Central Oregon Artist Kathy Deggendorfer’s Colorful New Art Piece Finds Its Home in the Sisters Library
Posted By: Tina Walker Davis
Date Posted: 9/9/2025
The Sisters Library is home to a newly installed tile art piece by Kathy Deggendorfer, a Central Oregonian whose work is inspired by the colors and textures of her surrounding landscape. Entitled “Mountain Homes,” Deggendorfer’s 48” x 48” piece is an ode to the region she happily calls home.
“I fell in love with Central Oregon because of the mountains, fresh running streams and big ponderosa pines—and it’s all included in this image,” Deggendorfer says.
Deggendorfer first designed her piece as a painting and then worked with Kibak Tile in Sisters to translate it into a tile format. Each tile was hand glazed and fired in the Kibak facility. “I did this originally as a painting. Working with the Kibak team allows me to design and create using my usual medium—watercolor—and translate it into a medium that works well for an art installation,” Deggendorfer says.
“As a local, Kathy Deggendorfer is well known for her advocacy and support of the arts in Sisters Country,” says Cate O’Hagan, who co-chairs the Art Committee responsible for selecting art for each Deschutes Public Library location. “As an artist, many of her pieces colorfully reflect the activities and character of the community, be it a farmer with his dog taking a harvest to market or the energy of the mountains, streams, forest and fields.”
Deggendorfer says she loves that her piece was selected to be part of the Sisters Library. “Libraries are open doors to anyone,” she emphasizes. “It’s rare in this day and age. Libraries have no barrier to access; they offer us opportunities to learn in so many ways.”
“Mountain Homes” was purchased with funds donated in memory of Peg Bermel, who worked at the Sisters Library for more than 30 years. Bermel was instrumental in establishing two libraries in Sisters, including the library in its current location on Cedar Street. People interested in contributing toward art in the libraries can donate to the Deschutes Public Library Foundation (www.dplfoundation.org).
Deggendorfer’s piece joins other art works in the Sisters Library, including a large-scale fiber-art mural by Kristy Kún in the building’s community room, as well as an acrylic-on-panel piece by Randy Redfield above the fireplace, and framed monoprints by Carolyn Platt and Janet Brockway.
Unique art installations are planned for every library in Deschutes County; works from local and regional artists are both traditional and non-traditional, possess a lasting endurance and are diverse in both concept and material.
About the Artist
Kathy Deggendorfer lives on a cattle and hay ranch just outside of Sisters, Oregon, on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Inspired by the color and texture of her surroundings, her vibrant and colorful paintings are whimsical representations of ranch life. Kathy’s work is collected throughout the Pacific Northwest and is featured on clothing by Columbia Sportswear. She has work in the permanent collections at Roberts Field Municipal Airport in Redmond, at Brasada Ranch Resort, and St. John Medical Center in Longview Washington. In 2008 Kathy was selected to create the Oregon State Ornament for the White House Christmas Tree.
About the Art Committee
Co-chaired by Jason Graham (Redmond) and Cate O’Hagan (Sisters), the committee includes Kathy DeBone (La Pine), Bill Hoppe (Bend), Jesse Pemberton (Sunriver), Carolynn Platt (Sisters), Eric Sande (Redmond), and Tammi Jo Wilson (Portland). Chantal Strobel, Deschutes Public Library Assistant Director of Engagement, and Ruth Baleiko, partner with The Miller Hull Partnership (architects), are also on the committee.
Library Building Projects
Find more information about the Library’s bond-funding projects, visit the Future Libraries page at www.deschuteslibrary.org/futurelibraries