Saturday brings strollers to Sisters

An expanded art stroll brought people to Sisters to see artists at work, hear local musicians and enjoy the sunny evening last Saturday.

Formerly organized by the Sisters Gallery Association, this year the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce organized the stroll and renamed it Saturday in Sisters. Activities included classic cars and kids activities.

Clearwater Gallery showcased several artists and included singer and guitar player Brad Tisdel. Owner Dan Rickards said the gallery tries to do something different for arts events and chose miniature paintings this time. Custom jeweler Jacqueline Newbold showed another artistic side with her miniature watercolor paintings.

Clearwater showed a new and already popular artist from Washington, pastel painter Elizabeth Ganji. Rickards said 10 to 20 people walk into the gallery each month to show their art in the hopes of being chosen to be in the gallery. While most are not selected, he knew right away that Ganji was a find. In one off-season show, Clearwater sold a dozen of her wildlife and landscape paintings. He said people especially like her bold use of color.

“It can still move you from 20 feet away,” said Rickards.

Rickards said events such as Saturday in Sisters are helping to get Sisters recognized as an arts destination.

“The reason that helps is you’re not just known for a season,” said Rickards.

High Desert Gallery featured Portland potter Patrick Horsley who was showing in Sisters for the first time. Horsley first throws his pots on a wheel then alters the clay to the shape he wants. Then he adds vivid and unique color.

“I’m an avid glaze tester,” said Horsley. He showed one of his signature pieces, a bright blue teapot, which is more of a sculpture than a utilitarian piece.

The Barclay Gallery had several artists at Saturday’s event. Jim Hall demonstrated wood carving while bronze artist Kim Chavez sculpted a bear in clay.

Gallery owner Sandra Mayernik said she was happy with the way the Sisters Chamber organized and publicized the first annual event. Mayernik has noticed more people stopping in Sisters who used to drive through to another destination. The gallery had visitors from Portland, Minnesota and Japan.

A mixed media artist showing at the Barclay agreed. “I’d like to see Sisters become a real arts community,” said Pam Bird.

At Navigator News, Shannon Weber showed a unique form of art. A self-taught basket maker, she has expanded to encaustic which uses melted beeswax, resin and pigments. Weber, a Cottage Grove resident, was showing in Sisters for the first time. Also, Lynn Miller’s large and striking watercolors of Indian dancers graced the high walls at Navigator.

Navigator’s owner Jim Cummins said he has noticed people come from all over Oregon for Sister’s art strolls.

“It’s been a really positive art experience for them,” said Cummins.