Art enthusiasts in the Lebanon area have been hungry for a long time, according to Art Cisneros n hungry for local art and quality crafts. Cisneros, chair of the newly founded Linn County Arts Guild, said that need is finally going to be filled.

The Guild, bringing local artists and crafters together, is still very young and finding its way, Cisneros said.

A growing group of photographers, fiber artists, wood crafters, bronze sculptors, oil and watercolor painters, jewelry crafters and others are in the process of figuring out exactly what the Guild's mission will be, how it will operate and how to establish membership. The idea for it grew out of the artists' marketplace here during the Christmas season.

"We put our heads together to figure out what to do then," Cisneros explained, "because there's just no outlet here for artists. We put the word out that we would like to form a guild. At the very first meeting in January, there were about 12 artists of all different media."

By the second meeting, the crowd had swelled to 20 artists and crafters, and by the third meeting, there were close to 30 folks eager to get the Guild off the ground. Cisneros said that more interested people are calling and e-mailing him.

The group is working now to establish by-laws, non-profit status, and other details. Meanwhile, Cisneros is talking to local merchants, giving them an opportunity to display art by Lebanon area people. Already art work from the group can be seen at Like Nu Appliance and Cindy's Table of Plenty.

The Guild is looking for art featuring Willamette Valley scenes to be displayed at the new Lebanon Coffee Shop. Artists may contact Maryann Ewing, 258-3762.

That's only the beginning, Cisneros said.

The Guild is looking ahead to possibly hosting an art fair this spring "to kick off the art season. We're hoping within a year to have an actual brick and mortar building where Guild members can have their work on display. Inside that building you'll be able to see beginner's work displayed right along a master's work n a beautiful blend of everything."

Once there is a building devoted to artists, Cisneros said the Guild will be able to offer classes for children and adults, and Lebanon folks will be able to view a wide diversity of art in a variety of media.

Before any of that can happen, though, Cisneros added, the artists need to get to know each other, understand each other's art forms and exchange ideas.

Their meetings at the Lebanon Travel Station are open to anyone n artists, crafters, and art enthusiasts alike.

For more information on the Linn County Arts Guild, call Cisneros at 258-4074, or visit their website, www.linncountyartsguild.org.