Event combines art and recycling

People in Sisters take the arts and recycling seriously.

On March 3, those two community priorities will be combined in the Common Canvas Community Art Day (CCCAD). A part of My Own Two Hands, CCCAD will be headed up by Bend recycling innovator and artist, Sara Weiner of "Sara Bella Upcycled."

Held at The Belfry (302 E. Main Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the community event is open to anyone with a desire to learn something new and create unique pieces out of recycled materials.

"We want people to start saving their plastic bags now," said Development Director Katy Yoder. "Plastic bags that newspapers are delivered in are perfect, as are plastic bags from boutiques, colorful bread bags or even plastic from toilet paper wrapping."

Participants can bring their plastic bags with them, and the bags will be transformed into fabric.

"We'd love to see recycled materials with images that relate to our theme this year," said Yoder. "Images of guitars, kites or old-fashioned images would be great. We have a complete list of all the materials needed for the day. We can email them or we'll have copies at our office upstairs at 204 West Adams Ave."

In preparation for the day, Sara Weiner is making panels of recycled materials, she's also interested in recruiting people with sewing machines and a desire to help with sewing, ironing and helping assist beginners.

"Sara Bella Upcycled" will present new methods to transform recycled plastic bags into usable, decorative art. Following the theme for My Own Two Hands this year, the event is going back to its original intention, which was to offer fun ways for artists and aspiring artists of all ages to get together and make art.

"We are responding to requests from local artists to learn something new and create with other artists," said Yoder. "Part of Sisters Folk Festival's mission is to enrich the community through the arts. We can't think of a better way to do that than host a day like this."

The event will be run in an open-house setting with some key people trained at the beginning of the day who can then assist participants who arrive later in the day. Sara has recruited quilter/teacher Janelle Rebick to be her main sewing person.

For more information contact the Sisters Folk Festival office: 541-549-4979 or email [email protected]