The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) is hosting its largest annual fundraiser and community arts celebration, My Own Two Hands: Holding Hope, through May 15. The organization is celebrating its 20th year of the event, honoring community building, visual arts, and the creative spirit.

This year’s donations feature 84 pieces of art, from sculpture, to painting, jewelry, mixed-media, musical instruments, furniture, fabric arts and much more by regional artists. Proceeds from the art auction and fundraiser support SFF’s mission of strengthening community and transforming lives through music and art.

Typically. the event would feature in-person components including a gallery stroll, community concert, and lively art auction and party, but for the second year in a row, the pandemic has forced the fundraiser to take place virtually, using the benefits of technology to expand its reach. Participants can bid on art from their computer, tablet, or mobile phone from anywhere in the world.

The public is invited to visit the Cindy and Duncan Campbell Gallery and SFF’s Jam Studio, both located at the Sisters Art Works building, 204 W. Adams Ave. in Sisters, to preview all of the works of art that have been donated by generous artists.

The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m., with private art viewings available outside of those hours upon request.

Email [email protected] to make an appointment.

High-quality photos of the artwork are featured on SFF’s website for virtual viewing at www.sistersfolkfestival.org.

Auction bidding wraps up at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. In addition to the auction, the online fundraiser also offers opportunities to support SFF’s arts-education outreach by purchasing a raffle ticket or making a “paddle raise” donation to the organization. Only 400 raffle tickets will be sold, with a grand prize of $5,000 in auction credit and second prize of two nights’ lodging at the beautiful Sisters Bed & Breakfast and admission for two to Sisters Folk Festival’s summer concerts on June 25 and 26.

As part of this year’s virtual format, Sisters Folk Festival will air a My Own Two Hands: Holding Hope livestream on Friday, May 14, at 6 p.m. The 60-minute program will showcase some of the history of the Americana Project, feature interviews with community members and their contributions, and offer alumni perspectives on creativity and the creative process. The raffle winners will be drawn at the end of the livestream.

For more info on My Own Two Hands: Holding Hope auction and fundraiser, visit www.sistersfolkfestival.org.