Festivals association honors My Own Two Hands

Sisters’ My Own Two Hands art celebration received the Best Philanthropic Event from the Oregon Festivals and Events Association (OFEA) at its annual conference on March 4.

The two-day celebration of the arts in Sisters, now in its fifth year, is the annual fundraiser for the Americana Project, the educational outreach program of the Sisters Folk Festival.

The OFEA “Ovation Awards” are presented annually to the “best of the best” of special events in the state of Oregon. Candidates must be open to the public and primarily celebratory in nature.

In 2006 My Own Two Hands will be held April 7-8 throughout the community of Sisters. On Friday, April 7, donated works from local artists and Sisters School District students will be hung throughout the community during the Art Stroll, beginning at 4 p.m.

The Art Stroll will culminate at Bronco Billy’s Ranch Grill & Saloon at 6:30 p.m. with a Benefit Chili Feed and Performance Evening, headlined by the Portland-based MarchFourth Marching Band.

The Art Party and Auction will be held on April 8 at Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks (207 W. Sisters Park Dr.). Participants may purchase great art (in both a live and silent auction), enjoy wonderful music provided by Taarka and enjoy a party with many of the region’s top artists.

Tickets to the Art Party and Auction are $45 and must be purchased in advance.

The 2005 My Own Two Hands event raised over $85,000 for the Americana Project and the arts in Sisters schools. There were more than 125 artists participating, more than 65 Art Stroll Sponsors and approximately 750 attendees throughout both nights of the event.

“The idea behind My Own Two Hands is truly collaboration, encouraging people from all walks of life and every type of artistic background to support one another in order to have a successful and wonderful community to live in,” said Sisters Folk Festival Executive Director Erin Deggendorfer.

For more information on My Own Two Hands and information on ticket purchase, visit http://www.sistersarts.org or call 541-549-4979. For more information on the Oregon Festival and Events Association visit http://www.oregonfestivals.org.