FarmArt.org

It’s here…Autumn.  Last night grew chilly, and we cuddled under heavy quilts.  Cool air filled our home, and out in the poor bedraggled garden, the once tall brilliant sunflowers now droop, dried up heads turned toward the ground.  Little finches hop from brittle leaf to thick brown stalk to pick and scratch.  In a  few weeks the giant mulberry tree will be covered with bright yellow leaves, which will soon blanket the ground.  

Our 2008 Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival was a wonderful party!  We had a fantastic response throughout the week with over 3500 visitors attending our six events.  That is almost double the attendance of last year!  I hope that all our 130+ volunteers are proud of the hard work and dedication that they brought to this program.  During the week we got the chance to feature over 200 local artists and musicians–as performers, art vendors, guest artists, and exhibiting artists.  It was a rich delight for the whole community.  I’ll always remember our Historic Downtown Sonora Art & Music Stroll–watching hundreds of people walking up and down the streets, having a great time.  Shops and restaurants were filled with folks viewing art and listening to great music.  And there was a touch of something for everyone from classical guitar to singer/songwriter tunes to raucous R&B.

The festival art show will stay up until the end of September. All of the work is for sale, except for one adorable piece by Diana Boyd, “Spitfire.” The artwork is on display in Backspace, Banny’s Cafe, The Diamondback Grill and Stage 3 Theatre.  So, come this way soon and take a look.  You can take a painting, photograph or sculpture with you to liven up your own home!  Our award-winning artists include Kathleen and Richard Imlach, Randy Selander, Diana Boyd, Geoff Wynne, Don Hukari, Alex R. Coard, Barbara Beaudreau, Beth Little and Constance Walsh.  But all the 60+ artists are winners in my book as they are helping us to build out this exciting new festival–helping us to move and shake, add form to the Sierra Foothills art scene.

As our Festival Week goes flashing by, I realize that I have not taken the time to tell you about our Festival Photographers.

First, let me mention two guys who generously donated to our Festival’s Auction:  Jim Sells and Geoff Wynne.

I’ve known Jim for nearly 35 years.  He was always “Brandi, Kelly and Brian’s dad.”  But THIS year I met a new Jim Sells–The Art Photographer.  His work is eclectic with clear style and innovation.  His nature and documentary photos have an exacting quality with sharp focus and strong composition.  One of my favorites will be at the Swinging in the Pines Auction this weekend.  It’s a very strong photo of Kennedy Meadows Resort–its color composition is enough to knock this photo out of the park.  With sharp granite cliffs in the background, we’re given a nostalgic image of the old green shingled lodge with accents of high contrast reds given in perfect balance.  Did Jim set this up with the red tablecloths, red neon sign and red towels against that green?  Or did this just happen?  Either way, this photo is stunning.  Tuolumne County fans will want to have this vivid reminder of the lovely lodge that burned just last year (09/07).  Jim has captured this little memory for all of us.  Jim’s nature photos have this same elegance as he grabs these perfect spots and puts us in that place and time for just a moment.

Then there are his experimental pieces.  Jim is not afraid to take risks.  He is delving into creative uses of photo manipulation software to play with our eyes and imaginations:  A Plein Air painter on the beach, the photo presented in “major tweak,” but on the painter’s canvas is a clear image of the painting that is being created.  A portrait of his granddaughter Riley done in a similar fashion: The surroundings are distorted, but Riley stands in sharp focus.  Jim is pushing edges and allowing himself to step outside of the traditional photographer’s rules and standards.  Keep it up, Jim!

