Sisters art stroll success

Paul Bennett discusses his tapestries during the Sisters Art Stroll. The artist worked for years with Pendelton Woolen Mills to develop the tapestries. Hundreds of people turned out for the stroll on Saturday. photo by Conrad Weiler Balmy weather greeted throngs of strollers at Sisters' sixth annual summer Art Stroll last Saturday, June 19. The mellow crowd was treated to a wide variety of art, dancing, food and music throughout town.

Highlighting events was Paul Bennett's unveiling of his new series of tapestries at the High Desert Gallery. Bennett, working with Pendleton Woolen Mills, has produced lovely tapestries of some of his art works. Large crowds of art enthusiasts circulated throughout the three-hour show.

"It took about three years of working with Pendleton to get things just right," said the artist. "The tapestries contain only five to nine colors and so the weaving process had to match my artwork and the selections had to be carefully made."

Ten of these tapestries are on display at the High Desert Gallery.

Outside the gallery, The Anvil Blasters provided musical entertainment for appreciative audiences through the early evening.

"Sisters is great," said Mary Wolfson of Bellevue, Washington. "We enjoy coming here so much."

That was echoed by many strolling the streets and enjoying the wide variety of entertainment.

The Gypsy Sisters belly dancers performed outside several shops up and down Cascade Avenue.

Ben Scharf performs at his father's gallery. photo by Conrad Weiler

Ben Scharf played keyboards at the Cliff Scharf Gallery. Beryle Koenig, from Palm Desert, California, was there searching the pottery.

Proud parents Phil and Kristine Rérat were at Paulina Springs Books admiring their daughter's artwork display. Rosita Rérat recently graduated from Sisters High School and is on her way to Linfield College with two local scholarship awards to help in her art studies (The Nugget, June 16, 2004).

Next door, Gary Albertson was offering up a fine assortment of hors d'oeuvres and artworks at his Sisters Gallery and Frame shop.

Over at Christmas Mountain Magic, another young artist, Julianne Tierney, was displaying her artwork. The recent Sisters High School graduate is headed for Colorado State University to study apparel design.

"We enjoy supporting young people," said owner Paula Morgan. "Julianne has been with us for three years and we're going to miss her."

At Soda Creek Gallery, owner Paul Nichamoff commented, "The art stroll displays the social aspect of art. Crowds visit the galleries and enjoy the art, food and companionship.

"I enjoy talking with people who have found a piece of art that really calls out to them," he said.