Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild

11/22/2025

Meet the Maker: Kristina Ziegler

Kristina Ziegler is a landscape and astro photographer who prints most of her own work, bringing the night sky to life through vivid Milky Way, aurora, and star-trail images. Larger and metal prints are also available by special order.

Her love for the stars began when she was eight years old, fascinated by astronomy and dreaming about the cosmos. Years later, that same curiosity followed her through mountain hikes, wilderness expeditions, and a career as an art therapist and social worker guiding adolescents through the outdoors.

Kristina has lived in Bend for thirty-one years and now travels with her husband to capture dramatic landscapes and unforgettable night skies. She loves sharing that sense of wonder, inviting others to connect with the beauty above us and the stillness that comes with stargazing.

See Kristina’s work at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free entry + two $100 door prizes!

11/21/2025

11/21/2025

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COMAG HOLIDAY SHOW 2025
Come on down to the and shop art from 30+ local Central Oregon artists!! This is a fantastic opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping and supporting our local community 🫶
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 +
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
10 AM - 6 PM
Admission is FREE!! There are two opportunities to WIN one of two $100 gift certificates to spend with the artist of your choice 🛍️

11/21/2025

Meet the Maker: Wade Womack

Wade Womack is a printmaker and painter whose work invites you into a layered world of texture, color, and thought. Born and raised in Idaho, he built a strong artistic foundation at Boise State University, earning his B.A. in Design and Printmaking in 1984.

Wade specializes in reduction wood-block printing, a demanding technique where a single block is carved, inked, and printed repeatedly to build multi-layered imagery. Guided by the belief that “art is a tool of expression,” he uses his prints and paintings to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and uncover hidden stories.

Now based in Oregon, Wade exhibits throughout the Pacific Northwest and teaches classes to share his craft with emerging artists. Whether through dynamic prints, studio explorations, or community workshops, he continues to push the boundaries of graphic art and visual narrative.

Wade’s pieces aren’t just images — they are experiences. Each print carries the mark of the block, the rhythm of the carving, and the intention behind every layered choice.

See Wade’s work at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!

11/21/2025

Meet the Maker: Toby Frensdorf – Hidden Earth Minerals

Toby Frensdorf is the lapidary artist and miner behind Hidden Earth Minerals, where every gemstone begins its journey deep underground. Toby digs many of his own stones across the West, then brings them back to his bench to cut, shape, and polish by hand.

His work blends precision lapidary skill with a love for raw, natural beauty — letting each stone’s unique pattern and color guide the final design. Whether shaping cabochons or cutting display pieces, Toby’s passion is rooted in discovery and revealing the hidden beauty inside every stone.

See Toby’s work at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!

11/20/2025

Meet the Maker: Jerry Goettig – AmericanMadeBlade

Jerry Goettig has always loved creating with his hands — a passion inspired by his father, a skilled craftsman and welder who built everything from furniture to tools, including a handmade knife that sparked Jerry’s own interest. Jerry made his first knife as a teen, but it wasn’t until 2009 that he returned to the craft with purpose, investing in tools, studying techniques, and learning from legendary makers like Jim Ferguson.

In 2013, Jerry acquired his forge and 300-lb Fisher anvil, officially beginning his bladesmithing journey. He describes the craft as “dirty, nasty, dangerous,” but undeniably captivating — a mix of heat, steel, and hand-work that keeps him coming back. Every knife he creates is functional art, built with intention and respect for the craft.

See Jerry’s work at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!

11/20/2025

Meet the Maker: Mary Jo Weiss

For Mary Jo Weiss, metalwork isn’t just a craft — it’s a lifelong artistic journey that began in the Midwest, where open skies, hard work, and early creative curiosity shaped her path. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalwork from Northern Illinois University before moving to Central Oregon in 1990 and settling in Sisters to raise her two daughters.

Nature and family remain at the heart of Mary Jo’s work. Their influence is visible in the curves, textures, and stones she chooses, each piece echoing the quiet beauty of the landscape and the love that grounds her creativity.

After working with numerous fine jewelers, Mary Jo became fully independent in 2012. She soon helped establish the Torch Jewelry Collective, a women-owned cooperative that fosters community, collaboration, and support while allowing each artist to maintain their own creative identity.

As the artist behind Josepha Weiss Designs, she has developed a distinctive, award-winning style and a loyal local following. She previously taught jewelry and metalworking at Central Oregon Community College and now offers intimate workshops and classes from her studio.