Our other photographer is Geoff Wynne.  Geoff’s photos are truly a step off the planet. Not really photos, but more like paintings, he is a master of PhotoShop.  When I first discovered his work, I was amazed.  I actually thought that the images he was sending me in emails were probably “stock photos.”  Then I asked, and he said, “They’re mine.”  But when I asked where his stuff was available, he said, “Nowhere.”  OKAY, my dear readers, time for some blunt honesty.  This man’s work drove me over the edge as a lover of art.  I decided then and there to help him get his work out to the public.  Well, now I am his sweetie-pie.  You could say I’m biased, but truly I fell in love with his art first, the man second. In his first exhibit at the 2006 In-Focus Show, he took a Judge’s Choice Award.  Most recently, Wynne  took first place for Photography and Printing in our Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival’s Art Show with a beautiful, haunting piece entitled “Farm Workers.”  It’s hanging in Backspace, a very fun shop on Washington Street in Sonora.  Go check it out!  For a moment forget about my personal connection to this artist and listen:  Geoff Wynne is one of Tuolumne County’s most important artists.  His work is dynamic and inspired.  Enough said.

At Event #1 of our Festival, “Golden Hills Traditions,” at Mt. Brow Winery on Saturday we had more great local photographers represented.  The Sonora Photography Club had its own booth!  There were some wonderful photographers whose work was shown:  Wyntress Balcher, Al & Edith Tsacle (Al is also one of our Festival Musicians.  He is in a GREAT Bluegrass Band–The Fog Valley Drifters), Jean Hackamack to name a few. Plus, Jim Sells had his work on display.  This dedicated group meets on a regular basis to support one another in their art form.  They also set up shoot-outs, workshops and discussion groups. You can contact Central Sierra Arts Council for information on how to hook up with the local photography club. 

Plus, The Returning Show Booth (organized by Zac Calbert) featured the works of Lindsey Lutts and Joshua Cripps.  Both of these photographers are a part of our growing Next Generation Artists–a swelling group of young, creative activists who are ready to make their mark on the Sierra Foothill with a new generation of art.  Lindsey’s work is wild and reckless with a strong statement of her vision.  Joshua’s work is equally strong and intense, but has a completely different slant.  While Lindsey’s work is all about social commentary, our changing and evolving culture, Josh’s work takes us out of time completely.  He whisks us off to wild lands to the edge of the world…and then he leaves us breathless.

Photography is a vital art form in our community!  After all, one of America’s most influential nature photographers hailed from our neck of the woods–Did you guess who yet?  How does ANSEL ADAMS sound? 

Keep us on your Photo Radar.  Our annual show, InFocus, has been a cornerstone of the Tuolumne County art scene for over 20 years. Get to know our local photographers when you come up for a visit. And like Lindsey and Joshua prove, photography is alive and well for years to come on the Mother Lode.

Tonight’s Union Democrat, our local rag, featured our festival on the front page!  It’s a great article.  However, a few key facts are missing.  I wrote the article’s author (Hoyt Elkins) a note that I wanted to share with you readers.  Please add your own comments:

Dear Hoyt:

Potter, sculptor, mosaicist, stained glass artist, singer, musician, philanthropist, grandmother, Style Diva! Joining us at “Golden Hills Traditions Family Art Day,” Mt. Brow Winery on Saturday, Sept. 6th will be Tracey Smith Hillman–an incredible force of creative talents!  From her sensuous sculpture pieces to her whimsical stained glass stars, Tracey epitomizes the Renaissance Woman as she captures the creative impulse and harnesses all that energy to make exquisite pieces of art.

And she is an outstanding instructor!  Last winter a small group of my friends took a mosaic class with Tracey in her studio.  She guided each of us on a journey to design and make elegant stepping stones–each one giving gesture to dreams and hopes.  Through guided imagery, simple design technique and a quick but compelling lesson on color theory, Tracey helped us plan our stones.  Then she taught us techniques and a few tricks to make our mosaics. At the end of our day, we each went home beaming with pride and hefting its source–gorgeous mosaic stepping stones.  I’d encourage anyone to treat himself to a workshop with Tracey!  She tells me that a well-known art colony is considering her for an artist-in-residence position.  She would certainly be an amazing asset.  From her bronze sculpture and clay figures to her mosaic and stained glass work, Tracey’s sense of design and definition directs her exceptional technical abilitites. She is a gifted teacher, as she showed six of us last February.

