The High Desert Museum will host its annual Art in the West exhibition and online auction starting July 18, featuring nearly 130 works by painters, sculptors, photographers, and basket weavers inspired by the High Desert region. The 2026 edition highlights Jury's Choice winner Peter Dawson's photograph "Infinity #3363, Eastern Oregon" and Curator's Choice winner Natalie Kirk's basket "Yamash in Thunderbird of Nch’I Wana," alongside works by artists such as Arturo Garcia, Frank Buffalo Hyde, and Miguel Almeida.
This exhibition matters because it showcases the cultural and natural heritage of the High Desert through diverse artistic perspectives, supporting both established and emerging regional artists. By blending traditional and contemporary works, the event deepens public appreciation for Western landscapes and Indigenous artistry, while the online auction provides a platform for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire original pieces, bolstering the local art economy.