Ranch artists display their work

Suzanne Ard, Art Guild co-chair, admires Connie Mulligan's painting of Tumalo Falls.

It's too big to actually put in a barn anymore, so the 14th annual Black Butte Ranch (BBR) Art in the Barn show is actually staged in a small portable tent set up near the recreation building.

But the spirit of the show featuring ranch residents, visitors and employees remains the same.

This year's Friday/Saturday show featured a pot pourri of creativity ranging from children's wooden pull toys created by Wally Hunter to unusual hats fashioned by Marilyn Melrose. In between were various colorful paintings, photographs and art cards.

"Proceeds from the show will go for art supplies and scholarships to local schools in Sisters," said Suzanne Ard, BBR Art Guild co-chair (her husband Marlin Ard is the other co-chair).

"We're also planning on contributing to the Red Cross during this time of tragedy," she said.

In past years some of the proceeds have been used for art purchases to beautify the BBR Lodge. That project is pretty well completed, as people who visit the Lodge will attest.

Friday's evening opening is always well attended and threatening skies did not dim the enthusiasm of the crowd. Friendly greetings and conversations sparkled as the crowd viewed the art displayed and enjoyed the wine and hors d'oeuvres nearby. A silent auction table containing art donated by residents has become a show tradition.

Among the many fine presentations at this year's gathering were noted artist Charlotte Milam's 2002-2003 BBR desk calendars (she provides the inserts for the additional year). The artist also presented her interpretation of BBR's lake with a watercolor and ink painting mounted in antique western frame.

World traveler and artist Ruth Ingham displayed a lovely quilt from her African series. The colorful and intricate production featured several African animals. She also exhibited a "Crazy Patch Vest" composed of silk from India, Japan and Thailand. French ribbon and English floss completed this stunning artwork.

Bob Hill once again presented some of his excellent nature photography work taken with a Canon camera and beautifully mounted in framed glass.

Tom Chace presented modern art watercolors; one of his more outstanding works in golds, browns and yellows was displayed on an easel at the back of the tent.

Colorful woodcarvings by Jean Nave, lovely, crisp pottery by Michael Baynes, two paintings by Connie Mulligan, Tumalo Falls and Magical Mist (Mt. Jefferson), and colorful prints by Alicia Knox were among the many fine art works on display.

Mary Morton's note cards with colorful nature scenes were lovely to behold. Friday rain damage at the show caused some of the cards to be discounted for lucky purchasers.