of you may join a gym or commit to Dry January. Perhaps you want to do more for our local community. Volunteer at […]
Culture Features
Posted inCulture Features
Climbing Program Aimed at Unexpected Audience has Inspiring Results
Destination Rehab program at Bend Rock Gym helps participants build physical skills and forge strong social connections
Seven years ago, Jess Burke was living in Portland, working as a disability analyst for the State of Oregon, and regularly hiking upward of 60 miles a month with her husband, Rod. She began experiencing stiffness in her neck, shoulders and right side, so her doctor prescribed physical therapy. “It wasn’t helping much, but I […]
Posted inCulture Features
Pursuing the World One Sketch at a Time
Urban Sketchers Bend is hoping to become an officially recognized chapter of the international organization
On a quiet, overcast morning, five women sit at a table at the Bend Pavilion with art supplies and sketchbooks laid before them. They’re members of Urban Sketchers Bend who meet every Wednesday at a different location to draw, chat and share artistic techniques. They began meeting after artist Lee Kellogg taught a class at […]
Posted inCulture Features
New Boutique Hotel in Old Post Office Now Accepting Reservations
Developers of The Westman preserved parts of the building’s historic postal past
The Westman Hotel is set to open in mid-December in the newly remodeled historic post office in downtown Bend. Reservations are being accepted starting Friday, Dec. 19. The high-end hotel has 23 rooms and suites on three floors ranging in price from $399 to $749 per night. At the top end are two-story lofts which […]
Posted inCulture Features
Dee Ford Potter is Weaving a Heartfelt Legacy
Her work is currently on display at COCC in a free exhibit
Bend artist Dee Ford Potter has poured her life story into woven arts. A 58-year retrospective collection of her work called “A Life Well Woven is on display at Central Oregon Community College’s Rotunda Gallery in the Barber Library through Dec. 7. The art dates back to Potter’s early days. In 1967, she was studying […]
Posted inCulture
Tribal Learning Series Aims to Facilitate Conversations and Education
Registration is open for the first-of-its-kind workshop in Central Oregon
In honor of Native American month, two Central Oregon organizations are partnering to offer a unique community learning event that explores how people can engage and work with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and other tribal nations. The Tribal Learning Series, offered by Suppah Consulting and Allyship in Action, will offer participants the choice […]
Posted inCulture Features
The Astounding Jim Schmit & His Fantastic Museum
Unique items fill the quirky museum in Sisters
Walking down the main strip in Sisters, an extremely rare car sits noticeably parked in front of a little spot known as the Fantastic Museum. A Doval Shadow, rumor has it that only 20 of the vehicles were ever made. But as rare as that car may be, it’s nothing compared to the man who […]
Posted inCulture
Building Confidence, Character and Grace
“The Little Mermaid” swims onto a high school stage in Redmond
A Disney classic, “The Little Mermaid,” will be center stage in Redmond this November. Ovation Performing Arts is putting on the production. The non-profit primarily serves homeschooled families and describes itself as a Christian-based organization. Jonathan Shepherd and his wife have run OPA for the past decade, developing young actors from around Central Oregon. For […]
Posted inCulture
Strength in Silks
A dozen Lava City Cirque girls perform in a movie filming in Texas
Lava City Cirque is celebrating its first anniversary at the north end of Bend off O.B. Riley Road with some exciting achievements. One of its students, 11-year-old Margot Tatum-Ling, won the national championship in the Intermediate 2 competition at the Aerialympics Kansas City, MO in July. Three other students won first place awards. Altogether, Lava […]
Posted inCulture
ELSEWHERE Will Be the Place to Be
A sober-movement connected to Bend’s creative and wellness community
A new festival is debuting in October that’s meant to feel like a calming retreat. Even the name, ELSEWHERE, conveys transporting one to another place. Organizer Alyssa Reyes describes it as a nomadic gathering in Central Oregon blending music, art, movement, ceremony and connection. “The event is going to bring together about 30 or so […]