Last month artists were drawn to Indian Ford Meadow Preserve surrounding properties to paint scenes of this stunning community preserve, protected owned by the Deschutes L Trust. The National Forest Foundation (NFF) U.S. Forest Service hosted the Third Annual Plein Air Paint Out at this picturesque meadow, an important wildlife haven crossed by Indian Ford creek, a tributary of Whychus Creek.  

The Paint Out helps to offer an artists’ eye appreciation of the natural resources beautiful l scapes near Sisters, while bringing attention to the conservation stewardship efforts on the Whychus Creek area the Deschutes National Forest.

Plein Air painting is an opportunity for artist to paint in the open air of the outdoors, inspired by nature its stunning views. The Paint Out is a timed competition artists will have four hours to complete frame an original work on-site.

The resulting paintings are worth much more than a thous words—communicating the beauty the need to care for our cherished l s.

Under the Treasured L scapes conservation campaign, the NFF has designated the Metolius River Whychus Creek region as one of a h ful of project sites in the coutry. Plans over the next few years include continued watershed restoration to prepare for returning salmon steelhead. Other projects will focus on recreational improvement projects to revitalize the area’s natural systems ensure quality outdoor experiences for visitors.

Sisters Art Works (204 W Adams Street) will display the Paint Out pieces from September 24 to October 6, with opening following conservation volunteer opportunities on National Public L s Day, Saturday, September 24. Also, be sure to look for Images of Indian Ford at the Sisters Harvest Fair on October 8 9.

Info: Karly Hedrick at 541-549-0251 or khedrick@nationalforests.org.