A Sense of Place’ Exhibition Showcases Oregon Ranch’s Journey from High Desert Roots to Olympic Fashion Fame
From Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum:
By Lesley Wright
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 22, 2025 — Opening Celebration September 6 for Our New Exhibition, A Sense of Place, Exploring the History and Evolution of the Imperial Stock Ranch - Where Sustainable Sheep Ranching from the High Desert of Central Oregon Meets the World of High Fashion and the Olympics.
Wool from Imperial Stock Ranch and Shaniko Wool Company has become sought-after by global high-fashion and textile markets. Their wool has been featured four times in the official Olympic Team USA uniforms designed and produced by Ralph Lauren - most recently in the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
A Sense of Place exhibition is a celebration of land stewardship, showcasing an extraordinary collection of ranching and textile artifacts, including the Olympic uniforms designed and created by Ralph Lauren. The exhibition tells the remarkable story of the Imperial Stock Ranch located near Shaniko, Oregon, and the journey from its founding in 1871 by Oregon Trail pioneers to the 21st century. Jeanne Carver, alongside her late husband Dan Carver, transformed Imperial Stock Ranch into a modern leader in regenerative ranching and farming.
Faced with devastation in America's wool market in the late 1990s, Jeanne and Dan successfully transitioned from selling commodity wool to providing traceable wool products to the eco-chic fashion and retail markets. The Carvers' focus on caring for the land is what propelled their wool marketing forward as a leader in the global competition.
Imperial Stock Ranch became the first sheep operation in the world to be Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified. Interest from leading fashion brands grew, resulting in the Carvers’ founding of Shaniko Wool Company to scale up the supply of U.S.-grown RWS-certified wool. American wool producers committed to sustainable ranching can now join Shaniko Wool Company, become RWS certified, and receive a premium price for their wool.
A Sense of Place
Exhibition Opening Celebration on Saturday, September 6th, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on the event and the exhibition, or if you would like to cover it live, please contact Lesley Wright: lesley@gorgediscovery.org
A Sense of Place - Exhibition Opening Celebration Featuring country music artist Joni Harms, Art exhibit by Wool Fiber Artist Kristina Foley, Hearty hors d'oeuvres & local wines and beer
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