Art stroll attracts hearty crowd

Sisters streets and galleries were bustling with activity for the annual September in Sisters Art Stroll on Saturday, September 23.

Those attending this year's event were not just Sisters residents. Many came from far and wide.

"We read about the art stroll in the paper and love Sisters, so we just came. We haven't found anything to buy, but it's sure fun to look," said Joyce Smithson, who lives near Salem.

Others, who were in Sisters for Sunday morning's Sisters Stride into Autumn walk (see related story, page 10), just happened on the event.

"We read about the art stroll after we got here and decided to attend," said Marlene Klopf from Vancouver, Washington, a participant in Sunday's mornings 10K walk. "We've been to art walks before. It's just a nice way to see what artists are doing and get a little (refreshment) on the way."

Sisters residents agree that the opportunity to go from gallery to gallery to see artists latest works is very enjoyable.

"This is so fun. It's a beautiful day, great art, great everything. More people need to know (about the event), because this is something to do, to come out to. Everywhere I go I see something beautiful. We're so very lucky to have beautiful artists here," said local resident Ginger Durdan-Shaw.

"I'm art-hopping," said Ginger's mother Lei Durdan, the 2007 Sisters Rodeo grand marshal. "I think its wonderful. I'm sorry I haven't been in town more often."

"It's amazing what people can do with paint and a brush. The picture comes alive," said local resident Kazu Yoakum, who commented that since she came to Sisters several years ago she has observed the town transform from a little Western roadside stop into a credible artists' community.

"It's amazing how much art there is now. People are very talented. It's great," she said.

Embellishing Saturday night's event were the local businesses that extended their normal hours to stay open during the stroll, making it possible for art lovers to shop for clothing, housewares, furniture, trinkets and gift items, as well as purchase that special new artwork to add to their collections.

"I stayed open until past 7 p.m. There was lots of traffic in town. It's great to get people to come out to Sisters. It nice to have the hustle and bustle," said Sisters Log Furniture owner Chris Wilder.

"The weather really cooperated," he added.

As the evening progressed crowds gathered on the sidewalk in front of High Desert Gallery to tap their toes and sway to the beat of Sisters own American roots acoustic band The Anvil Blasters, while others listened to the music in the background as they perused the works of the gallery's featured artists, painter Kathy Deggendorfer and sculptress Danae Bennett-Miller. (See "Animal sculptress shows work in Sisters," The Nugget, September 19, 2007, page 8.)

Down the block and around the corner, a smaller crowd took time to sit down and listen to the tunes of singer-songwriter Brad Tisdel, as he strummed his guitar on the porch in front of Bedouin and Navigator News. Sample works of area artists participating in the weekend's first annual Sisters artists' studios tour were on exhibit at the Navigator News venue (see related story, page 3).

Up the street at Sisters Coffee Company, Americana Project graduate Justin Little, who is pursuing a singing career, entertained a very receptive crowd.

"He's on the very first recording that we (the Americana Project) did. He's very talented," said Tisdel.

Seventeen galleries and establishments participated in this year's stroll.