Sunriver / Sisters / Redmond
September 2010

 

LINKS

Paulina Springs Bookstore

Pearl (Fine Arts) Publishing

Sun Publishing

 

Screening of Documentary Wetlands at Sunriver Nature Center

The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory presents a screening of the noted documentary, Wetlands, by filmmaker Carl Vandervoort, in collaboration with painter Deborah DeWit, discussing the restoration of a former dairy farm to natural wetlands in suburban Tigard. The Nature Center presents the film, open to the public without charge, on Friday, September 10, 7pm at the Pozzi Building. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory executive director Kathy Pazera notes that DeWit and Vandervoort will introduce the film, an hour-long documentary that tells the remarkable story of a year of seasons in this natural world as reclaimed from modernization.

Immediately following the screening of the documentary DeWit and Vandervoort will be available for questions. The story is partially told through the oil paintings of the wetlands from the same period by visual artist DeWit using her voiceover which explores the artist’s philosophy about art, life, and the creative process. The film’s portrayal of a year of seasonal and artistic changes thus explores the artistic impulse and the nexus of nature and art. In addition to this aesthetic approach to exploring human need for nature, Wetlands examines the scientific and social aspects of the restoration process. It juxtaposes the artist’s feelings and musings with the voices of environmental activists, citizens and restoration workers, all of whom address the theme of encountering, preserving and enlarging the “wild” world.

With global environmental crisis and reassessment of resource use/allocation prevalent in our consciousness, this artistically beautiful and informative film encourages viewers to find our own paths to creativity as inspired by nature as well as to build an awareness of our impact upon the natural world. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory hosts the documentary, one of over 600 programs presented by the nonprofit each year. Wetlands is open to the public without charge, in the Center’s Pozzi Building. The Nature Center partners with the Sunriver Betty Gray Gallery and Billye Turner, art consultant, in bringing DeWit and Vandervoort to Central Oregon. The artist’s artwork (seen in the film) is on exhibit in the upper level of the Sunriver Lodge gallery from September 9 – mid-October. The public opening reception for DeWit’s art is on Saturday, Sept. 11, 4 – 6 pm.

Varied Exhibit at Sunriver Lodge

The Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Art Gallery presents a fine art exhibition of oil paintings by Deborah DeWit, metal forms by Greg Wilbur and woven paper by Alice Van Leunen. The artists will attend the opening reception in their honor on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 4 – 6 pm in the upper gallery. DeWit presents oil paintings inspired by her experiences during the past decade of the restoration to native oak savannah and wet prairie of a former dairy farm near her home in suburban Tigard.

The artist’s observations and daily walks during this restoration period led to a body of realistic and narrative artwork which explores the historically pervasive human need to create in response to nature. This artwork and DeWit’s artistic process also led to a collaboration with Portland documentary filmmaker Carl Vandervoort resulting in the noted film Wetlands. The film explores the changes of a year of seasons in the wetland and a year of painting in the artist’s studio. The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory will present the film, open to the public without charge, on Friday, September 10, at 7pm at the Pozzi Building (see related story, opposite page).

Wilbur’s love of throwing and baseball (including playing catcher for COCC in the mid-60’s) and his fascination with the raised metal object guided him to a niche in the art world. He notes, “My throwing arm is my best physical gift. Hammering (metal) is throwing but not letting go!” In the Sunriver exhibition in the upper gallery, the artist exhibits unique metal forms created from thousands upon thousands of precise hammer blows to a single piece of metal, usually bronze or copper. Without welds or solders, he hammers, bends and twists the metal sheet to create organically shaped bowls, dippers and vases from consummate skill and hours in the studio. Wilbur’s unique art appeared in exhibitions throughout the US and in Canada, New Zealand and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He is also co-founder and now board member of “Art in the Pearl”, Portland’s esteemed air fair in the Pearl District during Labor Day weekend. In the lower gallery (continuing upper gallery), Alice Van Leunen shows woven paper constructions with embellishments of thread, lettering, metallic elements, cloth, stitchery and other materials for texture and richness. Chosen materials often relate to suggested themes such as quilting, landscapes and literature including the Delectable Mountain series with reference to The Pilgrim’s Progress and the Ice Nine series from Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle.

The Oregon Arts Commission awarded her an Individual Artist Fellowship in 1993 for her unique imagery. Van Leunen’s artwork also features poetry by Kelly Gill Holland. The poet, published in periodicals such as Modern Poetry in New York and the Oregonian, notes that early days with her father in the wilderness inspired much of her work as did her interest in language, music and voice. The two long-time friends collaborated on themes as reflected in chosen poems that appear written or lettered on the constructions. Gill Holland will read from her poetry at 5 pm during the opening reception in the upper gallery on Sept.11th.

The artists will discuss their art and technique during the Sept. 11 reception at which complimentary light appetizers and wine will be served. The public is invited to the reception and exhibition that continues through mid-Oct. during Lodge hours. Billye Turner coordinates the Sunriver Lodge exhibitions and for information call 541-382-9398.

Sisters in September
Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming Events

Sisters Western & Native American Arts Festival September 4-5 Vendors selling top quality handmade traditional and Native American wares. A variety of pottery, western and Native American jewelry, art work, clothing, metal art, log furniture and much more. Western music, Native American entertainment, mountain men on site both days. Hours are 10–4 both days. Located at Creekside Park, Hwy. 20 & Jefferson. 541-549-0251. Sisters in Sisters Celebration Sept. 24-26 The annual Sisters in Sisters celebration. Round up your sister, your mom, your best friend, and enjoy a casual weekend of foot-stomping fun and special memories. Nationally recognized sister celebrities, speakers, fun activities and much more. 541-549-0251, www.sistersinsisters.com Sisters Folk Festival September 10-12 The annual celebration of American music from blues to bluegrass includes performances by top folk artists and musicians. 541-549-4979 www.sistersfolkfestival.org.

Sisters Folk Festival Announces Songwriting Contest Finalists

The Sisters Folk Festival’s Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest has chosen its five finalists for this year’s Festival. The winner will receive a $750 cash prize and a return booking at the 2010 festival. “Getting booked for the Festival is not an easy feat,” said Event’s Director Katy Yoder. “This is a great way for talented artists to have a platform to reach a larger audience.” This year’s finalists include Julia Baucke from Santa Barbara, CA; Marc Douglas Berardo, from Westerly, RI; Bend artist Willie Carmichael; Cary Cooper of Richardson, TX; and Dan Weber from Vancouver, WA.

The five finalists will perform the songs that won them a slot in the competition at the Sisters Folk Festival on Saturday, September 11. The winner will perform a short set to open the Festival’s Saturday night show on the Main Stage. The Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest is named in honor of the first folk festival concert winner, Dave Carter, who won in 1995. Carter went on to an acclaimed career before his untimely death in 2002. The contest has also boosted the careers of songwriters such as Darryl Purpose, Chuck McCabe, Dennis McGregor and Beth Wood who will be performing this year along with last year’s winner BettySoo.

The 15th Sisters Folk Festival is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, September 10-12 in Sisters, Oregon. Performers include John Hammond, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Hot Club of Cowtown, Solas and Slaid Cleaves and many more. To buy tickets go to: www.sistersfolkfestival.org and order them on-line. Or call the Sisters Folk Festival office at: 541-549-4979. Remote ticket locations include: Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Redmond and FootZone of Bend.

Community Concerts in Redmond a Great Value

RCCA was created in 1984 as an IRS-recognized charitable organization run by an all volunteer board of directors to bring quality entertainment to Redmond and the surrounding area. Concerts are presented at the Clyde Moore Auditorium at Redmond High School on Sundays with performances at 2pm and 6:30pm between the months of October and April. Season subscriptions are sold for the 5 concerts. Due to prudent financial management over the years, subscription prices remain at $50 for one adult or $105 for a family for the entire series.

Student tickets (under 18) are also available for $20. RCCA’s volunteer board consists of 25-30 community members who take responsibility for all the details that it takes to bring quality artists to Redmond. Performers are chosen for their talent but also with an eye to their stage presence and overall ability to engage and entertain the audience. RCCA negotiates their contracts, houses and feeds them while they are in the community and manages the concert by ushering, greeting, printing and distribution of programs along with managing the staging.

Outreach to the Redmond schools is an integral part of the RCCA organization. Additional support from contributors and business advertisers has allowed RCCA to contract these artists to perform for the local elementary, middle school and high schools students on the Monday after the artist performs for subscribers. RCCA also presented a patriotic concert on the 4th of July in conjunction with Redmond’s 100th Birthday.

