“Beauty in the End” by Sahara Lucas. The painting depicts the field where her dear friend Lala Debari’s memorial service was held almost a year ago. Hayden Homes, the middle and high schools, and the field are in close proximity. photo provided
“Beauty in the End” by Sahara Lucas. The painting depicts the field where her dear friend Lala Debari’s memorial service was held almost a year ago. Hayden Homes, the middle and high schools, and the field are in close proximity. photo provided
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Every year, Hayden Homes, in partnership with Sisters Arts Association, awards a $2,500 scholarship to a Sisters High School graduating senior who is pursuing the study of art. This year’s recipient is Sahara Lucas. Her work will be on display at the McKenzie Meadows Model Home (1666 McKinney Butte Dr.) during the Artist Studio Tour, September 25-26.

“Beauty in the End” is Lucas’ featured painting. “It is close to my heart, as it is the location of a close friend’s funeral,” Sahara said. “It is a place that is very important to me, and because it holds such intense emotion, I was able to capture that in the painting. It also shows off the beautiful scenery of the Three Sisters, which I have grown up with all my life.”

Lucas, a 2021 graduate of Sisters High School, is pursuing the study of animation at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington.

“I feel honored to have received this scholarship,” she said. “It’s a gift to be chosen to create something for other people to see and enjoy. It is a very generous helping hand as I make my place in the world, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to (study) where I will be challenged.”

Kit Stafford was one of Lucas’ first art teachers.

“For as long as I’ve known Sahara Lucas, she has always gone about her creative work quietly and assured. The way she would take in instruction was a little mysterious. Often she would sit for a long time then get to work and finish with a big smile. Being her art teacher in middle school was a joy because she was thoughtful and steadfast – always kind to everyone. She has carried those qualities with her ever since.”

“We know how important the arts are to the Sisters community. We believe they are one of the many things that make this beautiful town vibrant, healthy, and unique,” said Tom Bennett, regional director for Hayden Homes. “It is our honor to collaborate with Sisters High School, Sisters Arts Association, and Sisters GRO (Graduate Resource Organization) to showcase the talent of Sisters Country youth through this scholarship. Sahara’s art adds a vibrant touch to our model home, and we are excited to showcase this beautiful piece for the next year.”

This year the Artist Studio Tour has 35 artists in 25 studio locations. Painter David Dittman of Bend will be sharing his work at the model home location. A few other artists will share a space, which enables visitors to meet more artists without driving as far. But this is a unique opportunity since it gives most artists the ability to demonstrate and sell their work directly from their home studios.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, September 25-26. Studio Tour guides include directions and maps, and are available in galleries, restaurants, lodging, Sisters Chamber of Commerce, and online at www.sistersarts.org.