As the holiday season rolls along, you might be looking for something fun to do that does not require
any effort on your part except enjoyment. Our solution – an enjoyable evening of food and drink at the
Sunriver Artists Gallery, located in The Village. On Saturday, January 11th any time from 4-6pm, the
gallery’s talented artists will be partying – hopefully with you! The crowds are gone, the parking is
convenient, and there is some fantastic art to admire.

It is a requirement that all artists showing in the gallery are local, so it is no surprise that they are passionate about Central Oregon. This month’s featured artists are certainly no exception.

Jewelry artist Karla Proud provides a wide selection of pieces with Oregon gemstones. Our state
gemstone, the Oregon Sunstone, usually gets all the attention, but Oregon’s Owyhee Blue Opal will also
capture your heart. This gemstone is mined in the most remote area of our state near the Owyhee River
down in the southeast corner of the state. This opal is naturally a pure icy blue… perfect for fashion selections in the winter (or any time.) Most Oregonians are surprised to find that our state produces an opal. This beauty is considered a ‘common opal’, which means that there is no play of colors. However, there is nothing common about this beautiful gem. Proud sets her opals in sterling silver, the perfect compliment to the beautiful blue.

“I design my jewelry to show off the center gemstone. The designs are classic and simple and wearable
anytime… with blue jeans or something dressy.”

Artist Carolyn Waissman, a longtime local wildlife, landscape, and portrait photographer, offers a feast of images for viewer enjoyment. “Photography melds my love of nature and art.” says the artist. This year, Waissman’s portfolio focuses on the wonderland of Central Oregon animals and birds and their
seasonal changes. Her joy and love of nature is captured in each of her images. The artist likes to take advantage of all photographic opportunities. She always has her camera available whether enjoying adventure travel anywhere in the world or the natural wonders of Central Oregon. Waissman provides a wide variety of image sizes for viewers to enjoy her art. Pieces range from matted, but unframed 5×7 pieces to large canvas art prints.

Both of these artists will be available to answer questions and “tell stories” about their art!