The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Remember the days when we strolled the citywide Fourth Friday Art Walks from gallery to gallery, our eyes open to art that moved conversations between artists and friends? Until we can do that again, the Sisters Arts Association (SAA) is finding ways to keep our community connected. See for yourself at their annual members’ meeting on Tuesday, January 26.

To preregister to join the meeting, visit www.sistersartsassociation.org/annual-meeting prior to 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 24. You will receive an invitation for the Zoom meeting via email.

Sisters Arts Association is committed to the long-term enhancement of the arts, culture, and community together in Sisters. Formed in 2015 by a group of artists and supporters who believe that the arts are an important part of the community, culture, and commerce in Sisters, SAA continues to grow, and welcomes the participation of all moving into 2021.

Sisters Arts Association is excited to announce new board members and officers — fresh minds dedicated to assist in the enhancement of the arts and culture in the community. Joining the board are Jennifer Hartwig-Klingbiel as secretary and Terri Dill-Simpson as treasurer.

As part of the annual meeting, SAA will review its accomplishments of 2020 and preview activities and events for 2021.

As regulations allow, SAA anticipates quarterly meetings, artist open houses, and the annual Artist Studio Tour.

Potential artists’ promotions could include video interviews for the SAA website and social media, and feature articles in The Nugget Newspaper.

Sisters Arts Association will pursue grants for events that may help artists who have weathered the pandemic with decreased sources of activity and revenue.

Potential major projects may develop in conjunction with SAA’s public arts initiatives for downtown Sisters.

A plan is afoot to “pivot” art walks that will rely more on virtual and socially distanced visits to gallery displays, and less on wine, cheese, and crackers.

Updates are being made to the map and website for galleries, artists, and supporting businesses.

The current pandemic is a dramatic instance of what is already a “new normal” of rapid, significant — and sometimes unexpected — change in art and its role in our daily lives. Sisters Arts Association is committed to adapting to the challenges faced by artists in our community.

Art can be a reflection of these challenging times. It can give us hope and be a beacon of light in our troubled world. Keeping us connected lets us share art’s many possibilities. Registration at the SAA website guarantees you a position in the virtual meeting. Those who register in advance and participate until the end of the meeting will be entered in a drawing for a one-year complimentary membership in SAA, a $50 value.

Need more incentive to participate? Here are a few reasons to join SAA, as an artist, a gallery owner, a supporting business or simply as an individual lover of the arts in Sisters:

• As an artist — You can meet other artists in the community. Sisters is fortunate to be home to many wonderful artists. SAA enables connections by listing and featuring artists on the SAA website, connecting with other arts organizations, and offering opportunities to participate in events.

• As a gallery — Do you know what is featured in the gallery next door or down the street? Where are all of the galleries in Sisters located? (Hint: They’re not all on Hood Avenue!) Once upon a time, it was considered bad form to send a visiting shopper to another business or gallery, because you might lose a sale. But, by working together, we can build the reputation of each gallery in Sisters, to the benefit of all. Sharing information increases your knowledge of what’s available and where to find it. Sisters Arts Association’s Gallery Walk maps reinforce the experience of making Sisters a destination for the arts.

• As a business owner — Shoppers love to browse in our stores and galleries, but they always get hungry. Or they need something other than art — like batteries or camping supplies or warm socks. Affiliating with SAA provides an open door for direct referrals as well as listing on the SAA website and the Gallery Map.

• As an art lover — Sisters Arts Association will help you to stay informed about events such as the Artist Studio Tour, Fourth Friday Art Walks (when they can safely resume), and more. You can volunteer to help and get to know more about your art community.

Sign up for the virtual meeting now at www.sistersartsassociation.org/annual-meeting. The registration deadline is Sunday, January 24 at 10 a.m.