Tracey has recently embarked on a new venture: Jewelry.  Tracey is developing a line of belts with coordinated necklaces (or the other way around, if you prefer).  Each piece is unique, based on ceramic molds that she has created.  She’s donated one set to our Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival’s auction, which will take place on Saturday, September 13th at “Swinging in the Pines” dinner and gala. 

But it doesn’t stop there! My first experience with Tracey’s burst of talent is through music.  She has graced many stages as a jazz improv singer.  For years she was a part of Columbia College and Rod Harris’ Jazz Choir. A scat singer, free vocalist and great harmonizer, Tracey adds dimension and range to any vocal group.  Oh, yeah–She’s also a very hot flute player!  This weekend she’ll be at the Strawberry Music Festival with her silver rod, blowing out tunes and harmony lines, as she strolls the Jam Camps of our favorite camping music festival.

And I must acknowledge the vital contribution that Tracey and her hub Barry Hillman have made to all of us in Tuolumne County.  Barry has served on many boards for local organizations.  Tracey has spear-headed many charity fund raisers, always putting her elegant touch of style on each event. Plus, I’m lucky enough to have seen her in action with her two wonderful grandsons–lucky boys to have this grandma!

Oh, by the way, Tracey is just plain gorgeous, too!  I saved this for last.  She is a wonderful role model of a woman who is moving into Grand Dame Status with true grace, a knock-out smile and sparkling eyes.  She is certainly one hot Diva!

So, get over to Mt. Brow Winery at “Golden Hills Traditions” to meet Tracey Hillman and see her work.  She’ll be pal-ing up with ceramicist Dana Morton.  Between the two of them, you’re sure to find the perfect gift or something special for yourself!

PLEIN AIR PAINTING

Plein Air Painting means what it sounds like it means - painting out in the plain air.

Historically, it became popular after the inventions of tubes to contain paints, so the paints could be carried out into the fields. Also of importance was the folding easel.

The current resurgence of interest in plein air painting has developed some rules: since the sun’s location constantly moves the light is so different in 2 or 3 hours that a fast finish has become important. That speed often creates paintings that capture the forms of the landscape and the feel of the light’s warmth or brightness or dullness - a compelling moment in time, usually without much detail. Purists ask that the painting be finished 80% to 90% in the field.

(Editor’s Note: To see Barbara’s Plein Air work, visit www.barbarabeaudreau.com  OR keep reading…)

Artists have been painting out of doors for many years before these rules became the norm. If the painting was large it often required returning to the same location over several days. If the weather changed or the artist’s intention was to create a more finished view the painting might be finished in the studio. The field painting was often considered a study, using it as a reference for the studio work.

I am one of those artists who view painting out of doors to be the most vital beginning for a painting. It is there that the vividness lives that charges one’s work with life. Whether that aliveness is expressed in a few hours or many is not important to me. What is important is that the painting convey something essential that I saw and felt, so the viewer can share that moment in time with me.

by BARBARA BEAUDREAU

That slippery sliding slope!  Everyday I’m a little more anxious and relieved, all at once!  At one moment I keep thinking of the gazillion things to do.  Then in the next moment I hear about some great new level of support, a fantastic auction donation, a block of tickets that’s been sold!  Like today, I’m on my way to visit the membership of Unity Church of the Mother Lode.  They believe in what we’re doing for our foothill community, and they are making a donation to our efforts!

This Festival is going to be an incredible labor of love by our entire community.  And all of this energy is in large part due to the many wonderful artists who are participating.

Barbara Conley is a gifted artist, who has offered a beautiful high country image for the festival’s auction. Winner of numerous national and regional awards, the demand for Barbara’s work is greater than ever. She brings an elegant balance and authentic perfection to her work.  Almost in photo realist style, Barbara paintings pull us into her images of barns, rivers, hillsides and rugged mountains. She captures the perfectly proportioned natural scene that seems to pull us right into her paintings.  Her landscape paintings depict the heart of rural life as she captures what still remains of a gentle, fragile world.  Locally her paintings are on view at the Post Gallery on Washington St.  Join us at the “Swinging in the Pines” auction so you can bid on her painting of one of Tuolumne County’s favorite spots–Clark’s Fork.

