The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Top (left-right): Artists Nancy Watterson Scharf, Barbara Berry, Karen Ellis. Bottom (left-right): Artists Pam Jersey Bird, Abigail Merickel, Katherine Taylor, Vivian Olsen. Photo provided

A local art show titled "Shades of Autumn" is currently on exhibit at Sisters COCC.

Nature is the theme for this collection from ArtWise, a group of seven local artists displaying their diverse techniques. The artists are a collective of Central Oregon friends that formed last year.

"Forest Walk Impressions" is a hand-pulled Intaglio print using old-world techniques and presented by Karen Ellis. Ink is placed in the grooves and printed on an etching press and run in limited editions.

"Flowers IV" is a mixed media offering from Abigail Merickel.

"Abby tends to have a more whimsical style in many of her works," said Barbara Berry.

Both Ellis and Merickel have their own presses.

Nancy Watterson Scharf displays her acrylic technique with "Wheat."

There are three collages by Pam Jersey Bird, "Green Spirit," "Shades of Fall," and "Kalamata."

Vivian Olsen displays her beautiful pastel, "Benham Falls," at the show. Katherine Taylor presents an oil on canvas, "Tomato Altar."

Locals who visit Suttle Lake will recognize "The Blue House," Barbara Berry's acrylic painting.

"We meet monthly to share ideas and information about the arts and to encourage and inspire each other's creative expressions," said Karen Ellis.

The group has displayed at Bend's City Hall, Angeline's Bakery in Sisters and at Bliss, also in Sisters. Next spring, the group will present a show at the Sunriver Library and also at the Steamboat Springs Inn on the upper Umqua River.

"The group thinks in terms of support rather than competition," said Berry. "Art is a spiritual experience and support is very helpful. We also like to share opportunities and our marketing experiences."

A recent summer cabin retreat helped in bonding the group together.

"All of the artists in the group are involved some way in education," said Karen Ellis. "Community Education classes, local schools and private classes are conducted by ArtWise members."

Vivian Olsen chairs the group and their website is located at http://www.artwise.biz/.

Sisters COCC is located at 160 S. Oak Street.