Water is Life — The Chúush Fund

A Closer Look at Dillon Falls, acrylic on paper, 20x20 inches, framed

I often mention gratitude for the land, for this place we call home, and how it inspires my work. Today, on Native American Remembrance Day, I am thinking about the first people who called this place home. Here in Central Oregon most of us live on the lands of the Warm Spring bands of what is now the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (which also includes the Paiute and Wasco). The people of Warm Springs are facing an ongoing water crisis triggered by a water main break in early 2019. MRG Foundation launched a fundraiser that August and recently joined with several other foundations to support this initiative. To date about one quarter of the $2 million dollars needed has been raised. You can read more about the crisis, the fund, the consortium of supporters, and then donate here:

https://www.mrgfoundation.org/the-chuush-fund-water-for-warm-springs/

The Chúush Fund is one that I have supported and hope to encourage others to support through my #wheremyheARTis pledge: just send me a screen shot of your donation receipt and I’ll discount any painting purchased directly through my website for an equivalent amount (up to 40% off of the listed price). If you purchase from me at full price, I’ll donate 40%. Visit my portfolio page for prices and availability and contact me here to purchase.

Winter arrives early here in Bend. Snow showers, rain, and wind are interspersed with brilliant warm sun here in town. The Cascade lakes highway is closed by snow. When it’s time to walk off that feast, the Deschutes River trail beckons. Winter flows expose beaches and rock ledges like this one at Dillon Falls. It’s exhilarating to stand on the very spot where water courses in summer and peer into the canyon rimmed by frosted spray.