Artists showcase at coffee house

With an attendance of approximately 250 people and $1,300 raised for the arts fund, Sisters High School art teacher Mike Baynes considers the 13th annual Coffee House to be a success.

The student-organized event took place last Wednesday in the commons of Sisters High School, and is a fundraiser for Sisters High School art programs, benefiting the visual arts, band, choir and woods departments. A portion of the monies go to fund the Visual Arts Scholarship and the fund for art supplies.

The $5 admission, the silent auction, and "cash for clunkers" - the sale of blemished pottery pieces - contributed to the amount raised.

"We sold a ton of those little guys," Baynes said of the blemish sale, which raised nearly $150.

Generous donations from both local artists and the Sisters community also helped to make the even a success, with locals donating time, services and materials. Sisters High School leadership class students provided assistance with setup and refreshments, courtesy of Sisters Coffee Co.

The event highlighted high school artists from Gary Bowne and Brad Tisdel's Americana Project, Jody Henderson's Jazz Band and Michelle Summer's Jazz Choir.

Eleven high school artists who have consistently demonstrated proficiency at the advanced arts were also featured. Students displayed their works as well as demonstrated techniques such as painting, drawing and ceramics.

"As an artist, it's great to see a community interest in my work," said senior Cindy Steele.

"It was a fun and festive night. I would do this three times a year if I had the energy," said Baynes.

He said he is considering another similar event in the spring, and also has plans for a more formal presentation in the winter.

"The Coffee House is successful because we get a great number of parents, students and community members celebrating the arts in our very own cafeteria. In a secondary sense, it was also financially successful, but what pleases me the most is the community enjoyment of the arts," said Baynes.