Sunriver: Naturally Inspiring
Imagine the conversation if American modern artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso, Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, and American author and editor Toni Morrison were to have a picnic in a meadow filled with wildflowers and bordered by a babbling brook.
Perhaps, their own words provide a clue about what they would discuss being surrounded by the abundance of natural beauty and inspiration found in Sunriver and Central Oregon. Here are quotes
“The earth laughs in flowers.”―Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher and writer
In every walk with nature, we receive much more than we seek.” – John Muir, writer, philosopher and environmentalist
- “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.” – Alice Walker
To provide a clue about what they would discuss about being surrounded by the abundance of inspiration found in Sunriver and Central Oregon, here are quotes from each of them:
“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” – Aristotle
“If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” —Toni Morrison
Writers, painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, photographers, philosophers, musicians and other creatives will discover countless sources of inspiration when exploring the harmony of art and nature in Sunriver and Central Oregon.
Art Galleries
The Artists’ Gallery in The Village highlights the artwork of more than 35 artists who masterfully capture Central Oregon’s beauty. Community members are invited to attend Second Saturday at the Artists’ Gallery every month, 4 to 6 pm while enjoying beverages and food.
The Betty Gray Art Gallery at Sunriver Resort’s Lodge features the work of Central Oregon artists.
The Nancy McGrath Green Gallery is inside Sunriver Christian Fellowship, 18139 Cottonwood Road in Sunriver.
Three art events in August
The Sunriver Quilt Show kicks off the celebration of art in August, followed by the two-week Sunriver Music Festival and the three-day Sunriver Art Fair.
Create Your Own Artwork
Arrange a craft party with Meandering Maker, take a class at the Artists’ Gallery or The Creator Lab, learn about flower arranging from Wild Poppy Florist, sign up for classes at local restaurants and more.
Books and Book Clubs
Whether you are looking for a specific book or you are seeking recommendations on what to read next, be sure to visit Sunriver Books & Music in The Village. The knowledgeable staff can recommend several books, after learning what you like to read. Ask about the mystery and fiction book clubs, which meet via Zoom and in person on Monday nights. The Sunriver Library in the Sunriver Business Park is a priceless resource to find books, movies, magazines and more. Click Sunriver Books to see its 2025 Book Club Lists.
Celebrating Community Theater
For performing arts lovers, the Sunriver Stars, the community theatre troupe, delivers hilarious and inspiring productions multiple times a year. Visit sunriverstars.org for the schedule. Click Sunriver Stars to see upcoming events.
NATURE, SCIENCE AND ART
Learn about Central Oregon’s history and ecology at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, and the High Desert Museum.
Artists’ Gallery
