High Desert Museum to Close Praegitzer Gallery in Downtown
Bend
Museum Chooses to Exhibit New and Bequeathed Works at Main
Museum Only
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bend, Ore. -- The High Desert Museum announced it will close
the High Desert Museum Praegitzer Gallery on Oct. 7, following
the close of the Andy Warhol Athletes Series exhibition on Oct.
6.
The gallery enjoyed robust retail and auction sales, and hosted
popular, successful art exhibitions, ranging from the works of
Western artist Edward Quigley to Andy Warhol's Athletes
Series.
After careful review, the Museum Board of Trustees and
administration have determined that construction of a
collections storage area at the Museum would be more
financially prudent than continuing to operate the gallery.
"The Museum's venture in bringing famous and outstanding works
of art to downtown Bend through the Praegitzer gallery has had
many successes," said Jay Bennett, interim president of the
Museum. "Opening the gallery demonstrated the Museum's ability
to employ innovative ways of executing its mission. Closing the
gallery illustrates its agility in recognizing that returning
the focus to the main Museum is better."
Last fall, the Museum opened the gallery in part to show and
store the Praegitzer collection of Western art, which was
bequeathed to the Museum last year. The gallery also served as
a way for the Museum to bring the works of Western artists to a
prime venue at 916 NW Wall St., in the heart of Bend.
The gallery will continue displaying Western artists' works
along with the Warhol exhibit through Oct. 6.
The gallery will also be offering sale prices on selected
retail items such as Western jewelry and books. Museum members
always receive 10 percent off on all Museum store and gallery
purchases.
The Museum wishes to thank the artists, staff, and volunteers
who have helped operate the High Desert Museum Praegitzer
Gallery, and looks forward to offering new exhibitions and
events at the main Museum.
About the Museum
The High Desert Museum is nationally acclaimed for inspiring
stewardship of the natural and cultural resources of the High
Desert. It offers close-up wildlife encounters, living history
performances, Native American and Western art, music, nature
trails, tours and classes for all ages, 10 minutes from
downtown Bend on South Highway 97.