Community concert associations around the country have seen a decline in involvement and in fact many have closed. It is a feather in Redmond’s cap that RCCA has been growing steadily to over 1,100 season subscription holders. RCCA continues to maintain consistent pricing while increasing the quality of the artistic performances. This season features ABBAMania on September 26, trumpeter Guy Few on November 14, illusionist Ted Outerbridge from Canada on February 20, harpist/dancer Anna Maria Mendieta on March 27 and concluding with popera IL VOCE on April 17. Due to popular demand, only for the first show, ABBAMANIA, single tickets will be available to the public. The cost per ticket is $35. They can be obtained by calling 541-350-7222 or redmondcca@hotmail.com. www.redmondcca.org

Festival of Cultures Moves to Redmond's Centennial Park

OnPoint Community Credit Union presents the Latino Community Association’s (LCA) 4th Annual Festival of Cultures (formerly High Desert Inter-Cultural Festival) on September 11, 10am-5pm at Redmond’s new Centennial Park.  In keeping with its vision of a cohesive and diverse community where everyone is valued and empowered to participate and contribute to the health and prosperity of Central Oregon, LCA invites the entire community to celebrate America’s greatest asset – our people. This year marks a turning point in the evolution of the festival as the date has been moved from April to September and the venue from the International School at Redmond’s Hartman Campus to Centennial Park in Redmond’s downtown.  “We are excited about the increased visibility of holding the event outdoors, and Centennial Park is an ideal location,” says Festival Coordinator, Carol Burnett. The Festival is an international affair including booths set up by Central Oregon residents representing nearly thirty different cultures from around the world. Also included are local dance troupes, singers, and musicians, ethnic food vendors, and a children’s play area. And get this! – the festival kicks off with an official Naturalization Ceremony. To volunteer Carol Burnett at 541-610-3075 or carol@festivalofcultures.info.  For information in Spanish, call LCA at 541-382-4366 or info@festivalofcultures.info

Redmond Centennial Harvest Festival Dinner

The City of Redmond is proud to announce the Harvest Festival Dinner on September 18, 2010 in conjunction with the Harvest Celebration in Centennial Park. Join us for an evening of community celebration of the past and present. Hosted upscale BBQ by Tate & Tate that will include potato dishes to honor Redmond’s past, live music by Dan Leonardo of Avenue H, and historic presentations by “Talking Tombstones” actors. Former Spud Court royalty will be honored. This is the last chance to come and help Redmond Celebrate 100 years of amazing people, culture and growth. Tickets: $25 per person or $225 for a reserved table of 8 541-504-2010 or Amanda Gow at Amanda@specialized-events.com

Local Artists Hope to Benefit from
Co-Op Arrangement

By VALERIE CLARK Cascade A&E Editor
In an economy where it can be difficult for artists to earn a living from displaying their work in traditional art galleries, a group of local artists have launched a new venture that they hope will help them to succeed in any market. Ten artists have joined forces to form Ambiance Art in Redmond, a 2,000-square-foot gallery where art lovers can spend anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. According to co-op founding member Susan Adams, the co-op includes potters, glass artists, furniture makers, metal sculptors and photographers. “We have quite a bit of variety,” Adams said.

They offer custom work as well. “You can come in here and get anything you wanted to fit your house,” Adams said. “If we don’t have it, we will find it.” The brand-new co-op opened in March, and although the members are still settling in, Adams said the gallery is well on its way. “I am totally amazed at how gorgeous it is already,” she said. “All of the work is really high-quality.” And despite all the different mediums of artwork, she said, it all fits together, from stained glass pieces to forged metal sculptures to juniper furniture. “It’s eclectic,” Adams said. Co-op members were carefully selected for their art pedigree, experience and personality. “It’s a mature group with a lot of experience,” Adams said. Members split the rent at their facility, take a vote on every decision, and staff the gallery on a rotating basis.

Adams, who does stoneware, raku, horsehair and tile work, started working on the co-op project last September along with her sister, Patti Misterly, and Karen Clement. Misterly creates stained glass, windows, picture frames, boxes and lamps, while Clement specializes in digital photography of horses and Smith Rock landscapes. The other co-op members now on board are: Molly & Eugene Kubista (Indian jewelry, ledger paintings, dream catchers and other Indian art), Tom Zimmerman (furniture mostly out of juniper limbwood but also large log tables & benches), Mitch Deaderick (a well-known potter in Sisters who does a large variety of stoneware including everything from dinnerware to bathroom sinks), James Landgraf (beautiful fused & blown glass), Virgil Harper (metal and stained glass sculptures as well as photography, most of which he does on his property at Smith Rock), Dave Cretsinger (who works with old wood and iron and does coat racks, benches, wall pieces and boxes) and Tom Dodkowski (a metal forger who produces tables, wine racks, tools and sculpture).

Plans are to add an eleventh member in the future. The gallery currently has work on commission from Ron Leep-bronze artist; Michele Deaderick-beaded & stone jewelry; Gloria Mooney-semi precious stone jewelry; Glen Means-watercolor; Linda Swindle-watercolor; John Fleshman-pine needle baskets; Jan Rentenaar-clay sculpture; Sandra Lauser-clay figurative sculpture and Yvonne Harper-scented candles. Adams said any interested artists may stop by the gallery and leave photos of their work for the co-op jury committee. Adams said there are plans to hold artists’ receptions and other events, such as wine tastings, in the future. 435 SW Evergreen, Redmond, 541-548-8115, arpots@msn.com

Mixed Media at Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Gallery

The Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Art Gallery presents a fine art exhibition of acrylic landscapes by Ellen Dittebrandt, whimsical paintings in watercolor and oil by Mike Smith and photography by Larry N. Olson. The main floor gallery features Dittebrandt’s acrylic landscapes including forest scenes with white water spilling over a logjam and a pond reflecting aspens and myriad colors of the forest.

Recognized for her use of vivid color, she paints in highly saturated greens, yellows, blues, oranges, fuchsias and many other hues. The artist is well known for her work throughout the Northwest from her teaching at pastel workshops, numerous gallery shows and feature articles in magazines such as Pastel Journal and Southwest Art. Also appearing on the main floor is internationally recognized artist Mike Smith, painting “people, places and animals I love” and an idealized world about them. In the current exhibition, his focus is on oil paintings of fantastical, brightly colored, landscapes and animals drawn from the fields and scenes near his home.

One of the Northwest’s most noted artists, his works appear in collections globally including Hollywood personalities David DePatie, originator of the Pink Panther cartoon series, and actor Ed Asnor. Appearing in the mezzanine level gallery is Oregon photographer Larry N. Olson well known for his book, Oregon Rivers, featuring the fifty-six legislatively designated “wild and scenic rivers” including sections of Central Oregon’s Deschutes River. The artist notes that the repeated trips gifted him deep knowledge and love of these areas and the possibility to capture “intimate landscapes” of the protected rivers. Exhibitions of Olson’s work include the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the Portland Art Museum and the High Desert Museum in Bend. Publications of his images appeared in Sierra Magazine, Audubon Nature Calendar and others.

The public is invited to view the featured exhibitions that continue through April during Lodge hours. Billye Turner, art consultant, presents this and other visual arts events at the Sunriver Resort. For information call Turner at 541-382-9398.

Sunriver Music Festival Unveils 33rd Season Concert Lineup

Thirty-three years ago, the Sunriver Music Festival was founded by a handful of professional classical musicians who loved the Sunriver Resort as a vacation destination. Their dream was to bring world class musicians to Sunriver and create a summer series of concerts where audience members would closely interact with these outstanding artists. Today, under the capable baton of Maestro Lawrence Leighton Smith, the magic of the Sunriver Music Festival is still alive and vibrant.

The Sunriver Music Festival’s thirty-third season will include a full schedule of concerts, rehearsals, workshops, master classes, receptions and fundraisers. Concerts will begin August 10 and wrap up on August 21 and will include four classical orchestral concerts, a solo piano recital, a Pops concert and the kid friendly family concert. Maestro Lawrence Leighton Smith returns to Sunriver for his 24th season to lead the world class Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra. This hand picked group of musicians travel to Sunriver each August from as far away as Minneapolis, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Toronto and Los Angeles to perform with the orchestra. Maestro Lawrence Leighton Smith has selected a musical line up to please both classical music scholars and novices, including familiar favorites by Mozart, Brahms, Bach and a full program of Beethoven on closing night.

“With a smaller orchestra of forty musicians, like our orchestra in Sunriver, the selections of orchestral arrangements are a little more limited than a full sized orchestra would have access to,” explains Maestro Smith. “However, there are still so many wonderful compositions out there and audience loves to hear familiar favorite pieces. We only have four classical orchestral performances during our two week festival and each piece performed must be a crowd pleaser. It’s hard to choose from all the great classical music selections, but I believe we have a program this summer that will please audiences of all ages and musical tastes.”

