Sisters gets set to celebrate the arts

Sisters will launch into its annual spring celebration of the arts this weekend.

My Own Two Hands (MOTH), the annual fundraiser for Sisters Folk Festival's educational programs, begins on May 13, with a parade, art stroll and a free community celebration at The Belfry in Sisters. 

On Saturday, May 14, Ponderosa Forge and Ironworks will be transformed into an auction and party venue.

Started 15 years ago, MOTH is an event with two purposes: raise funds for arts and music programming in Sisters Country, and bring the community together to celebrate the arts.

This year's theme, "Connection," has produced an inspiring collection of art donations.

The community celebration begins on Friday with a lively parade of students, teachers, musicians and community members, showcasing their art as they march down Hood Avenue. The parade begins at 4 p.m. on the east end of Hood and concludes at Pine Street. 

Hood Avenue will be closed to traffic for about 45 minutes for the parade.

Following the parade, the community can view the art at the official My Own Two Hands Art Stroll, from 4 to 7 p.m. The art will be displayed in 16 Sisters businesses, which are sponsoring the stroll. Each business will feature a local musician or group, and several pieces of artwork.

After the art stroll, everyone is invited to The Belfry for an evening of free music by the gypsy jazz outfit 3 Leg Torso. "Friday is our thank-you to the community for their enthusiasm and support for the arts. We're looking forward to a great turnout for the parade, stroll and free concert, to celebrate the amazing art in our community," said Sisters Folk Festival Managing Director Ann Richardson.

"Saturday is a very important evening, created to refill the SFF coffers for future art and music education in Sisters," said Development Director Katy Yoder. "It's such a unique experience, we have patrons joining us for the auction from all over Oregon." 

Americana Project and visual arts students will be volunteering in a variety of jobs. 

"Including the students helps them understand what it takes to put on a fundraiser like this and helps them gain the skills to put on their own events," said Yoder.

Ponderosa Forge owner Jeff Wester and his crew will rearrange the working forge to accommodate over 350 guests. Entertainment is provided by 3 Leg Torso and the dinner is provided by Tate & Tate Catering, who have created an Asian-inspired buffet. Wine is donated by Lange Winery and beer is donated by Deschutes Brewery. Returning for his second year, auctioneer Jeff Mornarich will keep the auction moving and entertain guests with his sense of humor and hilarious banter. 

"Sisters has become a shining example of community support keeping the arts healthy in our public schools," said Yoder. "Sisters Folk Festival, Inc. invested $250,000 in arts-related programs in our community last year alone, and we're seeing the benefits. This event will replenish the resources required to keep it going and expand as the community guides us toward what is needed."

If you can't attend the auction on May 14, there's still an easy way to participate. Proxy bid sheets are available at the stroll locations on Friday, or through the Sisters Folk Festival office and website. You can bid on items or simply pledge a paddle raise, which gives you a full tax-deduction.

To view all the art donated for the MOTH auction, visit www.SistersFolk.org/my-own-two-hands.

For more information about My Own Two Hands and to check on ticket availability for the auction call the SFF office at 541-549-4979.