But teaching and accolades aside, Mary Jo’s greatest joy is in the making — watching a piece transform from concept to carefully chosen stone to hand-textured metal as intuition guides her hands. Her mission is simple: to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind jewelry that can be loved and passed down for generations.

See Mary Jo’s work at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!

11/20/2025

Meet the Maker: Kathleen Branch

Kathleen Branch creates abstract paintings that reinterpret the nostalgic charm of Mid Century Modern design with a fresh, contemporary twist. Drawing inspiration from the era’s linear furniture, functional materials, and iconic color palettes, she blends geometric and organic forms using fluid acrylic strokes and carefully curated vintage hues.

A lifelong lover of color and composition, Kathleen works within a limited palette to recreate the feel of woven textiles and timeless design elements. Her artistic journey has taken her across the world as a scenic artist for film, ballet, and opera — crafting immersive scenery and backdrops that bring entire worlds to life.

Experience Kathleen’s bold and evocative work at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!

11/19/2025

Michelle Adams Photography

I am a self-taught fine art landscape, nature, and nightscape photographer based in Central Oregon, where the beauty of the natural world and the mysteries of the cosmos inspire my work. My journey in photography began with a childhood fascination, sparked by my grandfather's darkroom supplies. Over the years, this curiosity evolved into a passion for capturing awe-inspiring moments in nature. My portfolio includes a diverse range of subjects, from vast landscapes to serene nature scenes and captivating night skies.

Using advanced techniques like focus stacking, panoramic stitching, and star stacking, I bring intricate details and expansive views to life in my photography. These methods allow me to create vivid images with stunning clarity, color, and depth, whether I'm photographing a mountain landscape or a starlit night scene. Digital photography is my chosen medium, offering the flexibility and precision needed to refine each shot.

My work evokes a sense of wonder, inviting viewers to experience sights they may never see in person. I strive to inspire exploration and advocate for the preservation of our natural resources and dark skies, with a personal mission to continue pushing the boundaries of photography.

11/19/2025

Meet the Maker: Laura Robson

Laura Robson is known for her striking use of industrial materials combined with precious metals and stones, creating jewelry that is both elegant and bold. Inspired by blacksmithing and architectural ironwork, she sculpts, bends, twists, and hammers steel into pieces that gracefully adorn the body while making a powerful statement.

Since the late ’90s, Laura’s work has evolved, yet one thing has remained constant — her passion for alternative materials and the belief that industrial elements have a meaningful place in modern jewelry design. Her pieces balance strength and sophistication, offering a fresh approach to wearable art.

Meet Laura and explore her work at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!

11/19/2025

We have invited the Oregon Knifemakers Guild to join us for the show.
Meet the Maker: Gary Griffin – Griffin Made Knives

Gary Griffin wears a lot of hats — CEO, Director of Marketing, Production Manager, Head of R&D, HR, impromptu cook, janitor… and, of course, Dragon Whisperer. What started as a simple backyard project in his early teens has grown into a full-blown obsession, evolving into the handcrafted artistry of Griffin Made Knives.

Over the years, Gary has been gifted with the opportunity to meet, befriend, and work with some truly amazing bladesmiths and legends in the knifemaking world. Every knife he makes is a piece of functional sculpture, created entirely by hand without jigs or guides — forging, profiling, grinding, and shaping each detail individually. Every blade carries its own character, its own presence, and its own unique mojo.

If a piece speaks to you, Gary can recreate something similar — or forge a completely custom, one-of-a-kind family heirloom made just for you.

Meet Gary and explore his handcrafted blades at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!

11/18/2025

Meet the Maker: Dacia Hesiak – Little Crown Benchmade

Dacia Hesiak, the artist behind Little Crown Benchmade, discovered metalsmithing in 2011 during her decades-long career in graphic design. After years of creating digital content, working with metal became a way to bring her ideas into the physical world — tangible, wearable art shaped by fire, tools, and imagination.

Dacia draws inspiration from the world around her: the moon, music, desert critters, movement, and the wandering thoughts that surface while running (or running around). She’s also endlessly curious, diving deep into the rabbit holes of art and jewelry history, esoterica, gemstones, and archaeology — all of which subtly weave into her designs.

Her work feels timeless, sometimes even ancient — like something unearthed after centuries. She creates pieces she wants to wear herself, hoping they speak to others just as strongly. Each piece is crafted with intention, character, and a touch of mystery.

Meet Dacia and explore Little Crown Benchmade at the COMAG Holiday Art Show, Nov 21–22, 10am–6pm, at Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend. Free admission and two $100 door prizes for lucky attendees!