Artist's show benefits Habitat for Humanity

Ron Jeffers presented a pictorial retrospective of his work: photographs he has taken across our state, called "Oregon Moments," last weekend at Black Butte Ranch.

They are the exhibit at the Gallery at the Lodge at the Ranch through this weekend.

Jeffers brought several close-ups of leaves and trees showing off nature's bright hues.

Photography started for him as a hobby. Jeffers described his process:

"The thing is to go to the places where pictures can find you," Jeffers said. "Things come up and offer themselves, and I went with them."

All proceeds from the BBR exhibit benefit Sisters Habitat for Humanity. Jeffers made his choice to contribute to Habitat homes without telling Habitat. When a Habitat board member happened to see a flyer, they called the Ranch and asked if there could be a reception honoring the exhibit and the photographer's generosity.

"I've made donations to Habitat for a number of years," Jeffers stated. "I think everyone's entitled to a decent house. One thing I like about it is that you earn the right (for your home) by putting in your hours of work."

Jeffers was inspired by homes he saw built in South America for very little money.

"A month ago in Chili, they raised $6,000," Jeffers said. "That was for five houses. We can do this (raise money for homes) in Sisters. I see people doing so much here. Good homes mean good families, which means good citizens. As Emily Dickinson said, 'If I can stop one heart from aching, I shall not have lived in vain.'"

Executive assistant to the general manager, Katie Williams, was thrilled with the turnout for the reception.

"From the beginning, he wanted to donate everything to Habitat," Williams said. "He is our first artist to donate to a charity."

Eloise Barry and her husband, David, have attended most of the receptions for artists at the Gallery at the Lodge.

"I loved his (Jeffer's) talk to support Habitat and the arts. He's wonderful," Barry said. "We're buying one of his photographs. We always enjoy the artist's presentations at BBR."

Due to upcoming remodeling at the Lodge, Jeffers exhibit will only be in the Gallery at the Lodge until April 5. Jeffers' work can also be viewed on his Web site http://www.earthfotos.com.