This summer’s classical concert line up features a special solo piano recital on August 19 and the Beethoven no. 4 Piano Concerto on August 21 by Italian pianist Mariangela Vacatello, 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Finalist. Composer, author and Utah Symphony’s Associate Concertmaster, Gerald Elias, will perform the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto no. 3 with the orchestra on August 13. Along with his solo violin performance, Gerald Elias will perform with the orchestra as the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra Concertmaster. A

lso joining the orchestra this summer will be Benjamin Lulich, Principal Clarinetist with the Pacific Symphony, who will fill the position of Principal Clarinet for the Festival. Benjamin will perform the Weber Clarinet Concerto no. 2 with the orchestra on August 14. The upbeat and energetic Pops Concert titled Sentimental Journey will be in the Summit High School Concert Hall on August 10. The program line up includes the music of Glenn Miller, Cole Porter and Hoagy Carmichael. Conductor Lawrence Leighton Smith and the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra will perform nostalgic favorites, including That Old Black Magic, I’ll Be Seeing You, In the Mood, Moonlight in Vermont and Chattanooga Choo Choo. The kid-friendly family concert on Sunday, August 15 will move to The Village at Sunriver Mall and will be the final event of the inaugural Sunriver Art Faire.

The final two orchestral concerts of the 2010 season will be in the historic Great Hall at the Sunriver Resort, the home of the Sunriver Music Festival for thirty-three years. The concert programs include Handel’s Water Music, Brahms Serenade and will conclude with a full concert of Beethoven favorites. Concert tickets begin on sale April 1 for Sunriver Music Festival members and on June 1 for the general public. All festival concerts begin at 7:30pm, except the free Family Concert, which begins at 2pm. Ticket prices range from $10 - $60. 541-593-9310, tickets@sunrivermusic.org or www.sunrivermusic.org.

Sisters Airbrush Artist Colors His World

by Jeff Spry for Cascade AE
To Sisters airbrush artist, Mike Yruegas, the whole world is his canvas.  “I can spray on anything.  Glass, wood, cloth, even a pumpkin or two,” he laughed.  His company, Serious Air Studio, is dedicated to presenting the artistry of the airbrush in all its myriad forms and applications.  Nothing escapes the technicolor mists of Yruegas’ paint guns.   For nearly twenty years, Yruegas has fine-tuned his kaleidoscopic craft and he’s eagerly assembling an array of one-of-a-kind pieces for an upcoming gallery exhibition. 

Yruegas grew up in the Santa Maria Valley in California and was well known at Righetti High School for his detailed pencil art and painting.  “I drew everything: cars, skulls, movie star portraits, still lifes.  My art teacher, Mr. Halverson, always pushed me and saw that I had talent.  Airbrushing was a new thing back in 1990 and the first time I saw a senior demonstrate it in class I was hooked.” “I bought my first gun when I was sixteen, a Paasche with a few Createx paints,” he recalled.  “All I had was this little instruction book that came with the gun.  It taught you how to do basic shapes and designs.  I experimented ten hours a day for six months in my mom’s garage before I could finally draw a good figure.  After that it was all I wanted to do.” You may have seen Yruegas this Fall in a booth at the Sisters Harvest Faire where his custom airbrushed pumpkins were a huge accidental hit.   

“It was cold out that weekend and we were set up to do tattoos and facepainting.  So we thought maybe we could do pumpkins.  My girlfriend went to Ray’s market and got ten and I sprayed them up with spiders and skulls.  They were gone in minutes!” Yruegas recently unveiled, The Family, his latest free-hand masterwork for sale.   It’s an impressive, seven-by-three foot sheet of rusted scrap metal painted with a group of gleaming dolphins.   Pockmarks of rust create the illusion of a kelp bed against the cool greens of the steel finish.

“I found the metal sheet in Bend at the Pakit re-store, just leaning up against the fence.  I’d been thinking of doing something big with some type of “found object” and this was perfect.  It had all that great rust and texture and thought that was the piece I wanted to put my dolphins on.” Yruegas donated the ambitious piece to the April 10 My Own Two Hands Art Party and Auction benefiting the Sisters Americana Project.   It is one of the featured works for the event and is sure to generate stimulated bidding.   Serious Air Studio uses non-toxic, water-based Createx Auto-Air paints that are safe and environmentally friendly.  Most enamel and poly-eurethane based paints are being slowly phased out of production by the government.     

Yruegas’ artwork can also be seen in Sisters at the SOAR teen center, where he painted three underwater wall murals and a vivid Jeff Gordon NASCAR race car at Scoots Bar and Grill.  In Redmond, he created a full-sized mascot of a snarling red bulldog for the T-Mobile Call Center. “With an airbrush you can create textures and subtle shadings you can’t duplicate in any other medium.   Anyone can shoot paint through an air gun, but to utilize that tool and have it become an extension of your hand and your soul is something on a whole other level.  It becomes fine art.”   Serious Air Studio at  541-788-4240.

Redmond Airport Displays Watercolors by Don Zylius of Sisters

By TRINITY COMBS Cascade AE Writer
There is a new addition to the prominent art display at the Roberts Field Airport in Redmond thanks to Sisters artist Don Zylius and his watercolor painting, The Deschutes at Steelhead Falls. The painting won best of show honors and is the second painting by Zylius to be put in the Redmond airport. It was purchased by the City of Redmond. Don Zylius, originally from Waukegan, Illinois, moved to Central Oregon in 1970. He made a living as a commercial artist, but the region’s beauty eventually started to influence his work as he became well-known for his delicate wildlife and floral paintings.

Largely self-taught, his amorphous wet-wash painting techniques bring a charming mood to his watercolor paintings. His artworks, with their real-life colors and painstaking detail, evoke the beautiful scenery of Central Oregon. Zylius’ work has become nationally known. Gray’s Sporting Journal has featured his art five times, and its printing division, GSJ Press, included a full-color Zylius painting in its collector’s edition, The Art of Shooting Flying. He was one of 50 wildlife artists chosen for the honor. In addition, his work was chosen for the Cincinnati Zoo’s Wondrous Wildlife exhibition, and in 2005 he was a co-winner of Best of Show – Watercolor at the Western Art Association Show.

He has been commissioned twice by the CAL-OR Stream Enhancement Organization. Zylius’ painting Raven’s View of Tumalo Falls hangs in the permanent collection at the Roberts Field Airport terminal. Be sure to check for it in the boarding area the next time you’re at Roberts Field Airport. Zylius’ art is also displayed for purchase at the Soda Creek gallery in Sisters. The gallery holds a colossal arrangement of wildlife paintings from internationally known artists to locals. In addition, Zylilus schedules watercolor workshops for artists of all skill levels. 541-508-1055, zylius@q.com

Caldera Presents Artists' Open Studios

Each winter, in a series of Saturday “Open Studio” events that are free and open to the public, Caldera presents the work of fifteen to twenty professional artists from across the country. Upcoming Open Studio date is March 20, 1-3pm at Caldera’s beautifully designed Arts Center at Blue Lake, just west of the town of Sisters.

The Open Studio showcases works-in-progress by artists who have been awarded four-week stays at Blue Lake through Caldera’s Artist in Residence program. The artists, who have been selected through an application and jurying process, stay in a private cottage during their residency, and work in a studio or work space at Caldera’s Arts Center.

The Open Studio features visual art, video presentations, theater, poetry, dance, readings and performances. Studios will be open for self-guided tours as well as scheduled talks, which begin at 1:20pm by the artists. Refreshments and a warm fire in Caldera’s Hearth Arts Center are also well-loved features of these informal, friendly, and often surprising events (since the work being presented is fresh, these events can range from deeply moving to profoundly amusing!) Caldera’s residency program, launched nine years ago, helps support the creative endeavors of Oregonians, as well as attract new resources—artists, thinkers, scientists, naturalists—to Oregon.

Over the years, Caldera residents have created books, musical compositions, performances, paintings, films, sculptural works, and photographic projects that are now a part of the cultural fabric of Oregon and the world. In addition to the Open Studio events, some artists in Caldera’s Residency Program contribute to Caldera’s Youth Program, visiting students in classrooms at Caldera’s arts partner schools including Elton Gregory and Obsidian Middle Schools in Redmond, Jefferson County Middle School in Madras, Sisters Middle School and Terrebonne Community School.

Founded in 1996 by Dan Wieden, president of the Portland, Oregon-based international ad agency Wieden+Kennedy, Caldera is a nonprofit arts organization that, in addition to providing fully subsidized residencies to professional artists, supports underserved children through long-term mentoring and arts learning. Caldera’s mission is to be a catalyst for transformation—for people of all ages—through innovative arts and environmental programs. Directions to Caldera: Take Highway 20 to the Suttle Lake turnoff (13 miles west of Sisters, just west of Black Butte Ranch), follow the road 2 miles to the “Caldera” gate and through to our Arts Center.

Kathleen Keliher at Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Gallery

The Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Art Gallery presents a fine art exhibition of pastel and oil landscapes by Kathleen Keliher during March. Keliher shows a fascination with light in her artwork of the high desert and surrounding mountains. The artist found Bend’s scenery and light “unequaled.” She occasionally works plein air, feeling that working outdoors is essential in landscape painting to closely observe “the amount of color one sees and the sensations of the light.”

