Redmond Art Show Boosts Cultural and Educational Opportunities

A free art show in Redmond will offer a wide variety of local art for folks to view and purchase, with a chance to help fund art education for Redmond elementary school students. The free Fall Art Show and Sale, organized by Dry Canyon Arts Association, will showcase art and one – of – a – kind gifts from over 40 Central Oregon artists, including Redmond high school students.

The nonprofit organizes bi-annual art shows in the fall and spring to help support and promote artists and makers. The organization’s mission is to encourage art and culture in Redmond and the surrounding areas. Last year, DCAA decided to move its art show from the Redmond Music Hall to Redmond High School, accommodating more people and art. This year, there are about 44 artists, nearly double the number it previously had.

Dry Canyon Arts Association presented Vern Patrick Elementary School with funds to bring a curriculum-based art project to the school last spring. Credit: Dry Canyon Arts Association

“I’m absolutely astounded by the talent that we have in Central Oregon, it’s just phenomenal, ” said Jay Lowndes with DCAA.

A few years ago, DCAA decided to introduce a raffle at its events to help raise more money for schools. Attendees can pay $5 for a ticket, or $20 for five tickets, for a chance to win a piece of art. These proceeds help fund supplies and programming at schools. According to Lowndes, the Redmond School Di strict doesn’t have formal art programs in its elementary schools.

A painting by Jennifer Cameraman is one of the raffle prizes available at the upcoming art show. Credit: Jennifer Ramerman

In the last year, DCAA started its Jumpstart Art initiative, which hopes to raise $80,000 a year to help all eight elementary schools support, or start, art programs. As of Nov. 5, the non profit had enough funds to donate $3,000 to each of the eight schools. DCAA hopes to continue providing more opportunities for local artists and students.

“Although our nonprofit is not solely focused on art education, it’s always been part of our vision as an association to educate the community of art with art, and a big portion of that is getting into the actual school district ,” said Lowndes.

This article appears in Source Weekly October 31, 2024.