One of the great things about Pendelton is the association it’s had from it’s inception with Indian people of the Northwest. There’s an Indian horse race that has to be seen to be believed. One rider rides 3 different horse around the track which his teammates hold. He rides at full gallop one lap around the arena jumps off that horse ( at full speed ) and right back on to the next one which his friends try ( often unsuccessfully ) to hold still. There is no saddle or stirrups. They grab the horse’s mane to swing on. There are 4 different teams all doing this at the same time on the same side of the track so pretty much every race has collisions and falls. The energy is unbelievable. a rider might go from first to last or the other way around in a heartbeat. There is in addition to that dancing competitions with tribal groups from all over the west. The main drag in Pendelton is shut down for rodeo week and filled with musician’s stages and vendors. We stayed in a really great old hotel that had been the town brothel up until 1964! The Baker’s rented the whole thing for their pals. I was honored to take part. I’m really inspired to paint this imagery and will post pictures as I finish them.

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.

Aloha Everyone, Here’s one my latest projects. This is for a stand up paddle board race at Duke Kahanamoku Beach at Waikiki. It’s the Rainbow Sandals, Gerry Lopez Battle Of The Paddle. Along with my good friend George Kam we did all of the art and most of the marketing for the event. There will be posters, t-shirts and magazine ads. I’m headed over in the morning to Honolulu. The event is June 11-13. Had a lot of fun with George and Gerry working on the concept for the event. The story behind this Duke image starts with a man named John Zabotacky who surfed stand up or “Beachboy” style for 60 years virtually by himself. George Downing went to have a talk with him and when he asked John where the inspiration came from he said he saw Duke doing it  one day… So Duke is not only the father of modern surfing but the father of stand up! So with that back story we thought it appropriate to use this image of Duke to kick off the first annual event. Will have more to post soon as I’ve finally learned how to do it…I’m computer challenged… Stay tuned. Aloha, M.C.

This wonderful painting recently sold to an art collector in Seattle.

Michael has recently finished a painting of a Nez Perce Warrior on horse back. Look for the release of this piece in the coming weeks.

In March we will be having a show with Ivan, a Klamath Modoc Indian. He will be showing Modoc Indian works that were made the way the Modocs have made them for thousands of years. I will send out the announcement about the show once the date has been confirmed.

Have a great day everyone.

Peter Orsatti

Please join us Friday, December 12th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, for the Grand Opening Celebration of Michael Cassidy Fine Art Gallery.

We will feature Michael’s original oils of Hawaii, the South Pacific, and Plains Indian culture as well as our new limited edition print line along with archival photographs from Michael’s black and white collection.

Grand Opening of the Michael Cassidy Bend Art Gallery

We also have a newly revamped website with an automatic update feature for upcoming shows, new paintings and prints.  Michael has has a new blog that will include travel stories, photographs, art philosophy and tips.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information call me at 541382-0512.

Warmest Aloha

Peter Orsatti
Gallery and Business Manager

Have a blessed day

Peter Orsatti

Honolua Bay Maui Hawaii 20

See you there

Peter Orsatti