Her images reflect this rich palette ranging from the vivid hues of red and yellow in desert sunsets to the more subdued shades of olive, sage and gold of the high desert range. The artist, a member of the Northwest Pastel Society, has worked in pastels for the majority of her professional career. The texture present in the images varies according to the selected paper and her choice of underpainting and surface techniques, ranging from the purposefully visible to carefully blended strokes.

During the past several years, she has painted in oil on canvas using a strong palette and varying her technique from impressionism to expressionistic realism. Oil and pastels using a variety of these techniques appear in the exhibition. Keliher’s art appears on the lower level gallery along with expressionistic acrylic landscapes by Ellen Dittebrandt and realistic watercolor, aquatic landscapes by Mary Rollins. Landscape photography of the high desert and Oregon waterways by Larry N. Olson continues in the upper level Betty Gray Gallery. The public is invited to view the featured exhibitions which continue through March during Lodge hours. Billye Turner, art consultant, presents this and other visual arts events at the Sunriver Resort. 541-382-9398.

Sisters Artist Shares Technique
in New Book

By VALERIE CLARK A&E Editor
A Sisters artist has written a book to share her self-styled methods with anyone who would like to learn how to create her unique brand of arts and crafts. Alma de la Melena Cox’s art career began unexpectedly. A mom and yoga instructor, she hadn’t had any “artistic inclinations” throughout her life until she happened to catch a TV program that literally changed her life. “I saw an episode of Simply Quilts on HGTV. It captivated me,” she said.

The show inspired her to try making her own quilts, and she won awards for the creations she submitted to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. “It kind of launched a new world for me.” She tried unorthodox things with her quilts, integrating mirrors and wood pieces onto the fabric, and enjoyed selling her creations at art fairs around Central Oregon. But a turning point in her life as an artist came at a Bend Fall Festival when she overheard some women openly criticizing her quilts in Spanish, not realizing that she could understand them.

The only thing they liked in her entire booth, they said, was the wooden sandwich board she’d decorated with fabric to spell out “Alma Art.” The sandwich board spawned a whole new idea for Cox, as she began to research ways to combine fabric and paint on wood. “That’s how fusion was born,” she said. “It brings fabric and paint together on wood in a luminous and beautiful way.”

Coining the term Telamadera Fusion, Cox makes collages with wood and pieces of fabric, then finishes the entire creation in several coats of a special fine art varnish. It prevents the wood and fabric from ever yellowing or fading, creating a lasting piece of unique art. In addition, the varnish makes the fabric emit light, rather than absorb it. At first hesitant to reveal the techniques behind her work, she eventually decided to write about her methods in an arts and crafts magazine, after being encouraged by an artist friend. “She said, ‘the more you share it, the better it gets,’” Cox explained.

Indeed, after the magazine article was published, Cox’s art became more popular than ever, leading up to her approaching a crafts publishing company, North Light Books. The company was receptive to her idea, and quickly put her book, Collage Fusion: Vibrant Wood and Fabric Art Using Telamadera Techniques, to print. It’s available at Barnes & Noble and at the Stitchin’ Post in Sisters. Cox is excited to bring her methods of a unique style of art to a wider audience.

In addition to offering the book, Cox teaches workshops on Telamadera Fusion all over the country. She has been featured on OPB’s Oregon Art Beat and will be on an upcoming episode of Quilting Arts TV on PBS. She has a workshop scheduled for March 22 at the Stitchin’ Post, and is available for workshops in her home studio. Information: www.almaart.com, alma@almaart.com

Sisters Wine & Brew Festival Announces First Annual Event

The town of Sisters plans to hold the inaugural Sisters Wine & Brew Festival, a weekend celebrating the wines and brews of the Pacific Northwest. The free festival will also include live music, wine and beer pairing classes, cooking demos, art vendors and food.  Set for the weekend of June 19 at the Village Green in downtown Sisters, the festival will bring 25 wineries to town to serve, sell and discuss their products. An array of other vendors will be on hand selling their products and services at the festival to round out participants’ experiences.

These will include arts and crafts, food, specialty products and an extension of the retail already available throughout Sisters. Live music will add to the atmosphere and what is wine and beer without great food? Local chefs will be on hand to demonstrate their special recipes on a cooking stage. For $60, guests can gain entry to the exclusive VIP area and enjoy an array of all the wines on hand for hosted tasting at the event as well as delicious appetizers.In order to round out the guest experience, local restaurants will host a wine and brew makers’ dinner Friday evening. On Saturday, there will be an after party and a variety of local establishments will be staying open late. Information: 541-385-7988, www.sisterswineandbrew.com, info@specialzied-events.com.

Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series

The Sisters Folk Festival announces the 2010 Winter Concert Series. This year’s lineup is a diverse mix of genre-bending artists that are on the rise in each of their respective music styles.  All performances will be held at the Sisters High School Auditorium, 7pm show time. On Saturday, February 6, Bearfoot will start the series with their brand of compelling songs and melodies that stretch the definition of bluegrass in a contemporary and adventurous direction.

Their most recent record, “Doors and Windows,” produced by Compass Records’ Garry West, is made up of eleven gorgeous songs steeped in the bluegrass tradition but unafraid to befriend other genres.  Collaborative, uplifting, energetic, haunting, and inspired are all words that anyone should feel comfortable describing the sound of Bearfoot. On Saturday, February 27, Noah Gundersen and the Courage will perform their unique blend of Indie-rock, mature songwriting and achingly beautiful vocal work by this young and talented songwriter. 

Hailing from Seattle, Noah Gundersen and the Courage recently played a sold-out show at the famed Triple Door in Seattle and are presently on many people’s “band-to-watch” list.  The band also features Sisters Native Travis Ehrenstrom on bass.  Talented young artists of the Sisters Americana Project will perform an opening set prior to Gundersen’s, celebrating the excellence of their original music as the program moves into it’s tenth year through the Sisters Folk Festival.   On Tuesday, March 16, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will bring their native New Orleans sound to Sisters in a dance funk party. At 23, Trombone Shorty has grown into a performer who commands the stage while emanating an elegance and class gleaned from his successful studies at the prestigious New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. 

As a graduate, he joined the ranks of alums like Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., and Nicholas Payton. “Rare indeed is the artist with the virtuosity to draw the unqualified respect of some of the most iconic legends in jazz and the ability to deliver a high-energy funk rock show capable of mesmerizing international rock stars. Trombone Shorty is equally adept on trombone and trumpet and is a man to be reckoned with on both.  In 2009, New Orleans’ premier music magazine, Offbeat, awarded Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Best R&B/Funk Band for the second year in a row. 

To purchase tickets go to www.sistersfolkfestival.org  or 541-549-4979.  Tickets will also be available at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Redmond, and FootZone in Bend after January 23. The shows are all $15 adult/$10 student. A series pass can be purchased for $40 adult/$20 student for all three shows. 

A Natural Fit: The Design Center & High Desert Art League

Some things are just obvious. So when it is recognized and put together, great things happen. That is the case in the collaboration of The Design Center and the High Desert Art League. The commingling of great design and amazing art is happening at The Design Center, with art exhibits changing in February, June and October. The Design Center’s 2010 Art Walk is being kicked off on February 3, 4-6:30pm and features artists demonstrations, great food and good friends.

The High Desert Art League, a group of regionally, nationally and internationally known artists devoted to their mediums and determined to advance their careers, focuses on the business of art, networking, organizing shows and expanding their list of collectors. The twelve artists of the group are all represented in The Design Center and many will be on hand to answer questions. Featured during the art walk will be demonstration by acclaimed artists Vivian Olsen and Joren Traveller. Vivian’s paintings will come to life before your eyes while Joren will reveal the mystery of sculpting with wax.

The Design Center (located at 2127 S. Hwy 97 in Redmond) is like nothing you have experienced. It is filled with nearly two-dozen vignettes showcasing the finest in luxury design trends; the highest quality materials, finishes and furniture; and the latest in electronics equipment and appliances, all under one roof. Add the amazing work of artists Vivian Olsen, Cindy Briggs, Helen Brown, Jacqueline Newbold, Barbara Slater, Richard Frederick, Vern Bartley, Pam Jersey Bird, Joren Traveller, Norman Frater, Cameron Kaseberg, and Cheri Harris and you have an adventure through varied art mediums and amazing home design and decorating ideas not to be missed.

Art Walk receptions will be held the first Wednesdays of February, June and October from 4-6:30pm featuring different artists and demonstrations. The art walks are a great way to experience amazing work by central Oregon artists, explore The Design Center and enjoy some great food by Tate and Tate. You may learn more about the High Desert Art League at www.highdesertartleague.com and The Design Center at www.oregondesigncenter.com.

St. Thomas Academy Hosts Crab Feed

The St. Thomas Academy of Redmond will be hosting a Crab Feed Saturday, February 6, 4-8pm at the Parish Hall in downtown Redmond. Attendees will enjoy direct from the coast Dungeness crab, fresh bread, salad and more. There will also be a cash bar featuring Deschutes Brewery beer on tap and an assortment of wines. This is a 21 and over event.

