Juried art show highlights Country Fair

The Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration kicked off its Eleventh Annual Art Show with an invitational preview sale and silent auction on Thursday evening, August 10 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A minimum $10 donation was requested from each person who attended to help support the church's community outreach program. About 200 individuals came together to get to know the artists and one another.

On Friday evening and Saturday, August 11-12, the Art Show itself took place in the church's Community Hall. Admission was free both days, and complimentary refreshments were served Friday evening.

On Saturday, the church also held its annual Country Fair. Church Pastor Ted Rodrigues commented that the two events are held on the same weekend because of their common vision of community outreach.

About the funds raised at the two events, Father Rodrigues said, "100 percent goes right back into the community for social programs, social outreach. We get with other community groups that are doing good in the community, and where they may not have the resources to have a fundraiser like this, we'll raise the funds, and then we'll give them the money to use for their programs."

In September or October, the Outreach Committee will announce the names of the agencies and programs that will receive funds in 2006. According to Mike Matyniak, Art Show Chairman, the art sale will be this year's largest contributor of funds to the church's outreach program.

Expenses incurred for the Art Show, such as food, wine and catering services, were all donated by church members and friends. Hors d'oeuvres and wine were served on both Thursday and Friday evenings.

Father Rodrigues said, "The amount of people and human hours that go in to put this together is just immense."

All items offered at Thursday's and Friday's silent auctions were donated by participating artists, local businesses and individuals. A wide variety of items including paintings, sculptures, fly rods and a Las Vegas Resort Stay were offered.

The venue allows many artists, mediums and styles to come together in one place at one time. It provides an opportunity for lesser-known artists to become known and sell their works and it allows the public to familiarize itself with the work of numerous artists in one setting.

Of the 50 artists who exhibited their works at this year's sale, 90 percent reside in Central Oregon. Clearwater Gallery owners Julia and Dan Rickards juried the show.

The jury's choice for Best of Show was an aspen wood bowl by Cliff Willis. The Chairman's Choice for Best of Show was a painting by Joanne Donaca titled "Fall on Soda Creek."

Each year, the public votes to choose the recipient of The People's Choice award. This year, a three-way tie resulted. Winners were: Courtney Parker, pencil drawing titled "Wildlife 2"; Alicia Knox, watercolor titled "Purple Mountain" and Kenneth White II, carved mat board work, "Story of the Long Walk."