Sisters gets set to celebrate the arts

Sisters' annual spring celebration of the arts kicks off next month with a parade, art stroll, and art auction fundraiser.

My Own Two Hands (MOTH), the annual fundraiser for Sisters Folk Festival's educational outreach programs, begins on May 8 with a parade at 4 p.m. on Main Avenue, an art stroll at 22 local businesses from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., and a Community Arts Celebration at 6:30 p.m. at The Belfry.

On Saturday, May 9 at 6 p.m. Ponderosa Forge and Ironworks will be transformed into an auction and party venue for the Sisters Folk Festival's annual fundraiser.

Started 14 years ago, MOTH is an annual two-day event with two purposes; raise funds for arts and music programming in Sisters Country, and bring the community together to celebrate the arts. The theme this year is "Imagine," and has inspired an impressive collection of art donations.

Each year, MOTH awards are given in several categories. Merit awards were given to Preston Thompson Guitars, Jennifer Hartwig & Pat Clark. The Americana Folk Award was awarded to Kim Kimerling. The Student Achievement Award was given to Sisters High School student Dakota Wagner for her year-round work in the arts. The Spirit of Giving Award was given to Jayson Bowerman. Jim Golden received the Ben Westlund Advocate for the Arts Award.

There are two opportunities to view the art prior to the auction on May 9. On April 24, the art will be displayed at 392 E. Main Ave. during the 4th-Friday Art Stroll. The art will then be at local businesses for the May 8 art stroll from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. To view all the art donated for the MOTH auction, visit the new SFF website at http://www.SistersFolk.org.

"The art auction and party on Saturday is not your typical fundraiser," said SFF Development Director Katy Yoder. "The venue, the music and the vibe draws guests from across Oregon."

Entertainment is provided by the bluegrass band Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen. Americana Project and visual arts students will be at the event volunteering in a variety of jobs.

"It's important that our kids contribute and understand what it takes to put on an event like this," said Yoder.

Ponderosa Forge owner Jeff Wester and his crew will rearrange the working forge to accommodate over 350 guests. The event is catered by Tate & Tate Catering, wine is donated by Lange Winery and beer is donated by Deschutes Brewery. Abbajay Automated Control Systems will install an overhead screen for great views of the auction items, while new auctioneer Jeff Mornarich keeps the auction moving at a fast clip.

"Maintaining healthy arts-related programming in our schools and community benefits everyone," said Yoder. "The art we received this year represents some of the finest artists in the region. Sharing a community with such generous and talented people is a big reason why Sisters is such a great place to live and educate our young ones."

For those unable to attend the auction on the May 9, proxy bid sheets are available at the stroll locations on Friday, or through the Sisters Folk Festival office and website. For more information about My Own Two Hands and to check on ticket availability call the SFF office at 541-549-4979.