Nov/Dec 2007
Transcription
Nov/Dec 2007
Ar ts Council of Placer County Ar ts Newsmagazine & Calendar of Events N ove m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 7 A Painting a Day Extraordinary Artists Chorus Hits High Notes New Director Finds Mentors Volume 13, Number 6 5 Painting-A-Day Phenomena Hits Placer County by John McCreadie 8 Performance Chorus Attains New Stature by Carol René Guild 10 Distinctive Art From Extraordinary People by Janis Dice Chana High School art teacher illustrates successful ways to sell art on the Internet The Sierra Community Chorus credits directorial focus, focused auditions and volunteers for sell out crowds Adults with developmental disabilities challenge limitations and find inspiration in area art centers 12 Promising Director Finds Mentors by Persia Woolley Sierra foothills resident gets support from local experts as he looks to direct mainstream movies Placer Camera Club President Mike Schumacher took home the best-of-show award at the 2007 Gold Country Fair with this photo captured near Highway 88 in Hope Valley, CA. It was taken following an early snowfall in 2006 and has not been digitally altered. A Foresthill-resident and retiree, Schumacher is a “serious amateur photographer.” Visit placerart.com to see more of his eye-catching cameral work or visit placercamerclub.org for more information about this awardwinning club. 7 Poets Speak “What Would I Give You” by Elizabeth “Ibby” Dupre 14 The Score Symphony Musician Brings Community Spirit and Devotion by Ronald D. Greenwood, M.D. 16 Arts News News from around Placer County 20 Arts Calendar Galleries, Music, Dance, Museums, Events, Festivals, Film, Theatre, Classes, Arts for Children and Calls to Artists 38 End Paper Building Community with Art and Signs for the Ages by Virginia Dains About the Cover Sacramento-artist David Lobenberg created the governor’s Christmas card for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver in 2004, and now he wields his brush for the cover of Perspectives’ holiday edition. Entitled ‘Old Fashioned Christmas,’ Lobenberg students also will use this image in his annual Holiday Watercolor Workshop Nov. 11. They also will receive tips on how to turn their watercolor paintings into personalized greeting cards. Information about the class or any of Lobenberg’s fine artwork can be found at davidlobenberg.com. November/December 2007 About the Artist As an established figurative and landscape artist who creates both fine art and commercial art, David Lobenberg’s style blends dynamic impressionism with dramatic color palettes and kinetic brushwork. The Sacramento resident brings a master’s degree in fine art from UCLA, which he earned in 1971, to his work as a part-time professor at Sacramento City College and to his many watercolor and acrylic painting workshops. He also specializes in pen with ink wash. He can be reached at (916) 737-2311. Perspectives If I Were a Rich Man . . . H ave you ever been asked what you would do if you won the lottery? Statistically speaking, it’s unlikely to happen to me. Yet, I can think of so many good things to do with such a windfall. I don’t imagine my priorities would change. Today, children, family and community are at the heart of all my decisions – both personal and professional. So if I were to win the lottery, I’d like to travel and learn more about the world’s people and places. As we enter the season of thanks and giving I count my blessings as so many of us do this time of year. How fortunate I am to work with so many creative people, to live in a beautiful and bountiful geography, to have wise elder and vibrant young family members and friends. My life is rich with opportunity to do good work, to work with good people, to love well and be kind to others. As you read this, think about the abundance of your own life and the many ways in which you can and do contribute. Thank you for the good things you give to our world. Match Maker – Make Me a Match As our back-cover ad proclaims – it’s a new era here at PlacerArts. We’ve developed two new marketing tools for artists and arts organizations, and they are both accessible online at PlacerArts.org. With the new arts registry, visual and performing artists of any discipline can profile their products and services, creating an audio and visual portfolio (photos, sound or video clips) for public consumption. We also launched a new online arts calendar. This aligns with the arts calendar printed bimonthly in Perspectives. Now groups and individuals will post their events and attractions online. Calendar items posted via PlacerArts.org are immediately accessible to the public. As well, the calendar is connected to other local, state and national outlets, which will