Myrna Dow Receives Top Honors at the PPFA 2008 International Framing Open Competition

Bend, OR, February 17, 2008 --(PR.com)-- It's not often national or international honors are given to a small business owner in Central Oregon. Myrna Dow, owner of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, recently competed with the best of the best in Las Vegas and Dow's first-time entry garnered the top honor, First Place, and a Judges Award for High-Point First-Time Entry in the Open Competition.

The custom framing entries in the Open Competition ran the gamut of subject, style, and framing technique and were judged on four critical components including, overall impressions, design and creative elements, technique, and critical assessment of skills. The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) hosts custom picture framing completions in several categories during their Annual International PPFA 2008 - Leadership in Framing Convention held in Las Vegas in early February 2008.

Dow selected "John Day River", an original gouache on paper, for the Open Competition that was created by nationally known and collected Oregon Artist, Paul Alan Bennett. The work has a wonderful combination of rich textures and vibrant colors. The frame design was created to allow the viewer to first look at the artwork and then to allow the eye to follow out to the frame. The components of the frame package were pushed to their maximum using a stacked moulding combination, suede wrapped mats, and a fillet enhanced with gilt cream place on a warm metallic gold mat. The artwork was suspended so the viewers eye could go first to the art and then play back and forth within the frame design taking in the subtle colors and textures allowing the piece to shine.

Dow, owner, director, and professional picture framer of High Desert Gallery and Custom Framing has a background in the arts and framing industry spanning more than twenty years. Earning a BFA in Graphic Arts from Portland State, Dow first started in the graphic arts field working for several large agencies and typehouses. In the early 80's she began her career in the gallery business as a sales associate and gallery manager. After several years, she migrated to the custom framing environment and mentored by an accomplished professional picture framer. In 1999 Dow relocated to Central Oregon and soon thereafter established High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with retail locations in Bend, Oregon (Opening December 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializing in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006 & 2007) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006). In February 2008, High Desert Gallery was awarded Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition. For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2008. The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

About PPFA: For 35 years, Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) has served as the trade association for professional custom picture framers, art galleries, and framing and art manufacturers/distributors. With more than 3,200 members, PPFA provides a growing array of services and benefits including the professional designations, Certified Picture Framer® (CPF®) and Master Certified Picture Framer™ (MCPF™). PPFA serves the art and framing industry as an advocate for its members and by offering programs that elevate professional standards, enhance profitability, and expand sales. PPFA affiliated with Photo Marketing Association International® (PMA®) in October 2001. PMA® has more than 20,000 members in 100-plus countries and provides an annual convention and trade show typically drawing more than 650 exhibitors and approximately 25,000 to 30,000 registrants.

About Paul Alan Bennett: Award winning professional artist, educator, and art advocate, Paul Alan Bennett has garnered national attention. Paul's imagery is passionately detailed and manifests a unique perspective and style resulting in colorful, vivid imagery sought after and collected nationally. Honors graduate of Maryland Institute of Art and Master of Arts from The University of La Verne (Athens Greece), Paul has excelled in the field of watercolor and most recently in the release of a select group of Limited Edition Fine Art Giclee Prints and worked closely with Pendleton Woolen Mills to release limited edition tapestry blankets. Paul's work has been reproduced for two Sisters Folk Festival Posters and the 2008 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show poster. His style and perspective originate from memories, life experiences and travels that sparks many of the themes found in this Sisters artist's work. Paul Alan Bennett's artwork is represented by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

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