SAA's Fourth Friday Artwalk: It's so cool!

As the heat wave continues, Sisters Arts Association assures you that some of the coolest places in town are the galleries of Sisters. The July 26 Fourth Friday Artwalk, between 4 and 7 p.m., promises new featured work by artists along with light nibbles and good deals.

"Mother and Child" by Michelle Deaderick at Sisters Gallery & Frame.

At Sisters Gallery & Frame look for raven figures by Michelle Deaderick, and functional pottery pieces by her husband, Mitch Deaderick. Mitch and Michelle met at Sisters Rodeo 45 years ago and have made a career of turning clay into fun and functional objects together ever since. Michelle's "Raven Woman," is a work in progress, as she is studying bronze sculpture with Gary Cooley in Sisters. Mitch's mugs, bowls, and serving dishes are glazed and fired with extreme care and remain durable for daily use for decades.

Photos provided

"Moonbeam" by Lim Khim Katy at Toriizaka Art.

Toriizaka Art celebrates its two-year anniversary in Sisters with two special artists. Nguyen Minh Nam's paintings depict the conflict and confusion between traditional and modern mores and values. Transparent colorful figures symbolize modern life and future generations. Previous generations are depicted in black and white - simple, rustic, discreet, and honest with a dedication to a spiritual life. By bringing both the old and the new together he hopes to raise questions about the changes in morality in contemporary society. Last year, Lim Khim Katy visited the gallery and demonstrated some of her brush techniques when painting figurative works. This show features 22 of her new landscapes inspired by her time in Central Oregon. The time she spent here, meeting and interacting with friends of the gallery, was motivational for her and led to these new works characterized by and painted with joy.

Makin' It Local features regionally acclaimed artist Susan Luckey Higdon. The show, called "Color, Light, Texture, And Shapes," features nine newly released giclee prints. Susan's son, Jackson Higdon, of Sisters' own Luckey's Woodsman, will provide some massive flavor bombs with light hors d'oeuvres and appetizers. Susan Luckey Higdon is known for dramatic landscapes in complex interactions of color and pattern that she describes as natural abstractions.

Space In Common's featured artist is Alex Drury, a young artist who lives with chronic health issues. Her creative escape and therapy uses watercolor, torn and collaged in layers, and finished with touches of mixed media to add detail and depth. She says "The tearing of paper is as important in the process as it is for the finished aesthetic. The destroying or breaking in this step is a symbolic act of rebuilding. I hope these paintings bring you as much peace as they have brought me."

Hood Avenue Art spotlights three of its artists: printmaker Carolyn Platt, jewelry artist Sharon Reed, and painter Sandy Dutko. Platt layers various and multiple forms of printmaking to create her images. She prefers to imply forces and capture their vitality economically, rather than illustrating things or scenes. Reed creates one-of-a-kind hand-wrought jewelry. Dutko works with water media but sometimes experiments with oils and pastels. Her work varies from semi- to pure abstract depending on the subject matter.

Fabric art by Judy Hoiness is at Stitchin' Post.

Stitchin' Post's Art Wall has "Landscapes and Dress for Less" by Judy Hoiness. Two themes emerge - landscapes on paper, canvas, or bisque-fired plates with recycled mixed media, and garments with an emphasis on mending, with a wire figure as hanger. This is Hoiness's quest to find, salvage, and design materials that might otherwise find their way to the landfill. Media includes horsehair, cloth, paper, canvas, wire, construction wire mesh, thread, ink, watercolor paint, acrylic paint, and ceramic bisque plates.

The Rickards Gallery presents new work by Garth Williams, a Sisters favorite and longtime friend of the Rickards family. He loves fly fishing and the great outdoors so he often finds himself translating his favorite environments to canvas. He has a unique concept of realism that weaves shapes and colors together, using a palette knife to create dramatic portrayals of aspens and landscapes.

Garth Williams is featured at The Rickards Gallery.

Wildflower Studio encourages the arts by carrying art supplies and ready-made frames. Pick up a travel watercolor set, sketch book, and watercolor pencils to take on a hike. The studio also offers art by local artists, gift products, and cards.

Campbell Gallery continues to show artwork by Caprial Hope.

Sisters Makers is sitting this one out but look for something new and exciting during the August 23 Artwalk.

Remember to sign up - once per gallery visit - for the SAA's Quick Draw. Thanks to a generous donation from Cascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty in Sisters, two $50 gift certificates will be awarded at the conclusion of the Artwalk.