increase the visibility of upcoming arts and cultural events, and attractions in Placer County. Both the arts registry and arts calendar provide easy steps for anyone to self-register. Artists and organizations are encouraged to go online and register right away. We’re already experiencing increased online “traffic” to PlacerArts.org. So if your calendar items are not already there, just Click & List! We’re promoting use of both the arts registry and the arts calendar to the greater public, including developers seeking artists for public art projects, and individuals and companies searching for the right artist – perhaps for their daughter’s wedding reception or a corporate function. We’re encouraging new connections through this virtual marketplace. Think of it as an online dating service – matching artists to patrons. Sunrise, Sunset Swiftly Fly the Years . . . . My first born, Sarah, the little girl I carried, found her prince. Immediate family and a few friends happily witnessed the recent nuptial. It was a wonderful day on the continuum of life and just one more thing for which I am thankful. For all the seasons – happy holidays! Perspectives — Angela Juliano Tahti Executive Director November/December 2007 Perspectives, a bi-monthly publication of PlacerArts, provides: a forum for communication between artists, arts and culture organizations and the public; promotes public access and participation to residents and visitors; and increases public awareness and advocacy for arts, culture and humanities of the region. Mission Statement PlacerArts is the Arts Council of Placer County a nonprofit, public benefit agency and Catalyst for the Arts and Humanities. PlacerArts Executive Committee Susan Dupre, Chair, Christian Valley Priscilla N. Richter, Secretary, District 3 Loomis Anu Vuorikoski, Treasurer, Auburn Board of Trustees Rick Brown, Trustee At Large Susan Giles, Trustee At Large, Loomis David Imgrund, Trustee At Large, Auburn John Johnson, Trustee At Large, Roseville Claudette Mitchel-Weismantel, District 4, Elverta Marie Seward, Trustee At Large, Roseville Joan Stockbridge, Trustee At Large, Auburn Jan White, Trustee at Large, Newcastle Barbara Wauters, Trustee At Large, Auburn Vacant, District 1, Granite Bay Vacant, District 2, Lincoln/Rocklin Vacant, District 5, East Slope Advisory Team Dave Breninger, Chair Emeritus Dick Cushman, Resource Development April Maynard, Chair Emeritus Valerie Anderson, Finance Consultant Norma Brink, Accountant Program Team Angela Tahti, Executive Director Judi Nicholson, Arts Administrator, Roseville Karen Killebrew, Program Specialist Shawn Silver, Program Specialist Rosie Stilwell, Program Specialist Perspectives Editor: John McCreadie, Editor Design/Production: Blue Cat Studio, Inc. Printer: Auburn Printers, Inc. Publisher: Angela Tahti, Arts Council of Placer County Publication and distribution of Perspectives is made possible with support from the County of Placer, the California Arts Council State-Local Partnership and the City of Roseville Arts Partnership Programs., the Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin and Roseville Chambers of Commerce, the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, the Placer County Visitors Council, and Placer Valley Tourism. Perspectives, published six times a year, is sent to members and distributed via the public library system countywide and regionally. Copies are available at PlacerArts offices in Auburn and Roseville as well as at the California Welcome Center Auburn. Opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of public partners, the Arts Council of Placer County Board of Trustees or the city of Roseville Cultural Arts Committee, or their, staff, advertisers, or contributors. Letters, suggestions, and story ideas are welcomed. Calendar items, along with photographs, may be sent to Perspectives electronically via: www.PlacerArts.org/calendar. Deadline for the January/February 2008 issue: November 15, 2007. PlacerArts 808 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603-4807 Phone (530) 885-5670 Fax (530) 885-0348 [email protected] www.PlacerArts.org November/December 2007 Contributing Writers John McCreadie (‘Painting A Day Phenomena Hits Placer County,’ pg. 5) is a writer, professional journalist, and editor for Perspectives. He contributes to area publications, writes for high-technology companies, and designs landscape plans. Janis Dice (‘Distinctive Art From Extraordinary People,’ pg. 8) is a photojournalist who also writes for Gold Country Media newspapers, including the Auburn Journal, Prosper magazine and Comstock’s Business magazine. Carol René Guild (‘Performance Chorus Attains New Stature,’ pg. 10) is a contributing writer for several local