Sisters artist injured in bicycle accident

Air Life transported an injured Dennis McGregor to St. Charles Medical Center. Photo by Jim Cornelius

Noted Sisters artist Dennis McGregor was badly hurt in a bicycle accident on Sunday morning, June 30.

McGregor, 52, was riding westbound on McKenzie Highway as part of a ride organized by Sisters Athletic Club when he apparently lost control of his bike rounding a curve and crashed. Witnesses said McGregor took the curve too fast and went over the top of his bike.

According to emergency radio traffic, McGregor hit his head and lost consciousness briefly, but had regained consciousness by the time paramedics arrived.

McGregor suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung and a broken collarbone.

An ambulance crew transported McGregor to Sisters Eagle Air, where an Air Life helicopter flew him to St. Charles Medical Center.

McGregor remained in the hospital on Monday. Friends said he was in relatively good shape as long as he did not move or laugh.

McGregor is an artist and musician, noted for his posters depicting local events from the Sisters Rodeo to the Sisters Folk Festival.

He earned national recognition for his creation of an 891-square-yard "Living Quilt" for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show's 25th anniversary in 2000.

He has become a major attraction at the Quilt Show, autographing his collectible event posters.

He is also a noted songwriter and member of Sisters' seminal band The Blue D'Arts.

Friends have rallied to help McGregor with his medical expenses.

Donations may be made to the Dennis McGregor Donation Account at Bank of the Cascades. The account number is 4053427.