PANDEMIC ART NEWS
You hear it daily: Stay Home, Stay Safe. Our artists and galleries are following that good advice. Not being open as usual is devastating to individual artists, to art businesses, and to our supporting businesses.
You can help. Here’s a strategy:
Order dinner from one of the many local food establishments that are remaining open on a “To Go” basis. Then settle down in front of your computer or tablet, and take a virtual stroll through the websites and Facebook pages the galleries of Sisters.
Ready for our online tour? Here we go …
On Facebook, Hood Avenue Art shows work from the home studios of painter Kathleen Keliher and woodworkers Art and Anna Blumenkron, wearable items by Sharyl McCullough, handmade books by Kelley Salber, portraits in glass by Susie Zeitner, and many more. They have a wonderful self guided tour of the gallery on the home page of their website.
Clearwater Gallery features stunning work by David Mensing. Each piece is a statement, drawn from his experiences within nature and composed from a strong architectural background. He has a deep understanding that every moment is cultivated from raw beauty, too profound to contain.
Gary Cooley’s facebook page is a virtual treat. Look at Proud Warrior, standing 22 inches tall. Gary also thanks everyone who purchased one of his sculpture kids for kids. Go to his website and check it out.
Sisters Gallery and Frame Shop applauds the work of photographer Gary Albertson. Gary doesn’t let being legally blind stop him from capturing and posting a daily glimpse of the Metolius River at his doorstep. More of Gary’s work can be seen on his Facebook page. Dennis and Helen are also available by appointment for custom framing.
You don’t need to enter the doors of Ken Scott’s Imagination Gallery to see his work; several pieces are on display right outside. Bronze, garden, lighting, and wall designs are all available.
Just cross the street (virtually) to Mister Brown’s Metals, to see the amazing mokume gane work by metalsmith Bryan Brown. Ponder his rings, earrings, bracelets, metal sculpture and more. You won’t want to leave, but leave you must. Carry on, brave hearts.
Jill Neal moved her studio this year, and her new headquarters is in the same building as Bryan Brown. You don’t even need to know that, though, to visit her online at Jill’s Wild Tasteful Women. Her “Daily Diva” series humorously depicts all that might actually be fun during this stay-at-home time.
Let your virtual steps lead you to the East on Hood Avenue, to Wildflower Studio, for jewelry, gifts, and an appointment for custom framing by Chris Nelson.
At Bedouin, Harmony posts new items daily, the latest being her new window vibes, some beautiful blue scarves, and jewelry for Earth Day. You can almost feel the tactile treasures in the shop, while knowing that they are just a click away. Thank you, Harmony, for cheering us all on! Note: The Good Day Cafe gallery is currently closed so you will have to wait until it re-opens to see what is next.
Cross the street (you’re still virtually strolling along Hood Avenue) to Raven Makes Gallery, to view special collections from Contemporary Native American Artists. Chris and LaRita have returned from their Southwest travels to Hopi, Navajo, Zuni and Acoma lands, where they curated new works from their artist friends, and brought their stories back to Sisters.
Backtrack a little for a visit with Dyrk and Jim Horsley at Dyrk Godby Gallery. Hang out with Kanoe Durdan Godby as she gives you a virtual tour of Dyrk’s authentic western art.
Rounding the corner onto Cascade Avenue, let your virtual tour lead you to Antler Arts for a viewing of authentic antler chandeliers, jewelry, and more Western art.
There is a heartfelt message from Val about Quilters Affair, a video tour of and much more information from The Stitchin’ Post. Check out the Summer Dreaming Quilt Kit and more, or knit along with Nancy Hamilton. Your creativity is always welcome here!
Canyon Creek Pottery is Ken Merrill’s working pottery studio and adjoining gallery. You can browse his pottery bowls, dishes, lamps, and vases and learn more about stoneware, pottery and raku.
Finally, Sisters Arts Association acknowledges the courageous decision by the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show to Go Virtual for 2020, exploring the many ways they can celebrate the art and beauty of quilting and show off the many exquisite quilts that make the second Saturday and July the most colorful day of the year in Sisters. They join the Rhythm and Brews Festival and the Sisters Rodeo in the sad but inevitable postponement of summer events.
We beg of you, our friends, to remember us and come back with your smiles, your friendship, and your patronage – when we are all safe to proceed.
The Board of Sisters Arts Association
Here is a list of our galleries and phone numbers.
Hood Avenue Art – 541-719-1800
The Collection Gallery – 541-588-6253
Clearwater Gallery – 541-549-4994
Beacham’s Clock Company – 541-549-9971
Sisters Gallery & Frame – 541-549-6472
Ken Scott’s Imagination Gallery – 541-549-6472
Mister Brown’s Metals - 541-904-0410
Jill Neal Studio – 541-617-6078
Dyrk Godby Gallery – 208-761-1493
Raven Makes Gallery – 541-719-1182
Wildflower Studio – 541-977-2820
Grizzly Ridge Upcycle – 541-549-3079
Good Day Cafe – 541-904-4051
The Stitchin’ Post – 541-549-6061
Antler Arts – 541-549-4251
Canyon Creek Pottery – 541-390-2449
Supporting businesses that are ready to serve you with curbside visits and/or take-out purchases:
Cork Cellars
Beach’s Clock Company
Sisters Coffee Company
Paulina Springs Books
Rainwater Cafe
Cottonwood Cafe
Rancho Viejo
Chops Bistro