All proceeds benefit the student technology program of St. Thomas Academy of Redmond. Tickets are $20 per person and available at CL Printing and St. Thomas Academy of Redmond. St. Thomas Academy offers quality catholic education to children attending pre-school thru fourth grade. The academy’s diversified curriculums, as well as, its dedicated staff are devoted to producing academic excellence in alignment with Oregon’s Core Academic Standards. Faculty is always available to meet with interested parents to discuss how St. Thomas Academy of Redmond can benefit their family. 541-548-3785 or stthomasacademy@bendbroadband.com.

Joanne Donaca & Vern Bartley at Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Gallery

The Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Art Gallery presents a fine art exhibition of oil landscapes by Joanne Donaca and photography by Vern Bartley with an opening reception on Saturday, November 28. The artists will be present at the reception in their honor from 5:30–7pm in the gallery and the Meadows Dining Room will serve complimentary appetizers and wine.

A native of northeastern Oregon, Donaca derives inspiration for her art from the striking beauty of Central Oregon in Bend and surrounding areas. Images in the Sunriver show reflect the diversity of the area with scenes including Mt. Bachelor, high desert scenes such as Sunriver and Mt Bachelor in the snow, cottonwoods along the Deschutes, as well as other scenes. Seeking to “generate a strong emotional response” from viewers, the artist uses a boldly enhanced, yet realistic palette in these impressionistic landscapes that feature accentuated, gestural strokes as well as softer, more integrated brushwork. She also employs palette knife to create strong, textural variations.

Donaca is recognized in the Northwest through her signature membership in the Northwest Pastel Society and membership in the Oregon Watercolor Society. An award winner in both mediums, her paintings appear in numerous corporate and private collections including Pronghorn’s Residence Club town homes. Bartley continues his show, Glacial Miracles, black and white photographs of Alaskan glaciers. During a 2008 stay in Alaska, Bartley and his wife Paulette, traveled beyond Resurrection Bay to the Bear Glacier, headwaters of Bear River.

There, Bartley took over 1,100 photos of icebergs breaking off the glacier. From these images, the artist selected twenty-one images that appear in his book, Glacial Miracles, which he will sign at the reception. The Bartleys report a sense of abandonment, isolation and overwhelming awe at the grandeur and beauty of the pristine environment. Icebergs calving from the glacier with the noise of a cannon explosion were the only sound to break the deep silence of the remote wilderness. The calving icebergs from the glacial wall served as a constant reminder of the beauty and violence of nature. Bartley’s photographs capture what, in reality, was the transient beauty of the day.

The cover image of the show, Mother Nature, precisely portrays the impermanence of the icebergs for when the couple paddled by to leave in a few hours, the ice sculpture had disintegrated with pieces dissolving into the water. This dissolution of the iceberg deemed Mother Nature demonstrates the uniqueness of this exhibition - it can be mimicked but never duplicated. Glacial Miracles, with its images entitled Whale’s Tale, Tsunami, and other human names for nature’s creatures and events, captures as the artist notes, “this momentary beauty changing hour by hour, minute by minute, and eventually, like our lives, melting back into nature’s continuous cycle of life.” The public is invited to the reception of complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

The exhibition continues through the Holidays during Lodge hours. Billye Turner, art consultant, presents this and other visual arts events at the Sunriver Resort and elsewhere in Central Oregon, organizing exhibitions of fine art representing artists both from the area and Northwest region. She also works with businesses and private residences. For appointment or information, contact Turner at 541-382-9398, office or 503-780-2828, cell.

Sisters Art Works Holiday Open House and Craft Fair

The Sisters Art Works Building, 204 West Adams Street in Sisters, is hosting their 4th annual Holiday Open House and Craft Sale on December 5 from 10am – 5pm. Tenants will have their studios open for the public to tour and have wonderful things for sale.

The building will be decorated with trees and greens donated by the Deschutes Land Trust. Guest artists and craftsmen will also be on hand in the performance and workshop space with interesting and unique crafts to fill your holiday gift list.

The Holiday Open House and Craft Fair will include local and regional artists and craftsmen selling unique handcrafted items like wonderful fresh wreathes, delicious holiday jams and chutneys, handcrafted ornaments, glasscards and framed artwork. Bring your pet and get their picture with Santa Claus as a benefit for the Furry Friends Pet Food Drive. Santa will be available for photos from 11-2 thanks to the Happy Hounds 4H Club. The Sisters Art Works Entry Christmas tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments, which have been donated by the participating artists, for sale to benefit the Furry Friends Food Drive. Sisters Art Works opened in October 2005. It is a place in Sisters that celebrates creativity and community.

Sisters Art Works tenants include visual artists, textile artists, musicians, photographers, literary arts programs, videographers, online magazine production, as well as arts promoters and marketing experts. In addition to office and studio spaces, the building also houses a workshop/classroom space with seating for between 12-25, a 70 seat performance venue, and a 12 seat board room. The Entry Gallery space serves as exhibit space for tenants and invited artists to display their work.

Holiday open house participating artists: John Simpkins, Paul Alan Bennett, Karen Z. Ellis, Lynn Woodward, Paula Perkins, TheSisters High School Chinese Class and Mr Zhang, Tracy Curtis, Kit Stafford and Barbara Wilson Stafford, Kathy Deggendorfer, Adora Hitchcock, Edie Shelton, Sisters Folk Festival, Justine Gibb, Walter Alexander, La Petite Savonnerie, Nancy Becker, Louise Jacobs, Lee Stone, Helen Bommarito, The Depot Cafe, Moonbeam Glassworks, Pieceful Expressions Quilts, Mary Marquiss, Vicki Shuck, Bone-ified Strings, Janet Zuelke, and the Sisters Middle School Arts Discovery Class. Information: www.sistersartworks.com or 541-420-9695.

Exciting Changes on the Horizon for 26th Annual Festival of Trees

Change is good. That’s the perspective of the staff and volunteers of Redmond-Sisters Hospice as they prepare for the 26th Annual Festival of Trees—the organization’s yearly fundraiser. Change is especially good when it offers options and opportunities previously unavailable to fairgoers. The most significant change for this year’s Festival of Trees will be the location. The Festival, which takes place on December 5, will be held at the Eagle Crest Resort Convention Center.

Of the change in location, marketing and development coordinator, Pat McGuinness says: “We are all excited at the opportunity to hold our event at Eagle Crest. Doing so gives us options that weren’t previously available.” The most significant of those options will be in the ability for evening Gala Event attendees to choose between a (new) sit-down dinner selection and heavy hors d’oeuvres as in years past. “We wanted to give our tree buyers, our sponsors and anyone who wants to take advantage, a really nice dinner selection. At the same time we understand that with the economy still on precarious footing, we want and need to offer the same heavy hors d’oeuvres option as we have in years past,” reported McGuinness.

The good news is that while the upgrade to a sit-down dinner has increased that ticket price by $10 to $50, the hors d’oeuvres option has been decreased by $10 making that option $30 rather than $40 as in years past. “We think that there are a lot of people who really want to attend the evening event and offering a more affordable food option seems like a reasonable way to make attendance possible,” says McGuinness. Another change is that instead of a silent auction, festival attendees of both day and evening festivities will have the opportunity of purchasing items from an artisan faire as opposed to a silent auction that was available only to evening gala event attendees in years past.

Daytime event attendees will also have the option to purchase delectable goodies from a Hospice-volunteer hosted bake sale while still enjoying the free entertainment, snacks, children’s games, visits with Santa and…of course…the beautiful trees. While the festival is the signature fundraising event for Redmond-Sisters Hospice, the organization also believes that giving community members a reason to come together is vital to the holiday. “That is why the daytime portion of the event is free to family members of all ages,” says event coordinator, Buffy Kurowski. “The people who come to the evening event make it possible for us to offer a full day of fun and camaraderie to the community at large. The evening portion of the event is also what we count on for support.”

Family members of all ages are invited to attend the daytime event which runs from 10am to 3pm. Tickets: 541-548-7483 or stop by the Redmond-Sisters Hospice offices at 732 SW 23rd St. in Redmond. Local Chambers of Commerce (Bend, Redmond, and Sisters) will also have tickets to sell.

Clearwater Gallery Celebrates 7th Year of Harvest Faire Print Give-Away Tradition

In 2003 Sisters’ Clearwater Gallery owners Dan and Julia Rickards had no idea that what began as a simple “thank you” to friends and supporters would turn into an exceptional annual affair looked forward to by the entire community and beyond.  The tradition for this now anticipated event grew from having given prints of Rickards’ Emily’s Song to family and friends who had been a source of great comfort during a difficult time.  In 2002 Dan and Julia opened Clearwater Gallery and were again blessed with tremendous support by family, friends and community. 

