Western spirit at Sisters festival

Lonny Johnson, a traditional wheelwright, uses a "traveller" to measure circumference of a "felloe" (bent oak).

From drums to dancing and turquoise to teepees, there was something for everyone at the Western & Native American Arts Festival in Sisters last weekend.

"This is a beautiful place and the people are fantastic!" said vendor Bouncing Bells.

Although speaking for herself, she summed up the sentiment of festival-goers and vendors.

People were able to imagine how life was lived in a teepee, to hear the music of the West from Native tunes to folk, and to enjoy treats including Indian fry bread.

Also, there were demonstrations of Native American life.

Many people commented on the fine quality of the arts and crafts. Vendors praised the sponsor, the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, for choosing true artisans.

One vendor, the owner of Shadowhawke Studio, said she was looking forward to leaving her booth so she could visit the other vendors.

She said many are her friends whom she sees on the "summer circuit" of festivals in the Western states. Shadowhawke, who creates denim and leather outerwear, traveled from Seaside, for the show.

A vendor from Cottage Grove, Bruce Mosieur of Redhorse Art Company, called the festival "amazing."

"It's a very nice setting," said Mosieur of Creekside Park and the Sisters area.