Tumalo artist featured in annual art show

The work of Oregon artist Bill Hamilton will be featured at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 2012 Art Show. Now in its 17th year, this event will be held on August 10-11 at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters.

Hamilton lives in Tumalo and works from his home studio, painting a wide variety of subjects in acrylic, watercolor, and oil. Snow-capped mountains, high-desert landscapes, and local architecture are among his favorite themes.

Hamilton, whose collector base continues to grow throughout the Northwest, originally studied commercial art at Oregon Tech and spent much of his career in California working for Westinghouse Electric as a technical artist. However, much of his spare time was spent drawing and painting for the pleasure of it. After retirement he and his wife moved to Central Oregon, where Bill has devoted himself full-time to his passion for art. His paintings often represent places he has been.

Hiking along Tam McArthur Rim is one of Bill's favorite places to draw inspiration.

"The Transfiguration show has become one of my favorites. It is located in the heart of Sisters and in full view of the Three Sisters, where I love to hike and where nature inspires my work," he said.

The show is held in the church's community hall, where natural lighting provides an outstanding backdrop for the juried works of some 50 Northwest artists. The show offers a diverse collection of original, high-quality oils, watercolors, pastels, clay and metal sculptures, outdoor art, jewelry and other fine crafts. All art is for sale.

The show also features a silent auction that offers something for every taste. Offerings include antiques, art and home decor items, vacation weeks at resorts, golf and fly-fishing packages, and gift certificates for restaurants and spa treatments.

The show is held in conjunction with the church's annual Country Fair. All proceeds are donated as an outreach ministry to community support agencies including Family Action Network, the Kiwanis Food Bank, SMART Reading, Volunteers in Action, Arts Discovery, and Habitat for Humanity. Since its inception this event has generated more than $100,000 for community needs.

The art show opens on Friday evening, August 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. Wine and hors d'oeuvres are served. It continues during the Country Fair on Saturday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Country Fair has long been a local favorite event for family fun. It offers delicious ribs, bratwurst, homemade Marionberry cobbler, games, animals, cake walks, face painting, and the Country Store. Admission and parking are free.

The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is located at 68825 Brooks Camp Rd. in Sisters.