Their natural inclination was to do something to show their gratitude — thus the birth of the Harvest Faire print give-away.On the Saturday of each Harvest Faire weekend, Oct. 10-11 this year, the Rickards give a complimentary signed and numbered fine art print to the first 150 folks who visit Clearwater Gallery — the subject always having been a beautiful landscape in Central Oregon.  For those collecting and keeping record: Cascade Skyline 2003,  Downtime 2004, Cascade Springtime 2005, The Smiths 2006,  Canyon Creek Meadow 2007,  Reflections of Broken Top 2008 and this year a fabulous canvas featuring Mt. Jefferson from the Jefferson Park perspective.Anyone having hiked to this magical place knows well the varied beauty along the route:  trails, plateaus, lakes, meadows of wildflowers and a glacier view.  This year’s painting in Rickards’ now traditional Cascade series may top them all. 

For those familiar with the setting, Dan’s work will conjure a visceral remembrance of all this landscape offers.  And if you have not yet “walked this walk” his work will serve as strong motivation to see for yourself.  The painting began with a family overnight backpack trip.  Rickards, who holds sunsets and sunrises in high esteem, wasn’t about to miss out on either.  Capturing a striking cloud sequence and morning-light-sunburst were fitting reward.  Photographs and sketches solidified the composition flashing complete in his mind.  Back in his studio these prompts furnished continuous spark as the canvas lit up with shape, color, and imagination. 

The finished work is sure to etch a permanent image of Mt. Jefferson in your memory and once again give pause and thanksgiving for the incredible place we call home, Central Oregon.Clearwater Gallery doors will open at 10am sharp on Saturday morning, October 10, where Dan Rickards will be in residence to sign and number each fine art print. (But, you may wish to arrive a bit early as the complimentary prints tend to “disappear” quickly!)  Giclee prints on canvas will also be available for purchase.  Staying faithful to their mission, “Bringing the beauty of creation into the homes of our friends,” the Rickards’ will have specially priced framing packages to take advantage of as well as gracious and professional customer service.  391 West Cascade Ave, Sisters. 541/549-4994

High Desert Gallery Reports New Niche at the Redmond Gallery

We’ve worked hard to establish a great mix of artistic approaches that compliment our Central Oregon lifestyle,” said Myrna Dow, High Desert Gallery owner.  “It’s important to showcase artistic viewpoints that take the ordinary a bit farther, while remaining representational. 

The new artists in our Redmond Gallery do this while maintaining continuity with our Sisters and Bend Gallery artists.” Dow invites you to visit the Redmond Gallery to view over 60 new original paintings, monoprints, collage and fiber art representing our exciting new Gallery Roster of Artists, including Kay Baker, Sue Gomen Honnell, Rosalyn Kliot, Patty Freeman-Martin, Vivian Olsen, and Sue Favinger Smith.  Work includes plein air painting and wildlife art, landscape in both watercolor and oil, as well as contemporary landscape  and still life, mixed media fiber, western art, and collage. 

Future plans include the addition of more Redmond Oregon area artists including work of 3-dimensional artists and guest artists from the Sisters and Bend Galleries.  Current featured artist Sue Favinger Smith offers a new exhibit titled Perception and Imagination featuring a new selection of oil paintings inspired by the landscape.  “With Perception and Imagination I am prying open that window between what I perceive visually and what I can imagine,” says Favinger Smith of Redmond.

“The landscape has always been the inspirational foundation, but my work is not about topography - as beautiful as it is.  It’s about being alone and not lonely, about venturing into the unknown and what I might find there. It’s about courage and accepting the invitation to explore.  In coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting each artist in the blog, but don’t wait to see the exciting new art we have to offer.” High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing in Redmond is location at 453 SW 6th Street at Evergreen, www.highdesertgallery.com or 541/548-1811

Sunriver Music Festival
Begins 32rd Season

Sunriver Music Festival Piano Recital ~ 2009 Van Cliburn Silver Medalist Thursday, August 13 ~ 7:30pm, Great Hall, Sunriver Once every four years, a select few young pianists emerge victorious from the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition: “the most prestigious classical piano contest in the world.” Sunriver Music Festival Concert I Friday, August 14 ~ 7:30pm ~ Great Hall, Sunriver Gabrieli: Antiphonal Brass Dvorák: Romance in f minor for Violin and Orchestra, op. 11. Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending for Violin and Orchestra Jun Iwasaki, violin Mozart: Symphony #41 in C (Jupiter), K. 551 Sunriver Music Festival Concert II Saturday, August 15 ~ 7:30pm ~ Great Hall, Sunriver Mozart: Divertimento #2 in D, K. 131 Piano Concerto: Van Cliburn Silver Medalist Schumann: Symphony #1 in B-flat, op. 38 Sunriver Music Festival Family Concert ~ Peter and the Wolf Sunday, August 16 ~ 1:00pm ~ Great Hall, Sunriver The Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra performs Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved children’s musical symphony. Kids are invited to sit on the floor up close and personal with the orchestra for a fun and educational experience. Sunriver Music Festival Pops Concert ~ Pops Potpourri- from Broadway to Brazil and Bernstein to Bacharach Tuesday, August 18 ~ 7:30pm ~ Summit High Auditorium, Bend A salute to Stan Getz, John Williams, movie and show tunes such as Westside Story, Dr. Zhivago and South Pacific will be performed by the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra, vocalist Susannah Mars, and 3-time Emmy award winning musical score writer and saxaphonist James Di Pasquale for a memorable evening of music. Sunriver Music Festival Concert III Friday, August 21 ~ 7:30pm ~ Tower Theatre, Bend Cherubini: Concert Overture Bach: Suite #2 in b minor for Flute, Strings, and Continuo Adam Kuenzel, flute Mendelssohn: Overture to “The Wedding of Camacho,” op. 10 Mozart: Overture to “Don Giovanni,” K. 527 Haydn: Symphony #93 in D Sunriver Music Festival Concert IV Saturday, August 22 ~ 7:30pm ~ Tower Theatre, Bend Hummel: Concerto in E for Trumpet and Orchestra Jeffrey Work, trumpet Mozart: Serenade #11 in E-flat for Eight Winds, K.375 Mendelssohn: Symphony #4 in A Sunriver Music Festival Kayak Kantata Sunday, August 30 ~ 2:00pm ~ Deschutes River Float Accompanied by music, kayak, canoe, or ride a party boat down the Deschutes to arrive and dine in Young’s beautiful backyard garden. A delicious catered dinner, wine and friends for a perfect afternoon and evening. Ticket information: Call 541-593-9310 www.sunrivermusic.org ~ tickets@sunrivermusic.org

Sisters Folk Festival Brings Array of Musical Talent

The Sisters Folk Festival is proud to announce an impressive line-up for the 2009 festival  held September, 11, 12 &13 in downtown Sisters. This year’s performers bring an amazing array of musical talent to the stage. Artists include legendary bluegrass icon Peter Rowan, the instrumental prowess of the Alison Brown Quartet, eclectic and witty songwriter Todd Snider, bluesman Kelly Joe Phelps, the youthful energy of the Belleville Outfit, Texas swing of the Quebe Sisters Band, Portland indie-standout Blind Pilot, multi talented Kevin Welch & Fats Kaplin, and our 2009 SFF encore performer Susan Werner. 

“The lineup this year is stronger than ever, and has legendary performers mixed with musicians that are tearing it up around the country but may not be household names.  We do everything we can to introduce new artists to the NW, and our Central Oregon audience, while bringing international artists of stature and long standing excellence in many genres of music,”  said Artistic/Executive Director  Brad Tisdel. Since its inception in 1995, the Sisters Folk Festival’s national reputation has grown, and so have the audiences.

“The beauty of the area combined with 6 concurrent stages all within walking distance give people plenty of options to see their favorite artists. Generally speaking, if you can’t fit them in on one day, you can catch them the next,” said Katy Yoder, events director. Each year one particular artist is considered the SFF “encore performer”. Last year Susan Werner brought down the house with her unique songwriting mastery and skills on piano and guitar. The audiences couldn’t seem to get enough, so she’ll be returning in 2009. The Sisters Folk Festival highly encourages the $75 All-Events Badge for the weekend, September 11, 12 and 13, 2009, which includes all music and workshops and is offered at the discounted price until August 1.

“For those who are new to the Festival, our patrons come back year after year because of the talent, the value and the unbelievable performances they are exposed to in an intimate setting.  There is magic in the air as the city of Sisters comes to life, and audience members have the ability to see our artists in venues as small as 85 and as large as our main stage of 1100 people… it is something very special.” said Tisdel. In addition, tickets for the Americana Song Academy, a unique and empowering songwriting and music camp are on sale now. Song Camp, held September 8-11, brings Festival main stage talent to teach for three inspiring days before the Festival. The Academy is held at Caldera, a private performing arts camp high in the Cascades.

