Caldera's Hearth Building progresses

Some tent...

Tucked away from the confusion of a tumultuous world, an unusual organization is taking root on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains near Sisters.

Formerly the site of Blue Lake Resort and more recently known as Camp Caldera, now, it's simply called "Caldera."

For the last five years, Caldera has been providing nature, life skills, and art opportunities for inner city youth who would not normally have the chance to take part in such activities. That aspect of Camp Caldera will continue, but Caldera now envisions an even greater plan to encompass an arts program that will serve all ages and promote the arts on a state-wide basis.

One of the early steps toward that goal includes construction of a mammoth "Hearth Building" destined to become the center of Caldera activities for the future, and Phase One of that project is nearing completion.

The first phase of the Hearth Building project is construction of the roof alone, which is a unique structure in itself.

"The load-bearing structure is such that it allows you to build this tent-like thing and, then, all the interior spaces later," said Miriam Feuerle, Caldera's Director of Adult Programs and Annual Giving.

Some tent.

Giant vertical logs support laminated beams several feet thick to form a V-shaped structure that cradles Caldera's life center like two giant wings. Virtually complete, the wings provide approximately a half acre of covered space that will be put to use immediately.

"Once it's covered, it allows you to do things regardless of season," said Feuerle, "so it isn't going to be used only by the youth program in the summertime."

In fact, the massive shelter has already been put to good use -- and not just for Caldera's activities. Last month, Caldera's new building provided the site for the Sisters Folk Festival sponsor dinner.

The Hearth Building was decorated and set up to accommodate nearly 150 people for the special event that kicked off the Sisters Folk Festival, and some of the festival artists performed there, as well.

According to Facilities Manager Greg Brand, construction of the interior fireplaces is planned to be well underway this week.

Pointing toward a maze of iron rods in the west end of the building, he said, "That one's going to be a gigantic fireplace. You can throw six-foot logs in there, and it will all be surrounded by a stage for performances."

Brand has been on-site for all of Caldera's five years, and he's very enthusiastic about the future.

"This was our best year ever," he said, "and now we're adding the artist-in-residency program for artists, writers, musicians, playwrights....to come here and work in these beautiful surroundings."

This new aspect of Caldera, says Feuerle, seeks to foster artistic creativity by offering artists and writers one- to five-week residencies in Caldera's peaceful setting. Applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis by a special admissions panel, and applications for the first residencies were received just last week.

All-season cabins are available for the artists, in a program that marks Caldera's first foray into year-round operations. Subsequent phases of the Hearth Building project will enclose much of the covered spaces into performing areas, classrooms, art studios, a lounge, library and other general-purpose spaces.

However, Caldera is not waiting for the final touches or even the final phases, for that matter.

"For the first year, we will use those spaces open," said Feuerle. "As money becomes available, additional facilities will be completed."

A non-profit organization, Caldera is dependent on charitable donations and was put together by Dan Wieden, a Portland advertising executive. Feuerle said she expects the whole project will take three to five years for completion.

As an interdisciplinary program, Caldera plans to bring in a wide array of artists.

"This means there will be some interesting people coming to the Sisters area," Feuerle said.