Sisters Folk Festival to host 'My Own Two Hands'

The theme for the 11th annual "My Own Two Hands" fundraiser is "Lookin' Up." My Own Two Hands (MOTH) is the annual event produced by Sisters Folk Festival (SFF), supporting their educational outreach program, the Sisters Americana Project.

The weekend event will help raise money for arts education in the Sisters School District and community. The Community Parade, Art Stroll and Performing Arts Evening will be held April 13, with the Art Auction and Party April 14 at Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks.

With continued support from regional artists, MOTH patrons, and business sponsorships, the Sisters Americana Project has continued to grow into a flagship program for the community of Sisters. This year's My Own Two Hands event will feature more than 90 artists from around the country who have graciously donated their time, their artwork, and their incredible talent. All proceeds from the art auction benefit Sisters Americana Project programming.

"All types of media are represented, from wood, ceramic and metal sculptures, to fiber art and jewelry. Of course some of Central Oregon's finest paintings and photographs will also be on display," said SFF Development Director Katy Yoder.

Since 2001, the Sisters Americana Project has been a catalyst in Sisters schools, helping to maintain music and arts education in the midst of dwindling funding. Considered a "community-themed art project," My Own Two Hands offers the opportunity for artists of all ages throughout Sisters, Central Oregon and the region to participate by creating pieces of art around a central theme.

My Own Two Hands is the primary funding source for programming in the schools, including guitars; recording; artist guest appearances; art supplies; student scholarships; teacher trainings in arts education and many other year-long arts-education offerings through the Americana Project.

This year's performing arts evening will be held on the FivePine campus, with support from Three Creeks Brewing Company and FivePine Lodge and Conference Center.

"The performing arts evening is a culmination of all the students' hard work and effort throughout the school year. It's such a fun event for our students as well as our community at large to gather and celebrate," says Yoder.

Hundreds of students in Sisters participate in the My Own Two Hands celebration, with the guidance of the Americana instructors, co-founder/director Brad Tisdel, Kit Stafford, Rick Johnson, Bryan Summers and Clay Warburton.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the art auction, please visit the Sisters Folk Festival website at http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org/moth. To learn more about My Own Two Hands or the Americana Project, contact SFF at 541-549-4979, or email [email protected]