Sisters set to celebrate the arts

Sisters' artistic talents will be on full display this week in a parade, art stroll, community party and an art auction.

It's all part of the 10th Annual My Own Two Hands fundraiser for the Sisters Folk Festival's Americana Project and other arts programs.

Artists from Sisters and throughout Oregon have donated artwork to benefit the Americana Project, which offers music and visual-arts classes in the Sisters schools. The arts programming is funded by money raised during the two-day fundraiser.

"We also receive donations from individuals who want to support this kind of programming in the schools," said Development Director Katy Yoder. "Once people see what classes like these do for our kids, they realize how important they are to maintain."

With funding for schools hit hard by budget cuts, Sisters Folk Festival is playing an important part in keeping the arts alive in Sisters schools.

The artists are the driving force behind the success of the fundraiser.

"We received exceptional work this year, it's such an exciting and humbling experience to see the incredible pieces of art that are donated," said Yoder.

On Friday, April 15, the Sisters High School drum corps will lead a parade at 4 p.m. down Hood Avenue. Organizers encourage everyone to come out and see all the creative parade entries. After the parade, the art stroll kicks off with nearly 40 locations displaying art donations. The artwork on display covers a variety of art genres. Businesses hosting the art will welcome visitors with appetizers and beverages.

Central Oregon musicians will perform at 25 of the stroll locations. Four locations will feature Americana Project students.

At the conclusion of the art stroll, the students of the Americana Project will be featured at the Bronco Billy's Benefit Chili Feed and Performing Arts Evening along with the Sisters High School Jazz Band and Jazz Choir. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and are $10 adult/$5 student.

The $10 ticket price includes a bowl of chili, salad and a drink. There is a $5 fee for entertainment only.

Only a few tickets for the Saturday, April 16 Art Auction and Party are available. To view the art donated for this year's auction and to learn more, visit http://www.sisters folkfestival.org/art. Contact Katy Yoder at 541 549-4979, or email [email protected]