And if you haven’t seen Steel Dog Metalworks sculptures by Kathleen and Richard Imlach, then you are missing a whole lot of fun!  Talk about recycled art!  This husband and wife team of art welders recycle a wide myriad of odd-ball metal “junk” into incredible, whimsical sculpture. I am absolutely amazed by their vision.  They can take an old piece of machinery, and turn it into just plain fun art!  I have my favorites:  The really cool electric guitar, a sheep, covered in woolly chains, and a rooster with a garden tools feathery tail–Both are on view and available at the Post Gallery in Sonora.  Also in Sonora’s historic  Bradford Building is Aloft Art Gallery.  There the Imlachs have a delightful metal butler on view.  He looks like something from a Tim Burton movie–”Edward Scissorhands” to be exact.  This team is also a strong part of our local Sonora Art Trails spring art studio tour.  And yes, they have an adorable piece up for bid at “Swinging in the Pines“–Truffles the Pig, who is longing to sit in YOUR garden.

That auction is shaping up to be GRAND!  So plan on joining us.  This is our great closing for the 2008 Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival.

 Join us at Twain Harte Tree Farm on Saturday, September 13th at 5;30pm for “Swinging in the Pines”–a delicious meal catered by Banny’s Cafe and lively Parisien Hot Club music by “Swing Gitane.”  Oh, yeah–and amazing auction items, services, get-aways, party events, and more–including works by Barbara Conley and the Imlachs!

It’s mid-August already!  We’re just three weeks away from our Festival Debut.  BUT my garden is in desperate need of my attention and love!  so this morning I woke up early to beat our California foothill summer heat.

In the early light and slight breeze, I hear the sprinklers sputter and trickle, giving my flowers and herbs a much needed drink.  Little song birds rest on broad sunflower leaves while I rustle through my overgrown beds trying to dead-head coreopsis, yarrow and cone-flowers.  I cut, toss, cut, toss and gather for compost.  And there they are! The new blossoms, just needing a little room to show their bright vibrant yellows, pinks and purple.

The colors remind me of the inspiration that this land gives our artists.  THAT’S IT!  Our purpose for The Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival is to bring our local artists onto our local farms:  To celebrate this inspiration of nature and our rich agricultural heritage.

One of our most well-known artists understands that bond.  Barbara Beaudreau, an award-winning pastel artist, has drawn those connections throughout her career. If you see our posters and fliers, you’ll enjoy her colorful pastels’ box displayed prominently.  Barbara is an exceptional Plein Air artist.  At the 2007 Festival we got to watch her work during “Classical Musings” where she made an exquisite rendering of La Bella Rosa Vineyards.  This year we saw her at two of our Pre-Festival events:  Golden Brodiaea Flower Farm and Rancho Torales Ranch with its lavender and olive trees.

Recently Barbara contacted us with exciting news:

“I have something new to brag about!” she writes, and her bragging rights are credible!  This fall she will be showing at The Works in Pacific Grove, CA, during November and early December.  Plus, she’ll be teaching a pastels’ workshop in Yosemite National Park during the last week of October. The Yosemite classes are free, through their Art Center.

Barbara is also one of the artists to “decorate” one of our Festival Cows!   I can’t wait to meet her Cow, and see what she did to give that fiberglass bovine a bit of character!  If you’re with us for the festival, come out to see our parade of cows! 

AND TO IT OFF!  Barbara has also donated an elegant, gentle image for our Auction.  Join us at “Swinging in the Pines” for a chance to bid on her pastel painting, “Heading Home.”

The Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival gives us a chance to share our story with all of you–The richness of our land, the struggle to carve out a living in this rugged part of California, the magnetic pull of our mountains as they draw creative, hard-working people to settle here.   We all have stories to tell!

And here in Tuolumne County we’re lucky to have a close circle of professional storytellers who show us all how to tell a good tale!  During the Festival we will feature those fine tellers.

