May artwalk invites visitors to Sisters galleries

Sisters Arts Association’s Fourth Friday Artwalk on May 27 features the best student work from Sisters High School, new artists to Sisters Country, and the return or some of your favorites. The galleries of Sisters are open and welcome browsers and serious art collectors.

Hood Avenue Art this month has work by Mixed-Media Painter Sandy Dutko, Enamels by Alisa Looney, and is introducing Artist Layne Cook.

Born in Seattle and raised in Portland, Cook returned to Seattle to earn a BA in art from the University of Washington in 1969.

That fall, she traveled to Europe to meet “old world” relatives before settling in Yakima, WA as a counselor for adolescent girls at a residential treatment center.

It was there that she bought her first (of three) houses she remodeled on her own before marrying a general contractor in 1989, and taking on three more home remodels.

She spent many working years as a kitchen designer in Bellevue, before she and her husband quit their jobs and took a six-month driving trip around the U.S. and Canada in a VW Eurovan.

It was during this time that she decided to pursue art and has successfully placed work in many private collections, major hospitals, hotels, and corporate institutions.

“As an art student, I found my interest lay in the applied arts, specifically textile printing and design,” Cook said. “I did some painting, but was often at a loss for subject matter. Now, some 45 years later, the ideas flow faster than I can implement them. I think that my experience and broader outlook as an older person have contributed to this creative energy. I’m fascinated by all aspects of painting: the power of a good composition, the role of light and shadows, the use of color, and the value of restraint using color.”

The Clearwater Gallery will showcase work by Mosaic Artist Mare Schelz. She creates beautiful glass pieces that range from familiar landscapes to abstract patterns, and often does so with a reclaimed window or door. Each piece tells a story and has a history to be shared. Wine and light appetizers will be served from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Stitchin’ Post Fiber Arts Gallery features “Friendship Throughout the Seasons,” a collection of quilts by Kris Lang and Patti Stewart. There will be works by both artists as well as a collaborative piece. While Kris and Patti have different creative styles, they appreciate and learn from each other.

Raven Makes Gallery continues to feature The Homelands Collection, original art by Indigenous artists on antique maps that once showed their traditional homelands. This unique art form combines the long established practice of using pages from antique ledgers with contemporary Native American Art.

At Metals Jewelry Studio, Bryan Brown creates one-of-a-kind custom jewelry, all made on site. Featured this month is a palladium and sterling silver wedding set with a 14-karat white gold insert and blue diamonds. In addition, to his custom work he offers expert jewelry repair.

Wildflower Studio’s featured artist is John Runnels. He paints with both a palette knife and a brush – large landscapes depicting all seasons. Wine and appetizers will be served between 4 and 7 p.m.

The Campbell Gallery at Sisters Art Works is hosting Sisters High School’s AP Portfolio Showcase and the 2022 Scholastic Art Awards.

This is a presentation of work by Advanced Placement (AP) students who have been pursuing a sustained investigation and creative process in an area of their choice.

They research, plan, experiment, create and revise throughout the process.

The AP artists are Sidney Sillers, Lexie Miller, Marieke Jeffrey, Anya Shockley, Brynn Beaver, Bailey Knirk, and Ariya Grummer.

The Scholastic Awards Artists are: Brooke Blakelock, Brooklyn Liddell, Anya Shockley, Charlotte Seymour, Angelina Chistensen, Katie Ryan, Erik Ryan, Mary Lapray, Daisy Draper, Layla Hicks, Kaleb Woods, Lilly Sundstrom, Dominc Martinez, Kiana Mendoza, and Hollie Lewis.

Last, but certainly not least, The Scratchboard Lady — Jennifer Hartwig — will be back at Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop, along with clay artist Ann Grossnickle. To answer all who’ve asked, “Where is Jennifer?” She has been busy creating new work. She will be demonstrating the intricate art of scratchboard. Ann Grossnickle is heading south from her Canadian home to her Central Oregon home with brand new, signature pieces. Selected pieces will be available at spring clearance prices.

Sisters Cascade at 150 W. Cascade Ave., a supporting business, pays tribute to our four-footed friends this month as artist Sana Hayes shows her upcycled jewelry called “Licensed to Love.” These pieces are made from the tags of former shelter dogs. Proceeds from sales support Three Rivers Humane Society in Madras. Sisters Cascade will be open until 7 p.m., serving cookies and fudge samples.

Sisters Arts Association happily celebrates the 30th Anniversary of a favorite hangout, Paulina Springs Books, on Saturday, May 28.

Be sure to fill out a ticket for Quick Draw in each location that you visit. Thanks to generous underwriting from Coldwell Banker Bain of Sisters, two gift certificates, each worth $50, will be awarded at the conclusion of the Art Walk. The gift certificates may be redeemed at any of the galleries featured in the advertisement here.

More information is available online at www.sistersartsassociation.org.