Deschutes Childrens Foundation Blog

Art and Wine Auction-Tracy Leagjeld

Tracy Leagjeld was born and raised in Central Oregon.  “My art is a way to communicate and share with others my love and reverence for nature. Forests, meadows and deserts all have a different kind of energy.  I am not so concerned with capturing correct shape and color. I strive to create paintings that allow the viewer to put themselves into the painting and feel the spirit of the place.”

What is A Monotype? A monotype is a painting on paper whereby an original image is inked or painted onto a non-porous surface, such as a piece of plexiglass (called a plate), then transferred onto paper by laying a piece of paper over the painted surface and applying pressure. Typically a printing press is used although she hand “pulls” her prints meaning she doesn’t use a press. She applies pressure by hand until the ink it transferred to the paper (lots of elbow grease).  A monotype is a unique work of art, and like a painting, cannot be replicated. Tracy has a blog, which you can visit here.

You can bid on Tracy’s piece and others at the 18th Annual Art and Wine Auction May 7th. For more information, visit Deschutes Children’s Foundation.

Art and Wine Auction-Douglas Fine Jewelry

Starting with a custom cut Oregon Sunstone by gem artist Robert Fittro, husband and wife team Steven and Elyse Douglas collaborated to design and create this one of a kind pendant specifically for the Deschutes Children’s Foundation Art and Wine Auction.  Drawing on nearly 30 years experience in the studio together the Douglas’ began with Elyse’s initial sketches, then completed the piece employing cutting edge CAD/CAM and laser technology along with the oldest techniques and traditions of the jeweler’s craft.

The Douglas’ love affair with Oregon’s official state gem started about 10 years ago when they met the owners of the Dust Devil mine. Today the Douglas’ hold claims of their own in eastern Oregon near Plush where they travel several times each summer to collect rough gems.  Living in Bend since 1988 the Douglas’ are proud support the important work of the Deschutes Children’s Foundation from their downtown Bend studio and gallery: Douglas Fine Jewelry

A 14 karat yellow and white gold pendant featuring a custom cut Oregon Sunstone by gem artist Robert Fittro. The feature stone is a 4.39 carat red geometric cut with streaks of reflective copper shiller. Complimenting the feature stone is a .42 carat princess cut diamond and a custom cut shiller Oregon Sunstone bullet cabachon.  The one of a kind pendant was cast and constructed from six separate pieces that were soldered, laser welded and riveted together with the three main elements articulated so that the pendant moves when it’s worn. The pendant is suspended on a multi-strand gold color stainless steel neck wire with a Sterling Silver clasp.

You can bid on the Douglas’ piece and more at the 18th Annual Art and Wine Auction May 7th at the Riverhouse convention center.

Art and Wine Auction-Blue Spruce Pottery

Michael and Michele Gwinup are native Oregonians and long time Central Oregon residents.  In 1976, they moved to Bend and started their business, Blue Spruce Pottery. 

Over the years they have developed a line of Raku pottery that includes decorative vases, wall murals and lamps.  The large vase that was made for this auction was first formed on a potter’s wheel.  Later the decorative images were hand-carved into the surface of the clay.  The glazes were individually applied and the piece was fired in the Raku process. 

Locally, the Gwinups’ work can be found at Tumalo Art Company.  They can be contacted at their pottery studio in Bend and Don Terra in Sisters or on their website, linked above.

You and bid on the Blue Spruce Pottery and other works of art at the 18th Annual Art and Wine Auction on May 7th. Visit Deschutes Children’s Foundation website for more information.

Art and Wine Auction-Nancy Becker

The Art and Wine Auction features art of all kinds. Today’s sneak peek is a piece by Nancy Becker.

Nancy Becker has been interested in glass since she was a kid when she made mosaics out of glass and beach sand.  She studied glass briefly in college and went on to work for a number of hot studios and factories where she mastered her skills.  She has owned and operated a hot glass studio since 1992.  Her body of work consists of blown, fused, and kin cast sculptural pieces.  Her work can be seen at Tumalo Art Company in Bend or at www.nancybeckerstudio.com.

Art and Wine Auction-Mary Marquiss

Mary Marquiss is a fifth generation Oregonian and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon.  She has been the signature artist for numerous special events, including the Deschutes Art and Wine Auction for her painting “Understated Elegance”. Marquiss teaches a range of art classes throughout Oregon with an emphasis on individual style. Her work is collected commercially and privately in Europe, Australia and the U.S. She is a founding member of the Tumalo Art Co. now located in The Old Mill District of Bend. 

Artist statement:  The inspiration for my art comes from growing up in the lush Oregon valley where natural beauty is abundant. My paintings emphasize color and contrast and move from a light, transparent whisper to strong pigment.  As both an artist and writer there is a story laced with symbolism behind every painting.  My subject matter ranges from the strength of a single flower, to the patina of an ancient stone cottage, a street scene in the heart of Paris, and a luscious still life with colorful produce.

You can bid on Mary’s piece at the 18th Annual Art and Wine Auction. For more information, visit www.deschuteschildrensfoundation.org

Art and Wine Auction-Mike Putnam

Fine Art landscape photographer, Mike Putnam has enjoyed a passion for the wonders of the natural world for his entire life.  After finishing his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, Mike and his wife Debbie moved to their current home in Bend, Oregon.  The amazing beauty and diversity that help to define Central Oregon inspired Mike to become a professional landscape photographer.  As Mike exclusively utilizes a large format film camera his work has an artisan characteristic that is difficult to replicate with newer digital cameras.  The meticulous workflow required by his wooden 4×5 camera and the perspective control that it offers allow Mike to capture the depth and essence of the natural world.  Mike’s fine art prints can be found in countless corporate and private collections throughout the United States.  For more information about his beautiful photography, please visit his website at Mike Putnam Photography.

