Sisters hosts art stroll and auction

A drum made by artist Laura Campbell. photo provided

The Sisters community will celebrate the arts in grand style with a two-day event on Friday and Saturday, April 2 and 3.

The fund-raising event titled "My Own Two Hands" brings together professional, part-time and student artists to benefit the Americana Project and arts programs in Sisters schools. The Americana Project, an offshoot of the Sisters Folk Festival, introduces students to roots music and the impact of that music on American culture.

"What better way to support that than to ask artists and musicians ... to support that using their talent?" said Kathy Deggendorfer, the creative force behind the event.

The artists and musicians will display their talents in an Art Stroll featuring live entertainment on Friday, April 2 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. throughout Sisters. A chili feed will be held at Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon that evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by live music from 8 to 10:30 p.m.

The next day, Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks will host an art auction in which buyers can purchase the work featured in the Art Stroll. The auction party will start at 6 p.m. and requires a $30 ticket.

The auction is a special event, Deggendorfer noted, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to buy local art. Many pieces are by excellent non-commercial artists, whose work is not readily available on the market.

"There's pieces in the auction that there's no way you could ever buy," Deggendorfer said.

She cited burl wood bowls by Tom Fish that are not for sale in any gallery. He makes them for friends. Now, someone can buy one at the auction.

The art is unique in every way.

Deggendorfer singled out a woven horse blanket made by Mollie Edwards from llama wool obtained through Hinterland Ranch and featuring conchos made by Sisters silversmith Cliff Scharf.

"Talk about a piece that's indigenous," she said. "That came right off the backs of our local llamas."

Student artists contributed significantly to the event. Sisters Elementary School students made birdhouses (see The Nugget, March 24, page 3) and middle school students under the direction of Nancy Scharf and Kit Stafford created pottery and banners that are currently displayed around town. High school art students, with guidance from artists Dennis McGregor, Paul Bennett and Jerry Werner contributed individual pieces.

"I think the student work was phenomenal," said Brad Tisdel, who coordinated the student participation. "I think they continue to shock and surprise people with their talent."

Tisdel was particularly impressed on a multi-media piece centered around a hand-thrown drum created by Laura Campbell, which was honored with an Americana folk Award.

The artists worked around a theme articulated in the title "My Own Two Hands."

The theme challenges each person in the community to ponder what they can do "with their own two hands" to improve their home and their world.

Each artist interpreted the theme in his or her own way, but all seemed to respond to the idea of transformation through art.

Deggendorfer credits local artist and musician Joe Leonardi with seeking a broader meaning in the art event.

"He felt really strongly that there should be a social message," she said.

"Everybody has the opportunity to help their own community," Deggendorfer said. "This is like an offering."

She noted that the theme lends itself to the cross-generational nature of the project.

The ethic of service is something worth passing on.

"That's what we want to teach our kids," Deggendorfer said.

Tisdel said the student artists responded well to the theme, though some were uneasy with the wide-open guidelines of the project.

"It was challenging to them," he said.

"My Own Two Hands" is the third in a series of spring arts events designed to benefit arts and the Americana Project. Proceeds from the 2003 Kite Strings project provided seed money for student art projects in "My Own Two Hands."

Each school received $1,000 to purchase supplies for the work.

Americana Project students will perform during the chili feed, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The performances will be in several mediums, including dance.

Chili feed tickets are available for $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. They may be purchased at High Desert Gallery, Sisters Athletic Club or Bronco Billy's. Proceeds from the chili feed benefit the Americana Project.

Tickets for the April 3 party and auction at Ponderosa Forge are $30 per person. They can be paid for at the door, but must be reserved in advance.

For more information call 549-4979 or visit www.sistersarts.org.