At our first event, “Golden Hills Traditions,” you can visit Mt. Brow Winery to hear the stories of Cynthia Restivo (one half of The Story Quilters), teller and puppeteer Jennifer Aguirre and our Bay Area friend the witty and wild Tim Ereneta, a Fringe Festival standard. Tim is active with the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, held each May at Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante, CA.  Throughout the day these tellers will take the stage to share tales.  Plus, I might even jump to to mic to share some of my stories (I’m the other half of the Story Quilters).

That evening we’ll gather at Hurst Ranch in Jamestown for “Wild West Music and Western BBQ.” Bill Roberson and The Story Quilters will tell tales and sing some rousing songs of those raw days on the western trails.  You’ll even get to hear “Prairie Dog Biscuits and Old Coyote,” one of Cynthia and my favorite tales to tell.

On Sunday, cowboy tellers and poets will gather at Aspen Meadow Pack Station as we hit the trail for our High Country Cowboy Day.

Wednesday evening the Story Quilters will tell stories FOR ADULT EARS ONLY at Rosemary’s Roses.  Joining us will be the Sonora Bach Festival Chamber Ensemble.

Then join us Friday night in downtown historic Sonora for our Art & Music Stroll.  Storytellers will be scattered around town in different locations.  Out of Hand will host a family program around 7pm.  And look for a teller or two at Sonora Children’s Theatre HQ on the corner of Bradford Ave. and Washington St.

I keep hoping that Sonora will some day host a storytelling festival.  Maybe the Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival is helping us plant those seeds!

Keep the sun on your back, and the earth in your hands…

bz

We’ve been working on fund raising to help support our Festival.  Imagine trying to host a big party without the “back up” to cover the costs–like the porta-potties!  Well, up stepped my good buddy Greg Popovich at Gold Rush MotoSports, and now we’ve got a Very Cool Raffle!

1st Prize–A 2008 Honda Rincon 4-Trax ATV, perfect for the farm or off-roading.  This “baby” is a $8800 value!  If you’re a road-ripper or you just want to get that bale of hay to the Back 40, this is for YOU!

2nd Prize–A $2500 value Art Collection by Tuolumne County’s finest artists.  I will personally take you on a shopping spree so that you can select your preferred pieces, and meet the artists, too!

3rd–$1000 worth of Farms of Tuolumne County members’ Gift Certificates.  Everything from eggs to kohlrabi, Christmas turkeys to Christmas trees! You can enjoy the Fall 2008 with a pantry (or freezer) full of Local Foods!

Tickets cost $20.00 each.  Only 2,000 will be sold–That makes THIS raffle WAY better odds than the California Lottery.  Plus, we’ll be doing two Early-Bird Raffles!  If you buy your tickets before August 15th, you’ll have a chance at extra prizes–A $100 Gas Card, 2 tickets to Sierra Repertory Theatre, $100 Farms of Tuol-Co gift certificates. Then there will be another Early Bird Raffle on August 31st.

The Biggy will be at our Gala on Saturday, September 13th, at Twain Harte Tree Farm. 

AND WHO ELSE IS A BIG WINNER?  

Our local farmers!  25% of the profits will help FOTC build a new website and promote our farmers’ services and products.

Our local artists! 25% of the profits will help Central Sierra Arts Council expand and develop our Tuolumne County arts programs.

Our local forest visitors and forest rangers!  25% of the profits will help Stanislaus National Forest to support their Summer Interpretive Programs.  Each summer thousands of families visit our forest to experience the wilderness, our lakes and streams, our hiking trails.  Your support will keep these adventures safer, cleaner and will also provide rich family programs, such as Bill Roberson’s Silly Songs and Stories program at Pinecrest Lake.

And our Festival! 25% of the profits will benefit this year’s festival and help lay the groundwork for future festivals!

So, come on by the Sonora Farmers’ Market to buy a handful of tickets!

Well, time for me to get rolling and meet you at the Farmers’ Market. See you there…

bz

Wonderwomen

From left: Alexa Janicki, Rebecca Schmidt & Lauren Sutherland are here having a great time chatting and doing inventory!  Come and join the fun!!!