2026 ‘Art in the West’ exhibition to feature 130 pieces from acclaimed artists
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The High Desert Museum will open the annual 'Art in the West' exhibition and online auction on Saturday, July 18th, 2026, showcasing a variety of traditional and contemporary art.
The exhibition celebrates the people, wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and history of the region, which extends from the eastern slope of the Cascades and the Sierra to the Rockies.
Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., the executive director of the High Desert Museum, highlighted the significance of the collection. "The diverse artistry that continues to captivate our community in this exhibition and the 2026 Art in the West collection in particular, is exceptional," Whitelaw said. "These pieces reveal fresh, unique perspectives of the High Desert, challenging us to see the region's landscapes and cultures through a modern lens and deepening our collective appreciation for the West."
Visitors to the Museum will see a wide range of artworks from landscapes to abstracts to baskets and photographs.
The 2026 exhibition features nearly 130 pieces from acclaimed painters, sculptors, and photographers across the country. National artists such as Arturo Garcia will be showcased alongside local favorites including Judy Hoiness, Taylor Manoles, and Stuart Breidenstein. Garcia's "Nine Chiefs" oil on canvas demonstrates his love for color, using layered paint and palette knives to create depth in figures. Manoles' oil painting, "Assurance," portrays a peaceful sunset over a dark forest, blending orange and yellow hues into the blue of night.
The entire 2026 collection will be on exhibit at the High Desert Museum and available for viewing through the Museum's online auction page at highdesertmuseum.org/aiw. The 2026 Gallery Guide will go live beginning Monday, July 13th and online bidding will start on July 18th at 9:00 a.m. Artwork can also be purchased outright. The auction is exclusively online and shipping is available.
Art in the West is made possible by Western Art Collector and American Art Collector magazines and Campfire Hotel. Additional support comes from High Desert Frameworks, 1859 Magazine, and Willamette Valley Vineyards.
The exhibition will close on Friday, Oct. 2nd, 2026, at the Art in the West Closing Party, held at the Museum. The event begins at 6:00 p.m., with the auction concluding at 7:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with participating artists, watch live demonstrations, and enjoy food and libations. Registration for the closing party is available at highdesertmuseum.org/events/aiw-closing-party-2026.
