Art show a hit at country fair

Oscar Spliid, 92, was one of 35 artists displaying their work at the annual Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Art Show Friday night in Sisters.

More than 200 pieces of art from many media were on display including oil, water colors, acrylics, glass, photography, mixed media, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and fine woodwork.

Spliid, a long-time Sisters resident who now lives in Bend, has been interested in art since he was 14. He began by drawing cartoons. He now produces hand-carved wildlife, presented in mixed media. He was a developer in Sisters, with some of his projects at Camp Sherman, Metolius Meadows and Trapper Point.

Dan Rickards, of Sisters, won best of show for his painting.

Art Show Director Mike Matyniak said artists like participating in the show because they pay only a 30 percent commission, compared to 50 or more at an art gallery.

Proceeds from the art show, a silent auction and a country fair on Saturday are donated to 13 local organizations. Matyniak expects about $12,000 to be available. The silent auction had 102 items to choose from, with four different "flights," or times. Parishioners of the church and local businesses donated the items, with one of the most valuable being two weeks at a condominium in Tucson, Arizona.