The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sisters Folk Festival will host the annual My Own Two Hands art fundraiser as a completely online silent auction.

The virtual auction will open on Friday, May 8 and close on Saturday, May 16, with more than 70 different items coming up for bid during that time. No ticket purchase is necessary to participate in the auction, and bids can easily be placed from the comfort and safety of home via your cell phone or internet-connected device.

Since 2002, local and regional artists have donated tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of artwork to My Own Two Hands (MOTH) in support of Sisters Folk Festival’s mission of providing comprehensive music and arts education. SFF recognizes the arts and music sectors have been among the hardest hit economically due to restrictions on public gatherings during COVID-19, and also that humans turn to the arts for comfort, especially during these unprecedented times.

Crista Munro, SFF executive director said, “Like so many other arts nonprofits, Sisters Folk Festival faces an uncertain future. It’s critical that we move forward with our biggest fundraiser of the year — despite the current situation — and our hope is that the online auction format will increase exposure for the tremendously talented visual artists who’ve been so generous to SFF through the years.”

The organization anticipates reaching a larger, more worldwide audience than ever before by going virtual and encourages folks to share the auction link with friends and family and anyone who wishes to support music and arts programming in the Sisters schools and community.

Munro said, “The safety and well-being of our guests, artists, musicians, sponsors, Folk Art Circle members, volunteers, vendors and contractors is our top priority. Hosting an online auction is currently the only safe way to offer this beautiful art to our community, and it will help us to continue our programming into the future.”

Sisters watercolor artist Winnie Givot. photo provided

“Pasture’s Dawn Light”

SFF hopes the My Own Two Hands online art auction fundraiser will provide much-needed money for core mission support while showcasing the dozens of Central Oregon artists and businesses who have contributed.

SFF creative director Brad Tisdel said, “SFF staff and board truly thank you for sticking with us through these uncertain times. Your support of SFF’s organizational mission is so important and tremendously appreciated right now.”

Follow Sisters Folk Festival on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter for up-to-date information. To learn more about the Sisters Folk Festival organization and preview the more than 70 items that will be up for auction go to www.sistersfolkfestival.org/auction-items.