Sisters Folk Festival issues call for artists

The Sisters Folk Festival is seeking artists to donate original pieces to the seventh annual My Own Two Hands community celebration. The two-day event includes a community art stroll, chili feed and performing arts evening, as well as an art auction and party.

The 2008 My Own Two Hands theme is "Reflection."

Donated pieces must be submitted on or before February 28. The Community Art Stroll and Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill Benefit Chili Feed is set for Friday, April 11. All donated work will be showcased during the Friday night art stroll. Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon will host an evening of music performed by Sisters Americana Project students from all three schools and will conclude with a performance by the Sisters High School Jam Scene Brass Band, under the direction of Jody Henderson.

On Saturday, April 12, Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks will host the art auction and party, featuring a live and silent auction. 3 Leg Torso, an eclectic band from Portland, will provide entertainment.

My Own Two Hands is the benefit fund-raiser for the Sisters Americana Project and arts in the Sisters schools and community.

All proceeds from My Own Two Hands are used to support arts education in the schools. The Sisters Americana Project is a cross-curricular program using American roots music, songwriting and folk art to teach students about American history, life and culture.

The program at Sisters High School has received national awards and acclaim. Students learn to play guitar, write original songs, record and produce events as part of the educational curriculum, giving these youth a voice for social change and a vehicle for self-expression. Students are also given hands-on experience in traditional American folk art and crafts and encouraged to express themselves creatively through the visual arts.

For more information on My Own Two Hands, "Reflection" 2008, visit http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call the Sisters Folk Festival office at 549-4979.