The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Voting is now open for the People's Choice Awards, presented as part of the 12th annual Sisters Library Art Exhibit, sponsored by Friends of Sisters Library (FOSL). There is no financial stipend, but the friendly competition for the community favorites always spurs artists to submit some of their best work.

This year's exhibit features nearly 148 pieces from 51 artists who reside in and around Sisters. The entries include photographs, paintings in oil, watercolor, and acrylic, sculpture, scratchboard, quilts, pencil drawings, pottery, jewelry, glass art, wooden boxes, and more. Each piece is the original work of a local artist, and many (though not all) are for sale.

The public is invited to a reception for the show and its artists on Friday, January 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. The evening will conclude with announcement of this year's People's Choice Awards. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served. Some of the galleries in Sisters that are normally open for the Fourth Friday Art Stroll that evening will be taking a break this month, and directing their patrons to visit the library reception.

Anyone who visits the library between now and January 25 may vote for their three favorite pieces in the exhibit. Voting slips and pencils (and the drop box for ballots) are located on the table at the entrance to the community room. Be sure to walk through the entire library, because art is displayed in the community and computer rooms, children's area, reading area, study desks, and even hanging from the rafters and behind the check-out desk. The walls are full and the quality of the work is better than ever, according to many who were visiting and voting on Saturday afternoon.

Many of the artists who submitted this year are previous award-winners. Sisters artist Linda Hanson, whose photograph from Cuba won a top award a few years ago, this year turned to her brushes to paint a rural scene from down near Fossil. Hanson spent several minutes discussing art and poetry with some Sisters High School students who were completing homework assignments Saturday afternoon at the library.

Young photographer Austin James Jackson has returned with yet another large photograph on metal, and colored pencil art shows up on wood planks by Steve Mathews, and framed drawing by Mike Stasko. All are prior award-winners. New to the show this year are fused-glass paintings by Mel Archer and clay figures by Mary Moore. There are popular wooden boxes by Laurence Dyer, and jewelry by Mary Jo Weiss, and so much more displayed in the glass cases in the lobby.

The Friends of Sisters Library will receive a 10 percent commission for any artwork sold during the exhibit, which is a fundraiser for FOSL. To purchase art, complete a request form that can be found near the ballot box in the community room. Be sure to date your request, because if multiple forms are received for the same piece, the earlier one will be honored.