Community turns out for art stroll

Sisters streets were abuzz last Friday evening as the first burst of springtime warmth welcomed art lovers to the seventh annual My Own Two Hands Art Stroll.

Money raised during the two-day My Own Two Hands event provides dollars for applied and visual arts programs in all three of Sisters schools.

"It (My Own Two Hands) is the primary source of funding for the program that we do in the Sisters School District. So everything from partial staffing to materials to guitars to recording gear to guest artists - our primary source of funding is through this fund-raiser. It's critical to our success," said Americana Project executive director Brad Tisdel.

During Friday night's Art Stroll the works of both professional and student artists were displayed at some 26 venues throughout town, where local musicians entertained and folks gathered for good times and an affirmation of their support of the Americana Project.

Portland resident Roger Camrath told The Nugget that he happened upon the art stroll after stopping in town for an early dinner. As he walked by he was coaxed into Clearwater Gallery upon hearing the uplifting sounds of local icons Doug and Katie Cavanaugh.

"I am taken back by the quality of art in this little gallery in this little town," he said. "The music is great, too."

At the other end of town, the flow of traffic was steady at the Sisters Library where the art works of Sisters Elementary School students were exhibited.

"Every student at the elementary school participated in My Own Two Hands this year," said Tisdel. "Every student did a piece of art that was displayed at the library."

As the sun started to hide itself behind the mountains, event goers began gathering at Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon for the annual My Own Two Hands Chili Feed and Performing Arts Evening. Soon the crowd grew to standing-room-only size, but the packed house didn't slow anyone down from thoroughly enjoying the great chili and live music provided by Americana Project students and the Sisters High School Jam Scene Brass Band under the direction of the school's band director Jody Henderson.

The highlight of the Bronco Billy's show was the release of this year's Americana Project CD, a 16-song compilation of students' original works aptly titled "Americana Project 2008, Root Rhythm."

The Americana concert at Bronco Billy's is a long standing Sisters tradition.

"I have been helping out with My Own Two Hands since the first time they had the event," said John Keenan, one of the owners of Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon, who donates both the food and his venue for the event.

"Whatever they get off the chili feed goes directly to the Americana Project," he said. "This is a great venue for the Americana kids. It is really great to watch them come down and perform. Mom and dad come down to watch them, too. It could be the first time they have ever been on stage. It is a totally local deal, and that is what we try to make it."