Call for Artists – COMAG’s “Local Artists of the High Desert” Summer Show
The Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild (COMAG) has been around since 1997, and we’re proud to be about 60 members strong. What began as small collaborations in local Bend galleries has grown into a beloved annual event. Eleven years ago, we officially launched our art show, originally focused on metal arts—featuring jewelers, blacksmiths, lapidary artists, and more.
Over the years, we’ve built a loyal following. Folks email us year-round asking when the next show will be. Recently, we’ve expanded to include a broader range of art styles and mediums. That’s why we now call the event “Local Artists of the High Desert”—because all our artists are just that: local.
This year, we’re taking things a step further with a summer show to reach both locals and the tourist crowd. And for the first time, I (Brad Harrison) have stepped in as the show director after years of helping behind the scenes.
We’ve always run this show on trust and community, without a formal jury process—artists joined through friendships and handshakes. As we grow more diverse, we’re working to keep a balance so artists aren’t competing in the same niche too heavily.
We’re nearly full, but we have a few spots left and are building a backup list in case of last-minute cancellations. We’re especially looking for:
Photography: We currently have one landscape/nightscape photographer.
Leatherwork: We have one, maybe two leather artists.
Sculpture or Large Work: We’d love to feature sculptures or large art along the hallway that lines the front of our event space—it has the best lighting of the entire show. This is ideal for artists who’d like to drop off the day of the show and pick up at the end, without needing to be present all weekend.
You can get an idea of the “almost current” list of for sure artists and their crafts at www.comag.us/annual-show
This will be the 11th year of the COMAG Show, and we’ve got a solid advertising plan already in motion:
– Print ads in The Source, Bend Bulletin, Cascade A&E, and GO Magazine
– Digital promos and social media ads
– And access to an email list of over 20,000 subscribers
We’ve never needed an online registration or payment form for the show, so we’ll figure that out directly if you’re interested.
For the current and previous COMAG show page www.comag.us/annual-show
Location: Hampton Inn, Old Mill District (Events Room & Hallway)
Dates:
Friday, August 15th – Setup: 9 AM – 2 PM | Show: 2 PM – 7 PM
Saturday, August 16th – Show: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, August 17th – Show: 11 AM – 5 PM (Tear-down after show)
Join us in the heart of Bend’s Old Mill District for our Summer Art Show! This beautiful venue is right along the busy river trail, a high-traffic spot for both tourists and locals. We’ll be running the same successful advertising campaigns as previous years—with potential for even more visibility thanks to additional marketing funds this season.
Booth Fees (Same as last year):
5x6: $130 + 10% of sales
5x8: $170 + 10% of sales
5x10: $215 + 10% of sales
Reserve your spot by replying to this email. Booths are first come, first served!
Special Discounted Spaces Available:
Hallway spaces: Ideal for sculptures or unique setups. But can also work with regular table booths. These spaces feature full-length windows and incredible lighting. (Please note: these are accessible after hours, so I would plan to store your non-sculpture items in the main room at night.)
For more details on these special booth options, contact me directly.
Security: The main event room will be locked during non-show hours.
We’re excited to host another fantastic show and would love to have you join us!
To contact us about being an artist or if you have any questions Contact COMAGshow@gmail.com
Brad
COMAG Show Coordinator
I took quick videos to give you an idea of the space we will be using
The hallway leading to the event area
The Main event area
Start of a floorpan