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Coffee House displays the arts
By Rongi Yost

The artists at work...

Sisters High School Cafetorium was transformed into a mini arts museum -- the annual Coffee House -- on Thursday night, November 15.

The stage area was lined with dividers displaying beautiful paintings and sketches. Two small stage areas were set up where the jazz bands and jazz choir performed while many guests browsed through the art exhibits at their leisure.

Vocal and instrumental soloists were also featured throughout the evening.

While touring through the exhibits guests enjoyed student demonstrations that included face painting, air brushing techniques, and making pottery on the wheel.

Jill Benhower has been to the Coffee House many times before.

"It's one of my favorite events of the year," she said. "What I love so much about it is that it touches all the arts. And a lot of it is due to wonderful teachers like (art teacher) Mike Baynes and (music teacher) Jody Henderson. They're exceptional."

Rich Shultz says he comes every year.

"It's a great outlet for students and we get to see great artistic expression from them," he said. "They're able to express themselves and show off their talents and gifts."

Rebecca Morton has attended every year since their family moved here five years ago. She remembers the Coffee House and its beginnings.

"It was always a great idea, but I remember those first years were sparsely attended," Morton said. "Each year it gets bigger and better. More variety has been brought in, like music and drama."

Morton continued, "The community has always been supportive of sports and musical activities and I think it's so exciting for students to feel that support in their art and creative efforts as well."

Stephanie King, a gifted musician and concert pianist, especially enjoyed the Varsity Jazz Band. (That could be partly due to the fact her son Eric plays trombone).

"They have a terrific sound. It's so much fun to listen to them," she said.

Profits from the evening matched what was brought in last year. The event brought in $810 at the door.

This money will be divided among all of the art departments. A silent auction brought in $500, which will be used to provide scholarships for students continuing their art education.

Habitat for Humanity received $140 from the Blemish Pottery Sale, the highest amount raised from this sale thus far.

"Every year the kids are just thrilled about putting this event on," art teacher Baynes said. "It was a total success and this comes from group effort. Leadership Class took care of the organization, kitchen help provided goodies and Sisters Coffee Company donated the coffee."

Baynes particularly wanted to thank the jazz bands and the jazz choir for their contribution to the evening.

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