Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 16, 2015)
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Sisters artist opens downtown gallery Taste of Sisters set to roll Saturday By Jim cornelius News Editor The art district that has been developing along Hood Avenue over the past several years has a new addition: The Dyrk Godby Art Gallery located on the northeast cor- ner of Hood Avenue and Elm Street in the former RE/MAX building. Godby is a ranch-raised cowboy artist and singer- songwriter well known in Sisters Country and beyond for his depictions of the his- torical West in media includ- ing oil paintings and hand- burned etchings in leather. “Always wanted one of my own, I guess,” said Godby of his decision to open a studio and gallery. “I’ve been work- ing in here a little bit. I’ve been painting at home and I’ll probably start painting here a little bit.” Godby’s leatherwork has become more and more of a signature. “I got ahold of one of those fancy burning tools,” he said. “I just like the feel of it and the look of it. And while you’re burning it smells like you’re at a branding all day, which isn’t bad. Without all the blood and dirt and heat.” photo by Jim CorneLius dyrk Godby has opened a new gallery and studio for his Western art. The artist is no stranger to the real thing when it comes to branding and other aspects of ranch life. He was raised on ranches in Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon, where he developed a deep love and understanding for horses. He rodeoed in his younger days, so he comes by his insight into Western life from the inside. Godby’s leatherwork depicts horses, Western scenes and Indian life. He col- laborates with David Holmes of Three Ponies Saddlery on some of his work, particularly large furniture pieces, from a privacy screen to a bar. He has also created wall hangings on an entire side of cowhide. The technique is satisfying but demanding. “It’s kinda like drawing with a pencil — except you can’t make any mistakes,” he said. Godby’s paintings are also in demand. He recently issued several prints — the first he’s done in a few years. And his artistry also extends to songwriting and performing. “I went to Nashville a cou- ple of weeks ago and did an album,” he said. Godby enjoys visiting with folks who come into the gallery. “I get to show the work; I get to meet people and talk 19 about the work,” he said. People are interested in his cowboy background — and he’s interested in their stories, too. “It’s fun to meet people from all over the world who come to this town,” he said. Godby feels that his gal- lery is an apt addition to Sisters’ burgeoning art scene — a conviction he states in his quiet, self-effacing cow- boy drawl. “It’s a Western town,” he said. “They needed a lot of cowboys and Indians hanging around, I guess.” For more information visit www.dyrkgodby.com or call 208-761-1493. Folks in Sisters will enjoy an evening of food and music this Friday, September 18, at the “Taste of Sisters,” the third annual fundraiser for Sisters Kiwanis and Furry Friends Foundation. Patrons will enjoy great food from Sisters restau- rants, live music and dancing to Beatles cover band Juju Eyeballs, and a performance by Central Oregon Aerial Artists. Dress is fun or fancy. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the two nonprofit organizations. The event begins at 6 p.m. under the stars at Eurosports, at the corner of Hood Avenue and Fir Street. Limited tickets are still available for purchase in advance at Eurosports or at http://bendticket. com/events/27213748/ taste-of-sisters. Sliding scale, $15 to $50, pay what you can afford.