Waqlis’i?

I was raised in the Klamath-Modoc Tribes of Southern Oregon, where I learned to walk through the world with empathy, humility, respect, and acceptance. Those values have shaped not only who I am, but the way I share art and culture with my community.

After more than 25 years of supporting local artists through exhibitions in my dental practice—which I have since closed—Don Dexter Gallery came to life in April 2023 at Crescent Village, creating a permanent home for art, culture, and community.

Don Dexter Gallery is the only Indigenous-owned fine art gallery in the Willamette Valley. It is more than a gallery—it is a gathering place where voices and media come together, where stories are told through paint, clay, fiber, photography and mixed media.

Here, artists and visitors connect, exchange, and create a deeper understanding of one another. Every piece we show carries forward the same spirit I was taught as a child: honoring people, place, and expression. This gallery is not just my work—it is a continuation of the traditions and values of my people, shared with you.