Pottery and painting mix well

"I need a view; it's what gives me freedom in my life," Margery Guthrie says, pointing to Whychus Creek in the 66x54 oil hanging on the wall of her kitchen.

Looking out of the window of her kitchen, one can see the same Whychus Creek and the panoramic view of the Three Sisters.

"About 10 years ago, I met Joanne Donaca of Bend and was so impressed with her skills as an artist, I decided it was time for me to take up oil painting," Margery said. "I took lessons from her, and I'm happy I did. Now, after all these years, she is one of my stable of artists, whom I help show and sell their work."

Margery is no stranger to Sisters Country artists; for the past 12 years she has been running the Country Fair Art Show for the Episcopalian church in Sisters, and doing a whale of a fine job at it. Each year her efforts, in conjunction with the artists' work, raise about $12,000 for local charities. Now she has her fingers in another art pie: the Friends of the Sisters Library (FOSL) Art Exhibits.

Margery's technique will be on display in the forthcoming library art exhibit in the community room of the Sisters Library.

The road that led Margery to working with oils and a palette began when she was going to OSU in the 1950s (back then it was "Oregon State College"), taking courses in home economics. She did OK with the cooking and sewing courses, but got an "A" in the ones involving art, and the hook was set.

Marriage and raising a family, including three children that, so far, have produced seven grandchildren, kept her busy through the ensuing years. In the 1980s she got involved in throwing pots.

"I do a lot of art for my children and grandchildren," she says.

Her Raku pottery was a success, and pieces are still in her home today. Margery will be showing several of her early pottery works at the FOSL art exhibit.