Art at The Ranch closes in on $10,000 raised for schools

From a scene right out of Claude Monet’s France, nine Plein Air Painters of Oregon (PAPO) gathered at Black Butte Ranch for the annual fundraising event that garners money for the Sisters School District art programs. As part of the event on July 9th, PAPO and featured Black Butte Ranch artists competed in a timed en plein air painting competition on the Ranch properties during the day.

Artists painted at Black Butte from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., then framed and turned in their paintings. The works were on display with ballots for attendees to vote for their favorite painting in the People’s Choice Awards, presented during the fundraiser’s silent auction. Proceeds from registrations for the event went to the Sisters School District art programs.

David Kinker took firstplace at the competition with his painting “Peekaboo.” Janet Rawling’s “On the Bike Trail” scored second place, and Patricia Kirk’s “Cascade Summer” was awarded third place.

The promoters report that the event was well attended following a two-year hiatus with 2020 canceled by COVID and 2019 by smoke.

“It was amazing that so many came out for the day after such a long absence,” said Linda Goebel, spokesperson for the event. She added: “The attendees were having a wonderful time, happy to be in the clear air setting and contributing to the worthy cause.”

Contributions continue to trickle in, and Goebel expects proceeds to reach $10,000. The donations are divided among Sisters High School students pursuing a vocation of art and the art departments for the elementary and middle schools.

PAPO members are already anticipating next year’s event, reports PAPO member Sue Lyon-Manley. Goebel expects an even bigger rendition in 2022.