Auction raises thousands for music

The Americana Project Guitar Art Auction raised just under $20,000 in total proceeds for roots music exploration programs in schools.

The auction on Saturday, March 9, at Soda Creek Gallery capped a week of events featuring pawn shop guitars turned into paintings and sculptures by local professional artists and Sisters High School art students.

The show was set up on Friday night and lots of folks came through the gallery all day on Saturday to view the guitars. Local artists Loraine Albertson and Cate O'Hagen hung the show.

The gallery setting and "opening night" atmosphere created the feel of a major art event. A jazz trio featuring Jody Henderson (Americana Project instructor) on trumpet, Ben Scharf on keyboard, and Mike Kurtz on bass provided a musical backdrop.

About 100 people attended the show opening and auction.

The auction, with some other fund-raising activities during the previous week, proved a major financial success for the education program, which is affiliated with the Sisters Folk Festival.

"With the sponsorships, the preview party proceeds, individual contributions, the sale of the guitars we feel very fortunate to be in such a generous community," said project co-chair Kathy Deggendorfer.

Dennis Turmon served as auctioneer. Lynn Miller from Small Farmers Journal in Sisters assisted with identifying bidders.

According to Deggendorfer, the highest bid was over $2,000 and other guitars went for $350-$1500. Student pieces netted just under $4,000.