Artists invited to take on themes from novel

The Friends of the Sisters Library Art Committee is inviting all Sisters Country artists to submit artwork of any kind that reflects the theme(s) of this year's Novel Idea selection, "A Tale for the Time Being," by Ruth Ozeki.

The book presents the diary of a friendly, funny and strong-willed 16-year-old girl named Nao. Nao spent her formative years in California, but her family has returned to Japan, and when the book begins, she's living in Tokyo. Nao tells readers right up front that her diary will be a log of her last few days on earth.

Author Ozeki explains that she had finished her first draft of her novel in 2011 and then everything changed.

"The earthquake in Japan happened, followed by the tsunami and followed by the meltdown at Fukushima," Ozeki said. "And suddenly when I was watching all of that unfold, I realized that Japan certainly would never be the same and that the book that I had written was no longer relevant."

So Ozeki altered the novel. In the final version, the diary winds up on the shores of British Columbia, probably carried there by the tsunami, and is accidentally discovered by a novelist - named Ruth Ozeki.

Some suggested themes for the artist's own interpretation include: Zen Buddhism; tsunamis; origami; British Columbia; pop Japanese culture (Manga, Hello Kitty); sushi; kamikaze; earthquakes; Japan; disasters; and diaries. Artists may choose any themes they glean from reading the book.

The artwork must be able to be wall-hung (with wire hangers attached) or displayed on tabletops as no display cases will be available. Artwork must be identified either on the back or the front with the name of the exhibitor and the title of the artwork. The artists may determine whether or not their work is for sale. The drop-off date in March and pick-up date in April are yet to be determined but they will be announced.

This year's Novel Idea kicks off on Sunday, March 29, at the Bend Downtown Library. More than 25 programs, classes, art shows, workshops and performances are planned. The final event, a presentation by author Ruth Ozeki, is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, at Bend High School at 4 p.m. This is a free event, but tickets are required.

The novel is available through the library in a variety of formats including large print, e-book, and audiobook. The book is also for sale at local bookstores. Book clubs can request kits by calling 541-312-1032 or emailing [email protected]

This is the 12th year that the Deschutes County Library System has selected a novel around which a community reading program is designed, and it is the largest such project in Oregon, with more than 6,000 residents participating.

Artists may contact Linda Davis at 541-549-1222 for more information.