Gallery hosts artists' opening

High Desert Gallery will host "Where Rivers Meet," an opening artist reception for Paul Alan Bennett and Cary L. Weigand on Saturday, July 26, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Bennett is a renowned and award-winning painter, educator and art advocate.

Weigand, a native of Hawaii, relocated to Central Oregon in 2004, where she works in porcelain sculpture.

"The theme for this show evolved out of a discussion I had with my friend, John Simpkins," Bennett said. "I had just finished a painting on the subject of where the Metolius River connects with Lake Billy Chinook and was discussing this idea with John. He mentioned that where rivers meet is often considered a place of power in the Buddhist tradition.

"Later, as I thought over our discussion, it occurred to me that this idea would make a good theme for a group show. After all, such a show is about the flowing together of our own personal, spiritual rivers with those of others."

Cary L. Weigand said, "using this theme as a metaphor for life, there are two central ideas and themes that I present in my work for this show: One, water as a metaphor for consciousness. Two, the converging of water is synonymous with how our lives come together with other people creating meaning and enrichment in our lives."

The reception will feature refreshments and live music by Bellavia.

High Desert Gallery is located at 281 W. Cascade Ave.