Art festival offers painting for kids

Art at the Ranch is offering something new for the annual Labor Day weekend event: Painting for Kids.

On Saturday, September 1, there will be two sessions, one for ages 5-7 will be from 1 to 2 p.m., and ages 8-12 will be from 2 to 4 p.m. The classes will be taught by Sisters artist Megan Phallon.

Phallon was raised in a small coastal town in Northern California. Art has been a constant in her life from an early age. She's traveled extensively in Central America and the Caribbean, which has a huge influence on her color choices. Megan is a self-taught painter.

She has been influenced by artists like Edward Hopper, Ronald Penrose and Peter Gric. The scenery most featured in her paintings is a combination of places she has lived, including Northern California, Southern Utah, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and now Central Oregon.

She says, "I love seeing the world in an abstract way, this inspires ideas for things that we desperately need. I also enjoy painting my crazy vivid dreams."

Phallon is very excited about the classes.

"Each child will paint their own  masterpiece," she says. "This is for kids who enjoy art and ones who are less confident in their abilities. I try to take every day shapes to help kids build on the fundamentals easily and with confidence.  We often enjoy several ways to apply the paint in fun ways."

There will be a $15 charge for the class; call the BBR Activity Center at 541-595-1282 to register.

The public is invited to let their kids and grandkids be creative while they browse the works of the many artists that will be displaying their art. in the beautiful setting of Black Butte Ranch.

Art at the Ranch is presented by Black Butte Ranch Association and Black Butte Ranch Art Guild August 31 and September 1.

The event kicks off Friday evening, August 31, with an artists' reception and silent auction at BBR Lodge, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On display in the Lodge will be works of several artists featured in the next day's art fair. Coyote Willow will

perform.

Saturday's art fair on the Lakeside Promenade runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a wide variety of Northwest artists and crafters displaying their work.

Live music will provide a festive mood for the day, featuring The Anvil Blasters, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Honey Don't from 1 to 4 p.m.

The annual Plein Air Paint Out will take place from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Artists will be creating their own works of art, right before the eyes of the public. The People's Choice Award will be announced at 2 p.m.