The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

This month, Sisters Arts Association's (SAA) 4th Friday Artwalk leans toward contemporary artists who are pushing the envelope in their respective disciplines, as well as traditional artists who are experimenting with new techniques and methods. Visitors are encouraged to stop in the galleries at any time during the day, but galleries will welcome them with light refreshments starting at about 4 p.m. Sign up for Quick Draw, one ticket per gallery, for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates. The SAA thanks Coldwell Banker Bain in Sisters for their generous donation. You do not need to be present to win.

Hood Avenue Art's July show is "Meet the Printmakers." See the variety of work created through printmaking processes by four artist-printmakers: Glen Corbett, Carolyn Platt, Gin Laughery, and Patricia Freeman-Martin. The variety of work created by printmaking includes monotypes, relief, woodcut, reduction, and intaglio methods. Each method offers unique qualities and possibilities, quite unlike that of any drawn or painted mark. Never totally direct, this art form adds an element of surprise to the proceedings, akin to that of alchemy. The definition of an original print, as opposed to a reproduction, is that however the artist-printmaker arrives at his or her final printed image, they have influenced and orchestrated the proceedings by hand, from the making of the matrix (block, plate, screen, or other method) through to the final print.

Stitchin' Post's artist is Bonnie McWilliams of Peacock Pottery. Her process begins with dyeing, printing, designing, stitching, and finally progresses to pottery. Pottery can be functional or whimsical and useless, delightful or thought-provoking. McWilliams works to feel the core nature of clay, fabric, and gardens, and she finds much joy in the journey.

The Rickards Gallery's featured artist, Mare Schelz of Bend, creates beautiful and intricate glass mosaics, often with recycled and vintage materials. She enjoys working in a variety of media, using an array of tools and techniques. She teaches classes in her studio and is a contract teacher at several schools in Bend, working with children to open their world to multiple tools, techniques, and media.

Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop's show is "Two by Four," two-dimensional art by four artists: painters Antonia Carriere, Kay Baker, and Lynn Brush, and printmaker Denise Kester. Baker is a plein air painter who mainly works in oils, but occasionally in pastels. Brush, whose work is new to the gallery, specializes in street scenes and landscapes in oil, painted on linen and mounted on panel. Carriere's pastel landscapes of Northeastern Oregon depict huge canyons, greenbelt rivers, farmland, snowy mountain peaks, dry golden hills, and big skies. Kester specializes in monoprints and monotype viscosity printing as well as multimedia, drawing, and painting.

Space in Common will feature a new collection of paintings from Bend artist Taylor Manoles. Her artwork explores themes of faith and the human experience through contemporary landscapes.

At Toriizaka Art, Rae Holton, a fifth generation Oregonian and accomplished ceramicist and sculptor, will share her story and works from 4 to 7 p.m. Holton works primarily in clay, stone, and metals. In it, you can see the rhythm and flow of nature and the energetic elements of our Earth. Also featured are new works by contemporary Vietnamese artist Vu Thang. Several of his newest arrivals were influenced by cave drawings and funerary sculpture of the hill tribe peoples, and depict primitive figures that speak to universal experiences, emotions, and feelings. Other figurative pieces were created using many different materials (wood, hemp, canvas, fabric, and clay), and he uses the properties of each to help inform the entire piece. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and artists will be present, and refreshments will be served from 4 to 7.

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Symbolic Navaho art by David K. John is featured at Raven Makes Gallery.

Raven Makes Gallery's featured artist is David K. John. His work reflects appropriate symbols of Navajo mythology and stories, and his deep connection to his spirituality. His children are involved in art as well, incorporating tradition and – with John's encouragement – new technology that does not interfere or cloud the Dine worldview. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wildflower Studio features new work by John Runnels. He uses a palette knife and oil paints to create bold textured paintings. His new work concentrates on aspens and landscapes. Stop by to see paintings, prints, new leather hip bags, stained glass, and other gifts. Enjoy wine, snacks, and conversation from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Campbell Gallery continues to show work by Raina Verhey. The gallery will be open to visitors but will not have a reception this month.