Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show awarded grants

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show has been selected by two organizations as the recipient of funding for operating support.

The quilt show's executive director, Ann Richardson, announced that the Oregon Arts Commission (OAC) has committed $5,000 to the show for fiscal year 2012. OAC awarded 144 total operating support grants; only six of them in Central Oregon, and just one in Sisters.

The commission's operating support grants support the operations of Oregon's leading arts groups and recognize artistic excellence as well as the role that arts organizations take in the broader social, educational and economic areas of community life.

US Bankcorp Foundation is also providing a gift of $5,000 earmarked for operating support. A portion of this amount will be used to help support the spring 2012 Quilt for Two Rivers event. The event is a quilt exhibition designed to engage and enlighten both quilters and viewers about the work the National Forest Foundation is doing through the Tale of Two Rivers project to improve the Metolius River and Whychus Creek.

Sherry Jones, district manager for US Bank, was pleased to announce the gift, stating that US Bank and the foundation "work with our community partners who understand the needs of local individuals, families, and organizations. We have a strong tradition of matching our resources with those local community needs. We are proud to provide funding for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and their support of the Tale of Two Rivers project."

Richardson expressed her appreciation to both organizations:

"As most people know, we are proud that our event is growing, and remains free to the public. But of course with growth comes need for resources, and we rely on grants, gifts, sponsorships and the wonderful volunteers who help us produce the show and welcome thousands of visitors each year."