publications, including Inside Roseville Magazine, Folsom/El Dorado Hills Style, Roseville/ Granite Bay Style and Luxury Living. Persia Woolley (‘Promising Director Finds Mentors,’ pg. 12) is an author of non-fiction books and historical novels who lives in Sonoma County. She is working on several new historical novels. Ronald D. Greenwood, M.D. (‘Symphony Musician Brings Community Spirit and Devotion,’ pg. 14) is a regular contributor to Perspectives covering classical music. He serves on the Auburn Symphony Board of Directors, now in his fifth year, and was a past president. He is a pediatrician in private practice in Roseville and a classical music enthusiast with an extensive music collection. All of Perspectives’ contributing writers can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. More than 20 participants joined advisors from PlacerArts for the Technical Assistance Workshop at the Sierra College Gateway campus in Roseville to learn about the new online arts registry and arts calendar. (From front to back) Cathy Cline, S.E.W. Smith and Tom Ferron post their artist profiles online via PlacerArts.org. More workshops will be scheduled early next year. Perspectives Painting-A-Day Phenomena Hits Placer County Chana High School art teacher illustrates successful ways to sell art on the Internet by John McCreadie W ant an original, colorful country oil painting by Willard, Missouri-artist Connie Tom? Click. Interested in a portrait from Italian artist Helen Del Guidice? Click. How about a painting entitled “Lunch Sack” by artist Darren Maurer from Sioux City, Iowa? Double click. These are just some of the daily paintings done dirt-cheap readily available on the Internet, which everyday captures the interests of hundreds of art collectors everywhere. In fact, these postcard-sized paintings – produced by artists the world over – continue to grow in popularity and create a new market for inexpensive, accessible and original works of art. Google the key words ‘Painting-A-Day’ and a slew of websites, blogspots and eBay auctions fill your computer screen. Major news publications have taken notice, too, with dozens of published articles on the topic, including ones from the New York Times, USA Today and even the local Sacramento Bee. These articles feed the frenzy as they highlight the fact that daily paintings are bringing low-cost artwork to the masses – typically ranging in price from $100 to $300. And now thanks to the disciplined daily effort of local artist Craig Stephens, the Painting-A-Day phenomenon has landed squarely in the Placer County region. Stephens, a highly regarded art instructor at Chana High School in Auburn for the past 12 years, began his daily quest to produce his typical 7-inch by 6-inch miniature masterpieces on Aug. 15, 2006. He’s been putting paint to Masonite fiberboard everyday since. “There are some good painters out there doing daily painting, but most aren’t doing it everyday,” says the 44-year-old Stephens. “I decided if I was going to do it, I have to do it everyday.” And do it he has, only taking off vacation time with his family – wife, Janae and 16-year-old son, Clint. He does extra paintings in the weeks leading up to holiday time so he can continue posting his art on a daily basis. Like many daily painters, Stephens puts a digital image of his work on his blog, where he provides background entries – similar to a diary – on the subject of the day (craigstephens.blogspot. com). Stephens says all his paintings are done from life, and run the gamut from selfportraits to donuts to a single roll of electrical tape. He paints flowers, footwear and peppers. When he painted a single gardening glove, his wife said it would never sell. It sold, along with an image of a tape dispenser. “You never know what people will be interested in,” he says. “I did a self portrait, and someone other than my mother bought it.” That painting went to a woman in New Jersey who collects portraits. A subculture of art lovers now exists that collect the postcard-sized art pieces, says Stephens, who grew up in Weimar in the upper foothills east of Auburn. He also posts his art on the eBay auction website, and if they don’t sell, makes them Perspectives Long-time Chana High School art instructor Craig Stephens in a selfportrait he sells on the Internet. He has been called the “iron man” of the Painting-A-Day phenomenon. November/December 2007 available for $80 on his website. His regular clients receive a daily dose of his art through e-mails. With close to 100 visitors a day, Stephens estimates he’s sold about two-thirds of his work over the course of a year. To date, his highest selling piece sold for $156 on the online auction site. While his key motivation is not financial, he