Annual Artist Studio Tour event by Sisters Arts Association highlights work from local artists
Claire Elmer
(Update: adding video, interview with artist)
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — This weekend in Central Oregon, art lovers had the chance to step inside the creative world of local artists. The Sisters Arts Association hosted its annual Artist Studio Tour — a free, self-guided event featuring more than two dozen artists.
Attendees explored 16 studios and galleries, watching demonstrations and learning about the inspiration behind each piece. Taylor Manoles, a Central Oregon artist specializing in paintings, partnered with sculpture and printmaking artist, Danae Bennet-Miller, at Bennett-Miller’s home gallery.
Manoles spoke with KTVZ News about the motivation behind her art, saying, “I get a lot of inspiration from camping trips and hiking. I’m inspired by being outside and trying to communicate how I feel out there.”
The tour showcased a wide range of mediums, from painting and pottery to sculpture and photography. For many artists, it was a chance to connect directly with the community.
“It’s really nice to get out and have the face-to-face conversations, because the nature of being an artist is you spend a lot of time alone in your studio. But it is really lovely to just interact with people and see how your work speaks to them,” said Manoles.
Visitors not only saw finished pieces, but some got a rare look at the creative process — and even had the opportunity to purchase work straight from the source.
The two-day tour ran Saturday and Sunday, drawing crowds from across Central Oregon. Organizers say it offered an intimate glimpse into the heartbeat of Sisters’ thriving arts community.
Manoles echoed that sentiment — “There’s a lot of beauty and talent in this community. I would encourage everyone to try and get out and participate in these type of events. It’s really fun to get to meet artists kind of on their home turf and see what they’re all about.”
While this year’s tour has wrapped up, the Sisters Arts Association hopes the weekend left visitors inspired — and eager to return next year.