Festival offers glimpse of Western past

"It's not just an art show, it's a learning experience," said Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator Jeri Buckmann of the annual Western & Native American Arts Festival, held last weekend.

The tall trees and green lawn of Creekside City Park were props in the transformation of the north end of the park into a 1830s-1900s Native American Village.

Historical re-enactors set up a "live" camp each year for festival-goers.

"Finds Her Way" (Gwen Mitchell), of the Cherokee Nation heads up the group each year and coordinates with Buckmann on what type of artisans she would like to have at the annual gathering. The historical re-enactment group is comprised of roughly 50 artists who rotate in and out of the festival held in Sisters over Labor Day weekend each year.

The "Village" started at the Clackamas County Fair 25 years ago. Each member does many other events as a solo player but they enjoy the camaraderie of the Sisters Western & Native American Festival.

Members come from Oregon, Washington and California. This year there were nine "booths" and a kitchen. Finds Her Way does the organization of the Village, helps with set-up and does the cooking in the kitchen when they eat together.

"We're the only ones that actually stay in our tipis or tents over the weekend. It's a great time for us to catch up and be together. I enjoy this and I'd rather do this event than anything else," she said. "I really love the kids who come. They have lots of great questions which I have fun answering."

The Village is a big draw each year. Vietnam War veteran Hawk Eagle Standing (Dean Edwards, Jr.) of the Cherokee Nation is the Village storyteller and sometimes doesn't even make it out of his tipi during the day since his traveling home is so full of inquisitive visitors listening to his stories.

"My Grandma told me, 'Remember this: there's nothing wrong with the future, with dreaming, and with progress. But don't forget about those who were before you, those who paved the way for you,'" said Edwards.

"The vendors that come to this event are more of a family and most have been doing the event since the beginning. There's lots of real high-quality art and products in there," said Buckmann. "This is such a great environment for kids; kids can learn a lot of things here."

There was wool spinning with Desert Charm; sewing on a hand crank machine from the early 1900s with Weezy Brewer; flute lessons with award-winning flutist Charles Littleleaf; watching the making of a real wagon wheel with Artificer Sgt. Johnson; and touching the quilts made by the women of Hero Quilts.

Many artists have won wide recognition.

Charles Littleleaf was written up in the Annual Indian Arts issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine.

"I'm a big fan of Charles Littleleaf, I have one of his flutes for my own," said Buckmann.

Leo Stiles of Stiles Western Creations can say that famous stylist, Clyde Ray Brual not only did a write-up on him and his products in Departure magazine but he also now carries a custom tote bag he commissioned Stiles to make for him.

There were 45 booths this year and Buckmann knows most of them by name, easily.

"We have seasoned vendors here; it's easy to fill this event, it's a popular and fun show for the vendors, the customers and for me!" she said.

The Chamber Event Coordinator starts filling this show and pulling it all together in March. This year's buffalo poster by Barbara Berry helped make it an easy sell. Posters are still available at the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce office, 291 E. Main Ave. Call 549-0251 for more information.