admits “it’s a real rush when someone bids your work up on eBay.” The Art of Discipline Richmond, VA-artist Duane Keiser, the originator of the Painting-A-Day movement, captures a self-portrait in a mirror ball that is a reflection of the artist and his art. So just what does motivate Stephens to commit two to four hours each day for this endeavor? His answer is multifaceted. First, it’s fun. Stephens’ interest in art began at a young age with Marvel comic books, a passion that continues today. He’s produced his own comic strips and enjoys sketching comic illustrations, which he displays on another website he created called workingstiffcomics.com. Before embarking on a teaching career, Stephens supported himself by painting billboards and later, vehicle lettering, including boat identification numbers. He also enjoys doing murals, both commercial and residential. While art is his profession, he confesses: “It’s really not a job.” Still, another motivator is his desire to improve as an artist. “I feel like I have gotten better,” he says, after doing a Painting-A-Day for 15 months, or about 450 paintings. But his key motivation comes from the focus and discipline of repetition, or as he puts it: “The harmony of repetition.” It’s the same drive that fuels his other obsession – Shotokan karate. He is an accomplished black belt, where the psychological aspects of the art, known as kokoro or attitude, encourage virtues such as perseverance. Also, intense training sessions involve repetition to learn new techniques. Ironically, it was during one of those training sessions in Southern California that he met Duane Keiser, father of the Painting-A-Day movement. Keiser, a Richmond, November/December 2007 Perspectives Virginia artist, was his sparring partner when they learned they shared more than just a passion for karate. “I call Craig the iron man of Painting-ADay,” says Keiser, referring to Stephens’ dedication to doing a painting each and everyday. But it was Keiser who introduced the idea to Stephens. Keiser created the concept in 2002 and saw it flourish in 2004 once he began his blog. Subsequent media coverage raised awareness of his daily painting regime and his website soon found momentum. He permitted other artists to emulate the idea, which he acknowledges helped his own success. He, too, credits his karate training for the endurance to paint daily. “It’s like a daily meditation,” says Keiser. “It’s something you put high up on your priority list of things to do each day.” Stephens agrees. “It’s nice to slip away from the rest of life for awhile. The time just flies by and I feel refreshed.” So, interested in a self-portrait of an artist who’s discovered a new discipline? Click. Susan Dupre, an Auburn resident and executive committee chair for PlacerArts, lost her mother, Elizabeth, earlier this year. While going through her things, Susan came across this poem – written by her mother several years ago – in a Christmas card to her brother, Dan. It was a mother’s gift to a son back then and it’s our gift to you now. What Would I Give You? by Elizabeth “Ibby” Dupre A secret mantra to ward off danger and boredom and crummy feelings A scarlet tuxedo and ermine cape for roaming the moors A joyful dolphin to carry you over the waves About the Poet Elizabeth “Ibby” Dupre died April 24, 2007 after weaving and sharing her magic for 85 years. Dupre graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio with a major in English and a love for performing in college theatre. She went on to teach pre-school children and raise six children of her own. At the age of 63, she returned to school to obtain a masters degree. Dupre was a voracious reader and a lifelong disciplined writer. She kept regular journals, wrote poetry, and would memorize and recite the verse of others with an unbridled passion for the art. A sack with an inexhaustable supply of marvelous munchies Dusky rose glasses to see the world in its gentlest, kindest light Millions of toys – frisbies, tops, silly putty, bubbles, kaleidoscopes, slinkies, etc. A Christmas memory A letter from Suzi of tinsel and sleigh – your girlfriend – bells and venochka and personally delivered the Twelve Days of Christmas Beaches at night – A Tigger-type canine surf, sand and stars companion to frolic with and whistle to A big gruff lion to take care of you and give A magic mushroom you gold and good advice to make you small when you need enough to inspect a “fathering” dragon fly’s knee and giant enough to see The wish that some whole patterns in place or time on the universe this odyssey you discover what a A leather and very teensy truly marvelous set of backgammon, person you are. checkers and chess and a fascinating book that And love never ends