Art stroll and auction raise thousands

Katy Yoder and Mimi Graves check out the art at the "My Own Two Hands" auction. photo by Jim Cornelius

If there were any doubts that Sisters has become a vital center of the arts in Central Oregon, the "My Own Two Hands" Art Stroll and Auction on Friday and Saturday, April 2-3, dispelled them.

Hundreds of people roamed the town on Friday, looking at locally created works of art displayed by Sisters merchants. Then they gathered at Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon to enjoy live music presented by Sisters High School Americana Project students and local bands.

Sisters blacksmith and musician Jeff Wester transformed his Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks into a giant art gallery for Saturday night's auction, where a large crowd mingled to bid on both silent and oral auction items.

Event organizer Kathy Deggendorfer estimated the return from the auction alone at $34,000. That number is likely to climb considerably higher as proceeds from the Art Stroll Chili Feed on Friday and direct donations are calculated.

Proceeds benefit the Americana Project and arts education in Sisters schools.

"I was so pleased," Deggendorfer said of the event. "We had turnout from everybody. It was pretty incredible."

Deggendorfer noted the large-scale volunteer support, including the participation of Americana Project students who served as docents and learned a great deal about the art pieces they discussed with potential auction bidders.

"I was just so proud of everyone's participation," she said. "I think it was a great community builder."

People came from around Sisters and throughout the region.

Whether working as volunteers, donating art or musical performances or bidding on art work, Deggendorfer saluted the people who made the event a success.

"We have a wonderful community... and so generous," she said. "They gave what they can give -- and what they can give is so much."

Several artists were honored by the jury selecting the art pieces for the event.

Merit awards: John Simpkins; Tom Browning, Andrew Wachs.

Americana Folk & Student Achievement Award: Laura Campbell.

Jury's Choice Award: Gretchen Addison.