This opportunity provides participants a chance to work closely with nationally recognized songwriters to hone their craft and spark their music and creativity.  Tickets for the three-day camp are $375 and can be purchased through the Festival office or SFF website. To order Early-Bird Tickets for the Festival, go online to: www.sistersfolkfestival.org  or call the Sisters Folk Festival at: 541/549-4979, you can email: katy@sistersfolkfestival.org  Tickets are also available at remote ticket locations: Footzone of Bend 845 Wall Street; Paulina Springs Books 252 W. Hood Sisters, or 422 SW Sixth St., Redmond.

Annual Country Fair & Art Show in Sisters

The much-anticipated 2009 Art Show and sale, the annual showcase of juried art, opens at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters on August 7 (5-8pm) & continues on August 8 (10am-3pm) in conjunction with the 14th annual Country Fair. The Art Show, held in the church’s Community Hall and patio, has featured the work of more than 50 regional artists. This year’s show promises to be a distinguished collection of original, high-quality oils, watercolors, pastels, clay, glass and metal sculptures, jewelry and other fine crafts. The organizers have promised some changes this year.

They will be including unique outdoor art, miniatures, and expanding the selection of upscale Silent Auction items. All work is available for sale. Oscar Spliid, one of the featured artists at this year’s event, has participated in the Show, since its inception over 10 years ago. Oscar and his wife, Barbara were residents of Sisters when the show began, but have since moved to Bend. “We still consider ourselves old-time members of the Sisters Church,” says Oscar, “and participating in the Art Show is a great opportunity to come back and visit friends.” A native Oregonian, Oscar spent his working years as a business owner, a realtor in Eugene and Camp Sherman and also became an accomplished cartoonist, fly fisherman and golfer. While fishing the great rivers of Oregon, and exploring the coastal estuaries and bays, he became fascinated with the idea of capturing the beauty of nature in woodcarving. Oscar has indeed succeeded in creating some amazing and unique pieces of art.

This woodcarver extraordinaire is well-known for his quail, heron and kingfisher carvings, but those are only a few of the many birds Oscar creates. Many of his sculptures are made from Oregon native woods and washed with a unique patina that gives the carvings a distinct finish. Along with other artists, Oscar, will be on hand during the show to visit with attendees and discuss the art work. On August 8 fairgoers will enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun that includes face painting, a petting zoo, cake walk, and food and entertainment for the whole family. For those with shopping in mind, the Good Book and the Country Store will be well-stocked. New this year will be an exhibit of Mustang horses, with training demonstrations and the opportunity to learn about the Mustang adoption program The Country Fair and Art Show is the church’s major Outreach fundraiser each year. Since its inception this event has generated more than $88,000 in funds for community support agencies such as Family Action Network, Habitat for Humanity, Crystal Peaks and Neighbor Impact, Head Start and Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Information: 541/549-7087

Clark & Smith Featured at Sunriver Lodge Gallery

The Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Art Gallery presents a fine art exhibition of oils by Joyce Clark and watercolors, pastels and oils by Mike Smith with an opening reception on Saturday, August 1. Marsha Umbour, daughter of Joyce Clark, will be present at the artists’ reception from 4–6pm in the gallery and the Meadows Dining Room will serve complimentary appetizers and wine. The retrospective exhibition of Joyce Clark’s oils will hang in the second level Betty Gray Gallery.

Clark, a renowned artist formerly of Bend and Sunriver, passed in January of 2009 at 92. Clark grew up in Laguna Beach, California and was a 17-year exhibitor at the prestigious Laguna Beach Festival of Arts. In the late 1960s, the artist moved to Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii where she painted images of the lush tropics and beach scenes and completed several commissions for the Kapalua Ritz Carlton. The noted Village Gallery of Lahaina as well as the Hana Coast Gallery presented many one-person shows of her art. Returning to the mainland in early 1990s, Clark settled in Sunriver and began painting Central Oregon scenes, which were exhibited at Sunriver Lodge on several occasions.

In 1997, Sunriver Resort commissioned the artist on complete four large oil paintings of the surrounding area that are on permanent display in the Crosswater Clubhouse. She continued her illustrious career with the publication of Adventures in Art, a full-color, large format survey of her painting over several decades including images from her travels in China, Mexico and the South Pacific. An award winner in numerous national shows, her honors included the Juror’s Choice Award at the prestigious “Art for the Parks” exhibition in Jackson Hole and the Award of Excellence at the 11th Annual Oil Painters of America juried show. Clark’s paintings feature both palette knife and brushwork and include scenes of the Deschutes River, Mt. Bachelor and Sparks Lake, area waterfalls, and numerous other Central Oregon scenes.

Many of the works prominently feature water, a favorite subject of the artist who is a member of the International Society of Marine Painters. Internationally recognized artist Mike Smith delight’s viewers with whimsical images of family cats and dogs, scenes from travels to Hawaii, his studio surrounded by flowering summer gardens, canoes and boats on the Columbia River, and other recognizable scenes. He notes that these images represent the “people, places and animals I love” and an idealized world about them. Smith’s art will hang on the main floor gallery. The artist paints with a flattened, child-like perspective in a richly colorful palette. He layers multiple washes of the watercolors or layers of oils or pastels to build vibrancy, creating his signature intensity of hue.

The artist worked for many years in abstract, minimal forms and evidence of this interest appears as the abstracted representation of familiar objects such as his large-scale renderings of appaloosas and other horses in the current exhibition. Smith’s professional career spans some 30 years with gallery exhibitions throughout the United States and in Europe. He donated his hand-painted image of a life-size fiberglass cow to benefit children at risk in the Portland “Kows for Kids” program. His work appears in collections globally including those of Hollywood personalities Ed Asner, actor, Richard Donner, director, and David DePatie, originator of the Pink Panther cartoon series. The exhibition continues through August 26 during Lodge hours. Billye Turner, art consultant, 541/382-9398, coordinates this and other visual arts events at the Sunriver Resort.

Redmond Farmers Market for Any Budget

Through the USDA Farmers Market Promotional Grant, and with the help and support from COIC, the Redmond Farmers Market was granted the funding to purchase a wireless machine that allows people receiving food stamps to purchase goods at the market. The small staff of the Redmond Farmers Market has been working very hard promoting all the new changes that the market has for its fifth annual season. Sarah Yancey, owner, and Shandy Smith, assistant manager, are recruiting fresh produce from all over Oregon, as well as handcrafted arts, gourmet foods, salsa, spices and baked goods.

To find the newest vendors one should shop the market every Monday (12 noon to 5pm). Vendors come and go throughout the season as their crops are harvested and/or the small business owner travels to sell merchandise. The new location for the Redmond Farmers Market is Evergreen Elementary, 437 SW Ninth Sreet (the corner of Evergreen and Ninth Streets) and is getting closer to what will be its final location. The school is a beautiful historical, two-story building that has a spacious front lawn.

This site can host up to 40 vendors. Redmond Farmers Market is offering a free gift basket give-away every Monday. All vendors will donate an item from their booth to be added to the gift basket, with items such as local produce, jewelry, herbs, baked goods, candles, spices, salsa, berries, flowers, crepes, local honey, patio blueberries and gourmet foods. Julie Sorensen with Jule=s Jewels (entering its third year at the Redmond Farmers Market), said, “Having a good mix of fresh produce, arts and crafts, and handmade products makes the market a great place to shop. Join us every Monday.”

Robbyn and J Boyer have been vendors the last four years and sell local honey that can be used for medicinal purposes. The bees in the Northwest are fine. The bees are flying and producing a high quality of honey, they said. I started my customer base at the Redmond Farmers Market five years ago. Now my baking business has grown big enough to participate in over five markets per week, said Yancey, owner of Delish Bakery and Redmond Farmers Market.

Kick Up Your Heels – Rendezvous at the High Desert Museum

Don’t miss the 20th-annual High Desert Rendezvous on August 22 at pm featuring the Best of the West Auction and Gala, great dancing to live music, a wild West cowboy supper and hosted bar.Have fun while supporting the Museum at its most important fundraiser. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s educational programs.

At this year’s gala, you are sure to look mighty fine on the dance floor when Pete Ford and Texas Hold’em strikes up the music – Western dance lessons kick off right after the live auction! So dress in your best Western duds, ready to bid on Western art, one-of-a-kind works of jewelry, and fabulous Western adventures and vacations exclusive to this event, such as a Pendleton Round-Up package, trips to destinations around the world, and fabulous dinner parties.

In addition, special, close-up wildlife encounters and appearances from living history personalities make this a fabulous evening dedicated to raising funds for a nationally recognized treasure. Visit the juried artist works at the High Desert Rendezvous Art of the West Showcase, July 29–August 21 at Museum. The 2009 signature piece is a custom painting by Michael Cassidy.

Donaca & Watson at Sunriver Lodge
Betty Gray Gallery

The Sunriver Lodge Betty Gray Art Gallery presents a fine art exhibition of landscapes by Joanne Donaca and D. L. Watson with an opening reception on Saturday, July 11. The artists will be present at the reception in their honor from 4–6pm in the gallery and the Meadows Dining Room will serve complimentary appetizers and wine.

