Craft brewing focus of Bend museum’s newest exhibit
With all the buzz about Central Oregon’s craft brew scene, it’s only natural that Bend’s High Desert Museum would create an exhibit on the subject, and it opens next week.
Brewing Culture: The Craft of Beer opens with an exhibit preview party on January 16 at 6:30 p.m. and will be on display through Memorial Day weekend.
The opening reception will feature beer tastings from ten local breweries, live music by Truck Stop Gravy, kids’ activities and a lively panel discussion with Veronica Vega from Deschutes Brewery, Paul Arney from The Ale Apothecary, and Jon Abernathy, author of Bend Beer: A History of Brewing in Central Oregon.
Participating breweries include: Bend Brewing Company, Boneyard Beer, Bridge 99 Brewery, Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, GoodlLife Brewing, Rat Hole Brewing, Silver Moon Brewing, Wild Ride Brewing and Worthy Brewing.
The exhibit, conceived and designed by the High Desert Museum curatorial staff, will present the history of brewing, the ingredients used in craft beers, the process of brewing and the culture of the craft brewing industry.
“Needless to say, there’s a bustling beer culture throughout the High Desert,” said Museum President Dana Whitelaw. “We thought it would be interesting to provide a museum perspective on the craft. I think the timing is perfect, and no one can do it quite like the High Desert Museum.
“We will explore the history of beer, the impact of the craft brewing business, the agriculture associated with brewing as well as the commendable practices of sustainability that we’re seeing from regional brewers.”
Curator Faith Powell connected with craft brewers, hops farmers, writers, historians and home brewers while preparing the exhibit. “Everyone I’ve talked with has been tremendously supportive,” Powell said. “It’s exciting to unpack the story of craft brewing and explore the impact it’s having on our community and beyond.”
Powell said the museum is offering a long list of exciting programs during the 19-week run of the exhibit. Beer tastings will be held at the Museum on the first Thursday of every month during the exhibition from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m.
In addition, there will be another panel discussion on February 19, a ranch & brewery tour April 25, and an after hours event May 29. Visit our website for details and to RSVP for events.
Upcoming beer tastings at the High Desert Museum:
February 5: Porters & Stouts
March 5: Winter & Spring Seasonals
April 2: Sessions & Imperials
May 7: Sours & Belgians
The exhibit is made possible by Bigfoot Beverages and Century Insurance Group,LLC with support from BendBroadband, Central Oregon Radiology Assoc, P.C., Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Deschutes Brewery, Oregon Cultural Trust, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Deschutes Cultural Coalition.
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 wildlife encounters, living history performances, Native American and Western art, music, nature trails, tours and classes. It is located 10 minutes from downtown Bend on South Highway 97.
Website: HighDesertMuseum.org
