Draw, pardner- it's a paint out

Artists will paint some of the Sisters Country's most beautiful landscape on July 24, along the Metolius River at a point where it flows toward the majestic Mount Jefferson.

The event is the second annual Plein Air Paintout.

The resultant paintings will enable the National Forest Foundation to bring attention to the Metolius and also Whychus Creek, where last year's paintout was held.

Artist and sponsor Kathy Deggendorfer noted that the watershed enhancement effort was aided by Senator Betsy Johnson, who is allowing painters to paint on Johnson land near the head of the Metolius.

Sponsored by the National Forest Foundation in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, the paintout is part of a conservation effort for the "Tale of Two Rivers" - Whychus Creek and the Metolius River. Last year's paintout was held along Whychus Creek.

This year, the headwaters of the Metolius and areas of the Johnson family property will provide beautiful landscapes and mountain vistas.

"Artists of all ability levels are invited," said Karly Hedrick, Sisters Volunteer Bank coordinator for the National Forest Foundation and the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. "Artists paint from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and they have to frame their work."

"Winning pieces will be chosen to be reproduced and made into postcards," said Deggendorfer.

This year, young aritsts will also be included. They will have their own contest and receive an art lesson from Clay Warburton through Sisters Park & Recreation District.

Registration for the paint-out is at 8 a.m. A reception and awards follow. For information visit http://www.national

forests.org/volunteer.