A native of northeastern Oregon, Donaca derives inspiration for her art from the striking beauty of Central Oregon in Bend and surrounding areas. Images in the Sunriver show reflect the diversity of the area with scenes including Mt. Bachelor, high desert scenes such as Horse Ridge, Mirror Pond in Bend, as well as still life and other floral compositions. In seeking to “generate a strong emotional response” from viewers, the artist uses a boldly enhanced, yet realistic palette in these impressionistic landscapes that feature accentuated, gestural strokes as well as softer, more integrated brushwork.

She also employs palette knife to create strong, textural variations. Donaca is recognized in the Northwest through her signature membership in the Northwest Pastel Society and membership in the Oregon Watercolor Society. An award winner in both mediums, her paintings appear in numerous corporate and private collections including Pronghorn’s Residence Club town homes. Watson presents mixed media, abstract paintings. In Watson’s first exhibit in Sunriver, the artist employs a musical theme to define the movement depicted in the images.

The active, curvilinear lines suggest musical markings but the artist notes that the imagery is spontaneous and intuitive, expressive of her emotions and not intended as representational. The artist’s technique is largely experimental yet consistent through the process of layering. She applies many layers of transparent and opaque mediums, adding, scraping - taking away and covering up - until achieving the desired effect. Through this process, the sought-after emotions emerge.

A mid-westerner by birth, Watson’s parents both were artists. She studied many artistic forms and worked as an interior designer following college. Her painting continued throughout her design career and while raising two children. Watson is now a professional artist and shows with galleries in southern Florida where she resides in the winter months. During the summer, she makes her at home in Sunriver. The artists will discuss their art and technique during the June 11th reception at which complimentary light appetizers and wine will be served. The public is invited to the reception and exhibition that continues through July 26th during Lodge hours. Billye Turner, art consultant, coordinates this and other visual arts events at the Sunriver Resort. For additional information call Turner at 541/382-9398.

Pots & Shots at Sunriver Library

The July/August art exhibit at the Sunriver Library will feature the ceramic work of Brad Henry and Jim Ramey’s photographs. When questioned about his ceramics, Henry said, “I feel my role in society is to create things that reflect our culture, needs and habits.” Henry graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1995 with a BA in liberal arts, emphasizing ceramics and sculpture. He worked for eight different potters and pottery companies in Minnesota and Wisconsin before he moved to Bend in 2005.

Most of his pieces are formed on the potter’s wheel and then altered by squishing or squaring. He does this to make uncommon forms which are also fun to use. He uses both stoneware and porcelain clays, usually a blend of the two. Henry states “My pottery is for everyday use. No lead or toxic materials are used and it all can be put in the microwave, oven and dishwasher. Ramey is a golf course maintenance professional, but enjoys photography as an avocation.

He said, “I took my first photography course about 30 years ago at Cal State LA. It was mostly black and white then, and seeing an image appear in the darkroom was magical. I have always carried a camera and love looking at the world through a viewfinder.” He moved to Bend in 1974, leaving behind the traffic and smog of Los Angeles. He got a job on the South Course at Sunriver and has become the golf course superintendent.

But, he never forgot about photography. Digital cameras led him back to a fuller involvement with photographing the amazing wildlife and the breathtaking scenery of this area. Ramey says, “Taking photos is great fun and sometimes you get a very good shot. Then you want to share it and that increases the fun.” The exhibit will be on display at the Sunriver Library until August 28.

Crescent Moon Ranch
A Jewel in the Heart of Central Oregon

by SONDRA HOLTZMAN A&E Editor
Crescent Moon Ranch, nestled in Terrebonne, is a family run business that revolves around the world of the alpaca. A domesticated species of South American camelid, between 350-400 Huacaya alpaca (as opposed to Suri alpaca) make their home at Crescent Moon Ranch. “We sell breeding stock all around the country and also own the Alpaca Boutique in Bend that features fine alpaca garments and accessories,” says Scott Miller, who with his wife Debbie own Greener Pastures Alpacas, a herd that is part of Crescent Moon Ranch.

“With the fleece we shear every year, we supply some to the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative here in North America and have some of it spun into yarn for sale at the boutique. We also sell raw fleece for people who like to spin and are working with a gentleman in Oklahoma who is associated with several different operations to produce alpaca products here in the United States.”

The Alpaca Boutique in downtown Bend on Brooks Street is a great place for a one-of-a-kind gift. “Most everything in the boutique is made from one hundred-percent baby alpaca, the finest fiber,” says store manager Anne Heath. “Our fashions come from the top designers in Peru and most of the coats in the store are crafted from start to finish by one person, as opposed to being mass produced in a factory.”

A tour of the boutique revealed a plethora of alpaca offerings, ranging from pillows, a fantastic blanket for bed or lounge, scarves, vests, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves and glorious stuffed animals in addition to the impressive selection of men’s and women’s fashions. “The women’s coats are very feminine,” shares Heath. “It’s not something you’ll find anywhere else and the styles are very unique. We’re just now moving into a whole variety of dressage coats in the hunting and riding tradition, and all fashions range from casual to very formal.”

According to Miller, less than ten-percent of the alpacas on the planet are Suri – the rest are Huacaya. Fleece gleaned from Suri alpaca is produced to make a heavier, drapier garment whereas Huacaya alpaca produces a lighter, loftier type of garment, especially if using a very fine fleece. “Our primary goal here at Crescent Moon Ranch is to raise the alpacas and produce offspring, and then sell those offspring to other breeders around the country,” he says.

“Over 90-percent of our Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association membership is made up of small operations that have less than 20 alpacas.We truly believe in the product that comes from alpaca – it’s world-class, so we’re heavily invested in making people aware of the alpaca products that are produced and the special qualities that make up alpaca fiber and how it relates to items we use in our everyday lives.” Alpaca is seven times stronger than wool and is a totally breathable fiber, with excellent resiliency and water resistance. Alpaca babies are called cria and this gentle animal has been known to live 15-20 years.

The Shearing Festival at Crescent Moon Ranch June 20, 10am-4pm on will feature a bluegrass band, wine tasting, alpaca viewing and a delicious tri-tip barbeque with coleslaw, beans and rolls, with all proceeds from donations benefiting the Redmond Humane Society. Alpacas will be shorn in three shearing stations and spinners will be on hand to demonstrate their craft. Miller says, “Last year, my wife Debbie delivered three babies at the Shearing Festival and 250 people were in attendance, so we had a great turnout. This year, we may have some animals from the Humane Society for adoption.”

Over the July 4 weekend, Crescent Moon Ranch will co-sponsor one of the most prestigious events that take place on the alpaca calendar – the Parade of Champions Sale and Auction in Hillsborough, Oregon. Educations seminars will be available for those who own or are contemplating owning alpacas, with great networking opportunities. Crescent Moon Ranch had its origins on San Juan Island in Washington State in 1996 before the family relocated to Bend in 2002. “We’re open by chance or by appointment, and always welcome visitors,” says Miller.

“We simply love what we do. People should explore alpacas, because you’ll fall in love with them. I spent 20 years in the restaurant business and now I don’t ever think about it. Now, I work at the Ranch all day, and hardly ever stop thinking about it. Some of our alpacas began their journey in Peru and Australia, and now they’re on the Moon!” Information: 541/923-2285 and www.crescentmoonranch.com Crescent Moon Ranch 70397 Buckhorn Road, Terrebonne Alpaca Boutique 617-4530 boutique@crescentmoonranch.com 924 Brooks Street, Ste C, Bend Hours of operation: Thursday-Saturday, 11am -5pm and by appointment always

Come Hunt for Charms in Sisters Country

by Sandy Muller for CASCADE A&E
This year’s Sisters Rodeo will have a bit more sparkle. The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is launching the Sisters Country Charm Trail, Rodeo Edition. The Charm Trail is a town-wide scavenger hunt for tiny pewter charms depicting beloved Western icons. You can collect these tiny charms, one at a time. Begin at the Chamber of Commerce in Sisters and purchase a bracelet for only $5.

Created from polished pewter, this bracelet measures about 7 ½ inches long with a toggle and lobster claw clasp. A special charm specifically selected by the Chamber begins your bracelet with a choice of a ‘2009’ charm. While at the Chamber you will receive a map showing the locations of the participating businesses. During the breaks in the Rodeo performances, spend time visiting the merchants throughout the Sisters Country collecting each specialty charm. The charms of the rodeo season can be found throughout the Sisters Country, from Suttle Lake Lodge to Aspen Lakes Golf course, and everywhere in between.

Each business will be selling a unique, Western-themed charm for just $2 each. Once you have collected all 12 charms, this beautifully formed bracelet tells a story of the various places you visited throughout the day in the Sisters Country. We encourage you to come to the Sisters Rodeo, and build a charm bracelet of memories. Information: 541/549-0251 or events@sisterschamber.com.