Battle Of The Paddle Aftermath

June 21, 2010 by Michael Cassidy · 4 Comments 

Aloha Everyone,

Just back from Honolulu and The Battle Of The Paddle. Lots of hard work and long days but a really great time. The artwork for the event was a hit across the board. I’ll have some posters from the event in a few days after they get shipped over. I had a great time hanging out with Gerry Lopez, George Kam, Dale Hope, Wendell Titcomb, Kimo Akaka and many others. I had the great pleasure of spending more than an hour talking story with George Downing who in his 80s is the senior leader of the Hawaiian surf tribe. Uncle George is the man who decides whether or not the Eddie Aikau contest at Waimea goes off or not. His knowledge of Hawaiian waters is without peer. He had a lot of complimentary things to say about my art and some good advice on life. To hear his stories about the “old days” of Hawaiian surfing is a real treat. I also spent some time with his son Keone who won the Eddie a number of years back. I saw many old friends and made new ones as well.

After the event we had a chance to surf for a couple days in beautiful offshore turquoise Waikiki. Had a great time at Number Threes, Paradise and Poplars. The timing of the swell coinciding perfectly with the end of the race. Will have some info on the posters shortly and let those of you that have inquired know. Aloha, M.C.

Thanks for coming back. Be sure to post your thoughts below in the comments.

First Friday Art Walk

April 2, 2009 by porsatti · Leave a Comment 



Ivan and Michael discussing Modoc artifact

Ivan and Michael discussing Modoc artifact



The Gallery will be open for the First Friday Bend Downtown’ers andĀ  Art Walk tomorrow. Last month we had a visit from Ivan Jackson, a Modoc Indian, from Klamath Falls locatedĀ  about 2 hours south of Bend.It was a great night and exciting to witness, two masters of their crafts, meeting for the first time and discussing their lives and experiences.

Michael, who has painted and studied the South Pacific and Native American cultures for decades, has a tremendous understanding and love for these people. Ivan Jackson studied under the tribes elders for decades, motivated by the love of his people and culture, to become a master at creating authentic Modoc artifacts, the way they have been making them for thousands of years. Needless to say they had much to discuss between the crowds pouring in and Ivan demonstrating some of his techniques.
Michael has just completed a number of beautiful paintings for the gallery. I will send out an announcement once they have been displayed.
We are also pleased to announce that Michael was commissioned by the Surfrider Foundation to paint one of the 25 most famous surf breaks in the world. In addition Michael was also commissioned by The High Desert Museum for a painting to be used in this summers events and for their advertising and promotion. We are honored to be working with these two great organizations. We will send out more information about these events this summer.
Hope to see you soon
Peter Orsatti
Michael Cassidy Fine Art Gallery