News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Ann Richardson sorts some of the hundreds of quilts that are coming into the quilt show office this week.
A weeklong series of events and activities revolving around the fiber arts kicks off this weekend, leading up to the one-day Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show on Saturday, July 11.
Ann Richardson, executive director of the quilt show, says that the events give locals and visitors a chance to enjoy quilts and associated arts in a more leisurely atmosphere before the wonderful madness of the quilt show itself.
"The nice thing about the fiber arts show is there's a lot of quilts on display," Richardson said. "It's like a mini-quilt show, a quilt show preview."
Quilts will start to pop up in Sisters on July 4, with the beginning of the Around the Block Quilt Walk, where local businesses each feature a quilt on display. It's a self-guided tour. Brochures are available at Stitchin' Post and the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.
What should locals make sure to do during the week?
"They should see the play!" said Richardson, referring to the musical "Quilters," which will be performed at Sisters High School Tuesday, July 7, 7 p.m. and Friday, July 10, 1 p.m.
The Broadway musical portrays the life of a pioneer homesteader, featuring quilts in each scene made by local quilters. Tickets are still available; call 549-0989.
Things get rolling in earnest on Sunday, July 5, with the Around the Block Fiber Arts Stroll. The stroll, which runs from 2 to 6 p.m. features the display, demonstration and sale of a wide variety of fiber arts. More than 30 fiber artists will be on hand to discuss their work at various shops around town.
Stitchin' Post will host Lawry Thorn, this year's quilt show "Inspirational Instructor."
"She teaches the beginning quilters, and she's just the perfect person for it," Richardson said.
The Jewel will feature the renowned paper carving work of Newburg artist Doug Roy. Roy shares with Sisters artist Kathy Deggendorfer the distinction of being asked to create an ornament for the national Christmas tree. His paper-sculpting work is always a crowd-pleaser.
The stroll also features food and drink and music at participating locations.
Poster artist Dan Rickards will sign copies of the 2009 poster on July 8 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. and Dennis McGregor will display his renowned quilt show work at Clearwater Gallery on July 9 from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
High Desert Gallery will host a reception with fiber artist Lura Schwartz Smith from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9.
A silent auction of fabric postcards to benefit the cancer-fighting foundation Wendy's Wish runs at Sisters Art Works, 204 W. Adams Ave., July 5-11. The fabric postcards are made by quilters, and 50 of them are custom-framed by High Desert Gallery, who donated their services.
"They're fabulous," Richardson said.
Quilters Affair workshops run all week, bringing quilters from across the nation to Sisters. The famed Quilters of Gees Bend are teaching additional classes, and Richardson says space may still be available. Call Stitchin' Post at 549-6061 for more information.
For more information on events leading up to the quilt show, visit http://www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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