Art puts a new face on Black Butte Ranch

Black Butte Ranch is being spruced up, with a new Welcome Center and a redecorated lobby at the Lodge, all started just a few short months ago, with the final touches implemented by new general manager, Scott Huntsman, and his assistant Katie Williams.

Remodeling the Lodge has been a work in development by Williams and resident artist JoEllyn Loehr.

"We restained the wood, painted the walls and removed the front desk to the welcome center across from administration," Williams said.

It was all done in an attempt to make the Lodge more friendly and accessible.

Both agreed that "it was a traffic jam before."

They have added displays of art work, starting with Oregon artists. Williams explained, "We started with Black Fish Gallery in Portland, one of Loehr's contacts, and chose to display abstract oils. We were looking for pieces that are interesting, that will challenge people and create conversation."

Loehr has helped in selecting those people.

"We have WiFi in the building and do a lot of weddings and rehearsal dinners here," Williams noted. "There was a real estate office in here before, and it's now a spacious lounge area where people can gather or use WiFi."

Carol Benson was the first artist, featured in May and June.

"Benson is an artist, writer, dancer and arts educator," said Loehr. "Carol is a dancer and maskmaker for Mytholobus Mask Theatre. Her work is a thoughtful development of forms from her observation of natural scenes and objects."

Lisa Copenhagen Wachs is the July artist. Wachs is a graphic designer and fine artist who paints primarily in oils from her studio in Tumalo, which she shares with her husband, David, also a painter. She had an exhibit at BICA, Bend Independent Contemporary Art Gallery, where Loehr also had an exhibit.

"Loehr saw her work there and recommended her for the Ranch," Williams said.

Williams said the Ranch hopes to display photography and expand into sculpture and ceramics.

"We're working with galleries and art centers," she said. "We want to connect in as wide a range as possible."

The Glaze Meadow Club-house reception area also has expanded art offerings. The lobby now contains a bit of history. Tim Outman's sculpted wood shines, made from salvaged Yakal wood from a schoolhouse in Manila, Philippines. The schoolhouse was built by the Japanese during their military occupation in World War II.

BBR has recently removed their guard station, formerly situated at the entrance.

"The Ranch is more welcoming without the gate," said Williams. "Glaze Meadow is still a gated community. We are balancing between keeping the Ranch viable and maintaining privacy. There are also more younger people moving to BBR."

The Ranch is seeing success with the cooperative marketing they are doing with other lodges in the Sisters area.

Why advertise with your competitors? "It's about drawing people to the area," Williams explained.