Artists celebrate National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day was celebrated on September 25, but for many Central Oregon painters, the event began back in mid-July when the National Forest Foundation hosted a plein air "Paint Out" along the Metolius River.

Supported by the U.S. Forest Service and sponsored by The Roundhouse Foundation and the Samuel S. Johnson Charitable Trust, the Friends of the Forest Day celebrated local art and the Metolius River's dazzling beauty.

Two of the images from the day's efforts were chosen to be the National Public Land Day's posters to be used for marketing efforts by local conservation organizations, the Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation.

Jerry Dame and David Kinker's images of the Metolius captured very different perspectives of the river's allure. The images will be used to spread the word about the unique beauty of the Metolius River and convey the urgent necessity to conserve and care for a treasure in Sisters' backyard.

The National Forest Foundation invited artists to create images of the Metolius River that captured the essence of the conservation efforts of the "Tale of Two Rivers," a campaign to restore Whychus Creek and the Metolius River.

Artists had four hours to paint and frame their piece. Jerry Dame won best in show, and honorable mentions were given to Nancy Misek, David Kinker, Patricia Gifford and Nicholas Mullahey. Sisters Park & Recreation District participated to provide a children's Paint Out with instruction from Clay Warburton.

Adam Novotny and Colton Seymour won the youth competition.

Many of the paintings were hung in the Sisters Art Works building foyer and will be on display September 25-October 31. An artists' reception was held in the Sisters Art Works building on Saturday, giving artists a chance to celebrate their work and view a slideshow of their memorable day along the Metolius.

Local artist and Americana Project instructor, Kit Stafford, played a large role in the success of the Paint Out.

"Without Kit's input back in July and her help with hanging and staging the exhibit it wouldn't have come off as well as it did," said Kathy Deggendorfer. "Her contribution was invaluable."

Deggendorfer was pleased with the turnout.

"It was a fabulous second year! We hope to see even more participants next year," she said.

This year's event brought artists from around Oregon. Many artists from out of the area didn't want to miss the chance to paint in such an amazing place. A few lucky artists were able to paint on private land along the Metolius River owned by the Johnson Family.