The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

“Can you talk coyote?” With that invitation by the Warm Springs Dancers, the crowd at Sisters annual Western & Native American Festival clapped for a seven-year-old boy dancing a spirited chicken dance.

Enjoying everything from Kettle Corn to flint knapping demonstrations, visitors strolled under the trees last weekend at Creekside City Park. More than 50 artists and food vendors from all over the Pacific Northwest traveled to the event.

Vendors Chris and Ron Abbott from Sunriver said festival goers liked their log beds and furniture.

“Everything is one-of-a-kind,” said Chris of the natural material used in their craft. She and her husband joked their business name Knotheads “is so fitting for us – in more ways than one!”

Ute flint knapper Stuart Murdock said visitors asked him questions about the stone spearheads he makes including “How often do you get cut?” and “How can I learn to do that?” Murdock said the answer to the first question is “not often” but he does carry a supply of Band-Aids. To the second question, he recommends a similar path to the one he took when he learned as a boy on the reservation – watch a master.

“It’s a good art – it’s relaxing,” said Murdock.

Eugene-area resident Jo Dunnick showed her watercolors at the festival for the first time. Dunnick’s Native Americans, horses, and other animals were getting positive comments.

The artist said sometimes she starts out with the background and doesn’t always know where her paintbrush will take her.

“Part of it is playing and not being afraid to waste paper,” said Dunnick. “I like mixing realism with imagination.”

Fine art photographer Randy Hopfer of Vancouver Washington was glad to come to the festival again. His scenic and animal shots come from his travels around the world. Hopfer’s close-up of a grizzly bear was eye-catching as were his playful shots of Bengal tigers.

“I like to photograph endangered species,” said Hopfer.

Rick and Susan Hurst of Port Orchard, Washington, traveled to Sisters for the first time to show their turned wood bowls and pine needle baskets. They both became artists after being layed off from high-tech jobs.

Calling their business My Second Childhood, they are enjoying the slower pace of their lives.

“Because I work for myself, I get to do what I want,” said Rick Hurst.

Rex Morris from Eugene travels the Northwest and works “more than full time” showing his custom metal signs. His signs with pine trees, horses and dogs are designed to mark the entry to a home or ranch. Morris began making practical items such as shelves and moved on to the creative side of steel.

“It’s always different — everyone has a different idea,” said Morris.

The Western & Native American Festival is sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce each September.