My Own Two Hands tickets available

Sisters Folk Festival's annual fundraiser, My Own Two Hands, has received more than 150 unique pieces of art for this year's art auction. Pieces ranging from sculptures to paintings will be sold at the annual auction at Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks on April 14.

The 11th annual My Own Two Hands fundraiser is revving up to present a two-day celebration of music and art in the Sisters community. Produced by Sisters Folk Festival Inc., the fundraiser for the Americana Project will host a big community celebration next month.

The two-day event begins April 13 with the Community Parade, Art Stroll, and the Performing Arts Evening at FivePine Lodge & Conference Center. Saturday, April 14 is the Art Auction and Party at Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks. Tickets are limited for the auction, and organizers encourage interested art buyers to call early to get their tickets.

This year, Sisters Folk Festival planners are expanding the community parade. They've partnered with the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce to utilize the expertise of event planner Jeri Buckmann.

"We encourage anyone who wants to join us in the parade to go into the Chamber and pick up an entry form," said Development Director Katy Yoder.

Under Buckmann's guidance, organizers hope to see a bigger, more organized parade that includes anyone who wants to participate.

"We'd like to have more folks watching the parade, too," said Yoder. "It's such a wonderful feeling to watch Sisters children show off the art pieces they created in their classrooms."

Many Sisters businesses are stroll location sponsors, hosting art donations during the April 13 Art Stroll. A unique area this year will be the BendBroadband stroll location, located at 178 S. Elm St., across from The Paper Place. Individuals and businesses not located in the downtown area are participating as artist sponsors. This year, more businesses have gotten involved in the event, providing assistance and resources to improve and expand the event.

Sponsorships are a big help in funding the event.

"The community involvement around this event is wonderful," said Yoder. "There are so many ways people can get involved, from donating art, participating in the Common Canvas Project, volunteer hours, sponsorships and cash donations."

Images and descriptions of the art donations are on Sisters Folk Festival's website and Facebook page. Sisters-area photographer Curtiss Abbott spent many hours photographing and archiving all the art.

"It was a huge effort, and Curtiss did a great job, capturing the beauty and unique design of the pieces," said Yoder.

Tickets for the Art Auction and Party are now available. Visit www.sistersfolkfestival.org or contact Travis Ehrenstrom, 541-549-4979 or [email protected]