Decorated bikes featured in art event

One of the first heralds of spring in Sisters is My Own Two Hands, the annual arts fund-raiser for the Americana Project.

Billed as "a fun-filled community arts event in and for the community of Sisters," it is sponsored by the Sisters Folk Festival. This year My Own Two Hands occurs on April 17 and 18, and there's a new component to add to the fun.

A community parade will take place on Hood Avenue at 4 p.m., just prior to the Art Stroll. It was suggested by artist Kimry Jelen, who facilitated the community-wide mask-making workshops held in February. The initial idea was to provide a venue for people to show off their masks.

The idea took hold and organizers Jelen, Kathy Deggendorfer and Jerry Norquist figured people might also get into decorating bicycles according the theme of My Own Two Hands, "Something Wild."

They are quick to add that participants don't need to stick to the theme. Deggendorfer said, "If you want to pin a card to the spokes and weave crepe paper through them, that's fine. The point is community and family fun."

There are no entry forms or fees, but there are some great prizes for the bikes. Turn up at Eurosports at 3:30 on Friday, April 17 for judging and pre-parade camaraderie. And remember, you must wear a helmet to participate.

If you're not parading with your bike, gather at the corner of Hood Avenueand Pine Street prior to 4 p.m. After the parade, participants are encouraged to ride their bikes around the Art Stroll venues and then park them at Bronco Billy's during the Chili Feed so the public can enjoy a closer look.

If you're going to dust off your bicycle, scooter or tricycle and add some embellishments, there are a few examples for inspiration dotted around town. Stop by Cascade Fitness, Ray's, Eurosports, Sisters Women's Gym and Sisters Athletic Club to see Shirley "The Puppet Lady" McBride's creations. Wendy Holzman's "Mother Nature Meets Vegas" bike is parked at Three Creeks Brewing Company.

McBride, a former puppet-maker for the Muppets, has a formidable arsenal of creative ideas, and she gave a few tips to help find a starting point.

"Look at the bike, the color, whether it's streamlined or not, and come up with a theme. Find a favorite character you might want to be," she said.

The décor need not be as elaborate as her examples. Look around the house to see what everyday items can be used, she said.

Holzman encourages group effort. She found that inspiration for her admittedly "over the top" decorations came from collaboration with others.

The main purpose of a community parade, say all the organizers, is to create a buzz for the Art Stroll, to provide a venue for family fun, and to draw people into town for an afternoon and evening of enjoyment.