You can bid on Mike’s piece at the 18th Annual Art and Wine Auction on May 7th at the Riverhouse Convention Center. For tickets and more information, visit Deschutes Children’s Foundation.

Art and Wine Auction-Jacqueline Newbold

As the 18th Annual Art and Wine Auction draws near, we’d like to give you a little preview of the auction artists. Today’s featured artist is Jacqueline Newbold.

Primarily a watercolor artist, Jacqueline Newbold loves to explore artistic ways to incorporate mixed media into her art.  Inspired by the poem, The Daffodils (1804), by William Wordsworth, “A Host of Golden Daffodils” is just such a creation.   When working with her mixed media pieces, Jacqueline starts with watercolor, and then adds fabrics, vintage text, oil pastels and any other traditional or non-traditional art materials that happen to be available in her studio at the time. 

Last year’s Deschutes Children’s Signature Artist, Jacqueline is a member of the Northwest Watercolor Society, the Watercolor Society of Oregon and the High Desert Art League.  A long-time resident of Tumalo, Oregon, she enjoys sharing her fascination with luminescence and reflections of colorful light in both her award-winning art and by teaching in her studio, the Bend Art Station, and the Art and Soul Retreats in Portland, Oregon.  She conducts group painting trips to places such as Provence, France and Hood River, Oregon.  Visit her website at www.newboldart.com.

You can bid on Jacqueline’s piece at the 18th Annual Art and Wine Auction on May 7th at the Riverhouse Convention Center. For tickets and more information, visit the Deschutes Children’s Foundation website.

The Creation of Becky Johnson Community Center

I have been a DCF board member for 12 years.  I had a specific goal when I first agreed to join the board. I am a long time resident of Redmond and was involved in other boards within that community. It was apparent to me that the most needy individuals within the Redmond community, and those with the least amount of resources to access services they needed, had to drive or find a ride to Bend to access services. There was no consistent place in Redmond for them to go.  I knew there was interest on the part of the Foundation to expand to other communities and felt it would be beneficial to have a Redmond representative on the board to urge them in that direction.

Once on the board, it was an incredible experience.  Before 18 months, we had a design and a plan.  The ultimate outcome was the Becky Johnson Community Center in Redmond.  It is a beautiful facility with programs and services for children and families.  The array of services is broad, representing both Deschutes County services such as WIC and the Health Department, and early childhood services!  Families now come to one place and can receive both services and referral information.   It has been so rewarding to work with the foundation and to now see 4 community campuses!  I have loved the work and feel that we have really lived up to the mission of the foundation!
–Kathy Emerson, Board Member

What is a Board Member?

Young people might ask:  “Why should I be on a Non-Profit Board?  It sounds boring and I would rather be doing ‘hands on’ work.”  Well, there are lots of reasons.  I have been on many Boards over the 23 years of my legal career.  As a lawyer, it seems almost expected that I should serve on boards.  I have also, done “hands on” community work too.  I think both are important for the community and for our own personal development as a caring and productive member of society.

However, I think that one of the roles of a Board is to reflect the broad spectrum of the community we serve.  We need the perspective and creative ideas of our younger generation.  I think I have learned much from both ends of the age continuum.  I think we can all learn from people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Besides, it is fun and rewarding to do good public work.

To those of you just starting your working life, I challenge you to be involved.  Pick a board and volunteer!  You will not regret it.
–Sharon Smith, Deschutes Children’s Foundation Board Member

Deschutes Children's Foundation Staff Reflections

As we move into a new phase of leadership at Deschutes Children’s Foundation, the staff would like to say a few words about Jan Eggleston and what we are looking forward to with our new director, Kim McNamer.

I will sincerely miss working with Jan. She has taught me so much in the time that I’ve been with the organization and has been a great leader. I’m really looking forward to learning from Kim, as I know that she has so much to share with Deschutes Children’s Foundation. I am excited about a new adventure with Kim guiding our organization to great things. I know that we will all make Jan proud of us in what we accomplish together.
–Heather Crawley, Administrative Assistant

I look forward to taking what I have learned from Jan’s years of expertise of DCF events and combining them with Kim’s fresh ideas.  I think this will put an exciting twist on the DCF traditions!
–Erica Poulos, Event and Development Coordinator

I look forward to meeting Kim and her many talents.  I’m sure this will be a smooth transition for all of us even though Jan is leaving big shoes to fill.  In my years at DCF I have learned that “change is good” from Jan herself.  Welcome Kim – a great team has chosen you and we look forward to new ventures.
–Dona Curtis, Facility Manager, Becky Johnson Community Center

It’s been such a pleasure learning about  Deschutes Children’s Foundation, and what Jan has accomplished in her years with the program.  I look forward to getting to know Kim, and I am excited to hear her plans and ideas for the future of DCF!  Welcome, Kim!
–Tracie Kirzy, Facility Manager, East Bend Campus

I am sad Jan is leaving, but I know she is going to enjoy her retirement. I will miss her very much.  On the other hand, I am looking forward to the future with Kim at the forefront.  I’m sure our future will be very bright and long-lasting.  Welcome Kim!
–Sharon VanWormer, Facility Manager, La Pine Community Campus

Working with Jan has been an adventure and a privilege.  Jan’s vision for the foundation has always been her driving force and she has brought the organization thru some exciting and challenging times.  I wish her well as she faces new experiences.  We’ll miss her much but rest assured she’s leaving us in good hands. 
–Yvonne Dahl, Bookkeeper