Art event celebrates Metolius Basin

The many folks who love the Metolius River are in for a post-Valentine treat on Saturday, February 16. Clearwater Gallery and Friends of the Metolius will be joining forces to create a mid-winter art event celebrating the gift of the Metolius Basin and all those who help take care of it.

The backdrop for this celebration will be a non-juried art show comprised of local artists invited to submit original works of art depicting the Metolius. Clearwater Gallery owners Dan and Julia Rickards will be donating 20 percent of the sale of each piece of art to the non-profit Friends of the Metolius to support their mission to protect the Metolius Basin for future generations.

Dan Rickards has portrayed his own love and respect for the Metolius via brush and canvas. His latest work, "Heart of the Metolius," is a prime example. Rickards paints to connect people to something experienced, and at the same time to inspire in others a desire for that very experience. With its white water, sturdy banks and thick stands of evergreen, "Heart of the Metolius" roars across the canvas, capturing the river's essence. Committed to his belief that the Metolius must be preserved for the future, Rickards will alsobe donating a portion of each sale of "Heart of the Metolius" to Friends of the Metolius through December 31, 2013.

The February 16 event will include an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing restorative efforts of Friends of the Metolius to keep the Metolius Basin pristine.

The celebration will also include music, appetizers, wine, and of course an eclectic collection of art that will bring gratitude to heart for this amazing gift we have in our own backyard. With 20 percent of the sales going to Friends of the Metolius, support of this event will give each collector the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to securing the future of one of Oregon's finest natural wonders.

The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Clearwater Gallery, 303 W. Hood Ave. in Sisters. For more informationcall541-549-4994.