Jelen painting selected for MOTH poster

The organizers for Sisters Folk Festival's annual My Own Two Hands Community Arts Celebration (MOTH) have chosen the poster art for 2015's event.

"This year's theme is 'Imagine,' and when we saw this painting it was an obvious choice, said Sisters Folk Festival's development director, Katy Yoder."

Artist Kimry Jelen painted a horse that seems to fly off the canvas in a spot-on depiction of a horse's luminous eyes, grace and power. Her creation leaves an open door to imagining a horse with wings and the feeling of the rush of wind as it sails by into the unknown.

Between her dressage riding and painting, Jelen took a moment to reflect on her gift to My Own Two Hands.

"This community was incredibly generous and helped me make a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity come true last year; to show my artwork in France at the World Equestrian Games! The theme this year, 'Imagine,' sparked memories of how my journey to France started two years ago," she said.

The magical moment that inspired Jelen's painting began when she joined horse-people from all over the world in Hawaii to learn about TTouch.

"We did a group journey, guided by Mrs. Tellington-Jones herself, where she asked us to imagine our horses with wings carrying us into the future...

"Painting with this vision in mind, memories of my trip to France started popping up ... the architecture made of earth, gorgeous textural buildings filled with saints ... especially the amazing people I met. Imagine was a very positive experience, there's even some world peace mixed in the colors."

Jelen's generosity typifies the giving spirit in Sisters from the creative community.

"This painting is a 'thank-you note.' I'm paying it forward to our future world leaders that this special Sisters community cultivates," said Jelen.

"Art is important for some students; it offers them a creative and healthy opportunity for self-exploration. In the spirit of MOTH, I hope this painting will enable the Americana Project to continue its good works in the schools."

MOTH is a fundraiser and two-day celebration of the arts. Friday, May 8 begins with a community parade at 4 p.m. on Main Avenue, an art stroll from 3:30 to 6:30 throughout downtown Sisters, and the Community Arts Celebration at the Belfry from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dinner is available that evening for $10 at the door, and proceeds will support Americana Project and other Sisters Folk Festival Inc. programming.

On May 9, the art auction and party will take place at Ponderosa Forge & Ironworks. Tickets sell out quickly, and no tickets will be sold at the door. Katy Yoder is handling ticket sales through the Sisters Folk Festival office.

To learn more about My Own Two Hands visit www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call 541-549-4979.