Art Show is key feature of Country Fair

Excitement is building for the opening of the Art Show and Sale at the Country Fair at The Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. The public is invited to the opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 12.

In addition to enjoying food and beverages, guests at the reception will be able to appreciate a wide variety of notable artwork including oils, watercolors, pastels, ceramics, wood, carving, photography, glass and metal sculptures and jewelry. Fiber art will be a new feature this year.

Approximately 40 Central Oregon artists will be participating. According to Jane Matyniak, the show's coordinator, outdoor art will also be exhibited. She says she is "looking forward to another successful year showcasing fantastic artists of Central Oregon."

Joanne Donaca will be the featured artist. Well-known throughout the region, Donaca has worked in virtually all media, ranging from pencil drawings, pen and ink, soft pastel and oil pastel, watercolor, to acrylic, oil, and clay. The Pastel Society of America, the Northwest Pastel Society and the Pastel Society of Oregon recognized her excellence through the award of signature membership in these organizations.

For Joanne, all nature appears as a painting just waiting to be created. She derives great pleasure from her work, a solid body of paintings, which now numbers in the

hundreds.

A silent auction is available during the opening reception, and another will be held during the day on Saturday. There are many really fun items: catered dinners, a pie-a-month, jewelry, gift baskets, a week's stay at an Oregon coast condo, gift certificates from local businesses, artwork, crafts and children's items. An exciting "Taste of Sisters" raffle basket will be open for ticket purchases on Friday

evening.

The Art Show and Sale and the Country Fair will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, on the church grounds. Visitors will find food, a petting zoo, rescued mustangs, children's games, book sale, spinning demonstrations, a cake walk, and a country store with fresh produce, candy, fresh baked goods, jams and other condiments and special items for your home. Come early for the locally famous Marionberry cobbler, which is known to sell-out quickly.

This year marks the 16th year of the event. In the first 15 years, over $113,000 has been donated to local organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Arts Discovery, Bethlehem Inn, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, FAN, Healthy Beginnings, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, NeighborImpact, Saving Grace, SMART, SPRD and Together For Children.

Admission and parking are free both days. The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is located just off the McKenzie Highway west of Sisters at 68825 Brooks Camp Rd.