Painter-essayist wins High Desert Museum award
The High Desert Museum’s Chiles Award Committee has selected Sophie Sheppard, a third-generation Great Basin painter, essayist, farmer and environmental activist, as the 30th annual Earle A. Chiles Award winner.
The $15,000 cash award, funded by the Chiles Foundation, honors Sheppard’s environmental stewardship and artistic interpretation of the High Desert. During four decades of creative work, she has brought the unique beauty of the region to diverse groups and has helped raise awareness of the natural resources of the Great Basin.
Dr. Dana Whitelaw, High Desert Museum President, serves on the Chiles Award Committee. “Sophie’s commitment to the environment and her collaborative approach to sustainable ranching solutions are exemplary,” Whitelaw said. “She has inspired so many people through her words, actions and paintings. She lives, breathes and dreams of a healthier desert. Her work embodies the spirit and mission of the Chiles Award.”
Sheppard lives, paints and farms in Surprise Valley, California. She developed one of the first conservation easements in Modoc County, initiated the first Hi-Tunnel green-house projects and has had far-reaching success working with both the Nevada and California legislatures.
The award will be presented at the Earle A. Chiles Award Banquet in Portland on Dec. 2.
About the Award
The Earl Chiles Award is a $15,000 cash prize presented annually by the High Desert Museum. The Award recognizes an individual for either accomplishments in promoting thoughtful management of the High Desert region’s natural and cultural resources, or for the resolution of conflicts involving these resources.
The Chiles Award was established in 1983 in honor of Earle A. Chiles, Oregonian, businessman and philanthropist. It is funded by the Chiles Foundation and administered by the High Desert Museum. The Chiles award committee reviews nominations from Museum trustees, peer institutions and the public.
