Bend Oregon Land/House/Studio Location

[BendLocal]

I'd suggest taking an in depth look at the art scene in Bend. I have a hunch that this area lacks the population to support ventures like this. The phrase "starving artist" comes to mind.

[Thom52]

Originally Posted by BendLocal

I'd suggest taking an in depth look at the art scene in Bend. I have a hunch that this area lacks the population to support ventures like this. The phrase "starving artist" comes to mind.

The op would definitely have to market to the tourist traffic. That means the business would have to either have a draw (and property rights) to make it a destination attraction(or give classes or whatever), or be located where there is a lot of tourist traffic. Have you ever noticed how many people tromp through the Old Mill shopping district, in search of treasures to buy without the sales tax they have at home in WA or CA? That does seem to favor the business model of a shop in one location and storefront in another.

I thought it was bad to have all the restrictions and covenants here in suburban Bend, but it sounds like outside of town there are just as many restrictions with what you can do with your land.

My wife is an artist with a good 15 years of experience and amazing work. I am just glad we never had to count on her for income......

[Thom52]

Originally Posted by flpotter

..... One of the things that interests me in the Bend are is that it has an emerging arts community.

Key point to consider is that Bend is an "emerging" arts community. I would say its not known as a destination "art" place like some towns. Plus side is that you could be in on the ground floor of it adding that to its highlights as a town.

There is a very small art co-op store in town and several nice galleries spread between downtown and Old Mill. There is a huge number of very talented artists in the area. My wife was selling her art up in the Seattle area. Down here in Bend her art can't even get her foot in the door of the co-op or galleries.

I did just recall that the local co-op did say they might be looking for a "three dimensional" artist recently when we were checking it out. I think your pottery might fall under that category. That would be worthwhile to check out, and would give you good exposure to a lot of foot traffic. The walls of the co-op store were packed with oils and watercolor, and they do have a limited range of styles that they seem to represent. i.e. "safe" living room art. My wife only does a portion of her artwork as "safe", which might also be a problem breaking into the local scene.

Then you just have to figure out a nice setting away from town, where you are allowed to bring in people for classes and to set up your kilns. Maybe if you just said your kilns were just burning scrap or brush you could get away with it? Outdoor burning is still allowed and heavily done in the Bend area, much to my amazement. Irony would be not allowing clean burning kilns. I would check into that more deeply and not be prematurely discouraged by the experts on the internet.

[BendLocal]

Originally Posted by Thom52

Outdoor burning is still allowed and heavily done in the Bend area, much to my amazement.

There are a large number of rules that cover what and when burning can take place.

[Dry Side]

Outdoor burning is still allowed and heavily done in the Bend area, much to my amazement.

campfires, warming fires, commercial fire pits and BBQ’s ONLY in city limits..

Bend Outdoor Burn Info

[whirnot]

Look in the area surrounding Sunriver. There are boatloads of home businesses in the area. Many acreages from 1/2 to 15.
Just make sure if there is an HOA, that they will allow it.