A celebration of the people, wildlife, landscapes, cultures and history of the region, the annual Art in the West exhibition and online auction features nearly 120 works inspired by the High Desert from some of the top artists in the country. Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of mediums as well, including photography, sculpture and painting, along with gold leaf and sagebrush.
Dawn Emerson, Contentment, ink and pastel on Evolon material, 13½ x 9¾"
“I am always in awe of the diverse array of artwork that continues to captivate visitors, and this year is no exception. These works unveil fresh and unique perspectives of the West, helping us better understand and appreciate the region,” says Dana Whitelaw, executive director of the High Desert Museum. “I look forward to seeing the museum walls full of vibrancy and color and hearing the chatter of visitors as they explore and learn.”
The 2025 Juror’s Choice award winner is Santa Fe-based artist Jake Trujillo’s Painted Hills No. 1, known for his vibrant and electric landscape paintings of the Southwest. The oil and acrylic painting features a dusty rose sky with a crescent moon accent, marked by rolling hills and saturated pink clouds. “[Trujillo] takes traditional landscape painting and adds innovative and dynamic color for a more modern look. The blended approach adds depth to a well-known geographic landmark,” Whitelaw adds.
Hilary Baker, Night, acrylic on linen, 24 x 24"
Other artists bringing outstanding works to the upcoming show include Dawn Emerson, Frank Buffalo Hyde, Judy Hoiness, Anton Yakushev, Hilary Baker, David Parker Sherwin among many more.
“A Journey Together by David Parker Sherwin is a picture that says a thousand words," continues Whitelaw. "The cinematic style of the painting, from the expanse of forests to the towering mountains that dwarf the caravan of cowboys crossing the river, make us appreciate the beauty and the history of the region. The piece highlights Parker’s detailed and distinctive connection to impressionism and place.”
Frank Buffalo Hyde, Buffalo Fields Forever, acrylic on canvas, 25 x 34"
Frank Buffalo Hyde was part of the museum’s Sensing Sasquatch exhibition in 2024 and Imagine a World in 2022. "Buffalo Fields Forever is a multi-layered and explosive depiction of the West," says Whitelaw. "Buffalo Hyde’s paintings examine and elevate an image of contemporary and Indigenous life through a vibrant pop-sensibility and satirical eye, from icons of popular culture to traditional Western themes.”
Art in the Westwill be on view at the High Desert Museum and available for bidding on the museum’s online auction page at www.highdesertmuseum.org/aiw, with the opportunity to purchase artwork outright. A gallery guide will go live on Friday, June 27, and bidding for the online-only sale starts July 5 at 9:00 a.m.
Judy Hoiness, The Great Basin—A Moment in Time, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24"
Both bidding and exhibition viewing close the evening of Saturday, September 20, at the Art in the West Closing Party, where attendees can chat with participating artists, watch live demonstrations and enjoy food and drinks. —
Art in the West
July 5-September 20, 2025
High Desert Museum
59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702
(541) 382-4754, www.highdesertmuseum.org
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