Voting starts for FOSL People's Choice Award

Voting begins Wednesday, January 13, for the People's Choice Awards in the Friends of the Sisters Library (FOSL) 11th annual art exhibit at the library. Ballots are available in the library's community room, and votes may be cast for up to three works of art. The art is on display throughout the library, so be sure to browse all the rooms.

The final opportunity for voting, and announcement of the three winners, will take place at the artist reception on Friday, January 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Beverages and hors d'oeurves will be served as the public meets the artists and views their work. The exhibit will be on display until February 25. Around 50 artists are exhibiting artwork in many different mediums, including sculpture, fiber art, all types of painting, jewelry, collage, woodworking and photography.

Last year's opening reception was very well attended with many votes cast for the eventual three People's Choice winners: Dennis Schmidling for his photograph "Smith Rock at Dawn"; Randall Tillery for his oil painting "Morning Light"; and Fred Kimmell for his wooden "Rocking Harley Davidson."

Again this year there will be a silent auction of additional artwork donated by participating artists to help raise funds for the programs and materials at the library. Last year's auction brought in $1,500 for the library.

The annual FOSL art exhibit began in 2006 when the current library building opened and the art committee was formed. The art show affords the community the opportunity to view and support a large number of Sisters Country artists at one time, in one location. In addition, artists donate 10 percent of any sales to FOSL to help promote the programs at the library.