Sisters artists seek community space

Local artists will have a collective showing of painted plates depicting Sisters scenes at Navigator News after Thanksgiving. photo by Susan Springer A group of Sisters artists got together last week for a painting party. But the evening had bigger goals beyond the fun. These artists hope this is the start of a collaboration that's good for the whole community.

Deb Sether opened her pottery studio and kiln to the group so they could create their art together. Each artist painted a big plate depicting a scene of Sisters. They will show their plates at Navigator News after Thanksgiving.

Part of the proceeds raised from the plates, which will sell at $100 each, will benefit My Own Two Hands. The annual arts event raises money to support art and music in Sisters schools. Last year, My Own Two Hands raised $60,000.

Watercolor artist Kathy Deggendorfer said they want to meet quarterly to create art together and sell their works to benefit arts programs. Last week was a "baby step" toward finding a communal space where artists can flourish.

"It's great to meet others and exchange ideas," said Deggendorfer, calling the gathering a "community builder."

Deggendorfer said other communities have arts centers that could serve as a model for Sisters. For example, she pointed to the Corvallis Arts Center that offers a variety of educational programs, exhibitions and community events. The mission of the Center is "to nurture artistic expression and to serve the creative life of our community." Deggendorfer said they want to figure out how to create an arts center in Sisters that is not a burden to the taxpayer.

"One thing I noticed when I moved here was the isolation," said Abigail Merickle. As a printer, she was accustomed to having a common studio where artists shared one printing press. When she moved to Sisters, Merickle had to buy her own.

"I love the idea of connecting with other artists and benefiting the community," she said.

Metal artist Kit Stafford teaches a variety of classes from theater to dance. So her work doesn't isolate her as much.

However, Stafford "loves making things" with her fellow artist friends in whom she finds inspiration.

"Because it's fun!" said painter John Simpkins about his reason for joining.

"I've been here 18 years and haven't mixed this much," said Simpkins.

His photographs of Sisters' buildings, people, trees and dogs served as inspiration for the artists to paint their plates.

Few of the artists at last week's gathering specialized in pottery. So they said working in another medium gave them a chance to "think outside the box."

That's only one of the benefits these artists are hoping for as they think about the needs of fellow artists and how forming an arts center would help the whole community.