Celebrating arts at annual SHS Coffeehouse

One of the hallmarks of Sisters School District is the focus and support for the arts, all of which were on display Monday evening, February 22, in the commons at Sisters High School.

Bethany Gunnarson, visual arts teacher for Sisters Middle School and High School, co-directed the event with vocal music instructor Rick Johnson.

The evening featured performances by the Sisters High School jazz choir, the high school band, and a number of individuals from the Americana Project.

Audience members relaxed in freshly made Adirondack chairs produced in this trimester's Woods 1 class as they listened to the student performers.

Student artwork displays intermixed with stations for face-painting, henna art and other experiential opportunities for those in attendance. A silent auction including artwork from local artists served as a fundraiser for the arts department in addition to the ticket price.

Guitars and ukuleles made by SHS students in the woodshop's luthier program, useable works of art to be sure, caught the attention of many participants. "They are absolutely beautiful," one passerby was heard to say.

Tony Cosby, teacher of the guitar-building courses, said, "I think that Sisters is so art-oriented it is important, and natural, that we host events like this so that everyone who is interested can come and see what the students are doing in our arts programs."

Gunnarson says the event is more of a celebration for the students than a way to raise funds, but she felt pleased with the support the event provided for the department.

She estimated that the event brought in just over $1,000, which will go toward the annual senior scholarships as well as helping support the programs.

Sisters Coffee Company supplied the hot beverages, while the SHS culinary class, taught by TR McCrystal, provided home-baked cookies.

"It's a time for us to celebrate the arts with the community," said Gunnarson. "We think of it as an art party."