Mom Perspectives November/December 2007 Performance Chorus Reaches New Stature by Carol René Guild Idet’svivre! a wonderful expression of joie When the 70 singers that Music Director Lorin Miller (top) leads the Sierra Community Chorus to new heights with the help of many talented individuals, including Diana Murray Tudsbury, instrumentalist manager and chorus accompanist. comprise the Sierra Community Chorus come together under the direction of Lorin Miller, brilliance ensues. “Lorin Miller has transformed this chorus,” says Anne Sterling, publicity manager and choir member for the performance choral group that is seeing skyrocketing attendance as it reaches new heights in harmony. “We have a very diverse group of people that love to sing,” says Sterling. “We also sold out all of our concerts last season.” In August, the chorus began preparing for its Candlelight Concert series held each year in December and once again, it will be Miller’s time to shine. Apparently, it’s also giving concertgoers something to sing about. “We’ve developed quite a following of people so we have no problem filling seats,” says the 47year-old Miller, who joined the choir as its director in 2004. To accommodate sell-out assemblies, more performances have been added this year. “That is the telling part of all of this – the size of the audience,” says Diana Murray Tudsbury, instrumentalist manager and chorus accompanist. “They continue to come back.” The seven performances of this season’s series, entitled ‘The Many Moods of Christmas,’ take place Dec. 7 - 9 at Del Oro High School in Loomis and Dec. 13 - 16 at the Dietrich Theatre on the Sierra College campus. The two-hour long concerts will include holiday music ranging from familiar traditional pieces to classical selections the entire family will enjoy. Musical offerings will include everything from a medley of Winter Wonderland to a unique arrangement of Do you Hear What I November/December 2007 Perspectives Hear?, says Miller. A contemporary classical piece – O Magnum Mysterium by composer Morten Lauridsen – will also be performed. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing,” says Miller with adoration. “We’ve also got a great arrangement of O Holy Night with our orchestra.” The Christmas performances follow two successful benefit concerts at Roseville’s 3,000seat Adventure Christian Church in October. For those, the chorus combined singers from Auburn Grace Church and Adventure Christian Church, along with others in the area, to put on the performance ‘Gift of the Heart.’ All proceeds benefited two local charities – The Gathering Inn, an ecumenical non-profit organization that offers a faith-based response to homelessness in south Placer County, and Acres of Hope, a spiritually-based shelter for homeless women with children. Stringent Auditions It’s not surprising that the Sierra College campus is one of the chorus’ regular venues. The Sierra Community Chorus is actually a class at the Rocklin campus that was started by past-director Fred Weber. Today, Weber is the department chair for the music department at Sierra College. It’s an evening class that is attractive to students, working adults and older adults alike. It is a self-managed program that is funded, in part, by a grant from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, but also generates income through ticket sales and sponsor advertising, says publicity manager Sterling. According to Miller, the class “perpetuates learning” for people who want to continue their education without the pressure of credits or grades. Still, formal auditions, which are held twice a year before the start of school in January and August, come with some anxiety. “Lorin is selective,” says Sterling. “We have a lot of people who show up for auditions, (but) Lorin doesn’t take everyone.” Almost all the current singers are local to Placer County, including talent from Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin and Auburn. The Sierra Community Chorus credits directorial focus, formal auditions and volunteers for its sellout crowds The Sierra Community Chorus is a class at the Sierra College Rocklin campus. The chorus will perform its ‘Many Moods of Christmas’ family show during seven performances in December. But it’s the stringent way in which auditions are managed that has helped the chorus excel. “I would say the majority of the chorus now is made up of adults about 40 to 65 years of age who have a history of singing in their past,” says Miller. “They were music majors, or they sang in college, or they sang in a church choir. But they all have a love of music.” “Our audition process is simple,” continues Miller. “We are looking for people who have a good ear, love music, and will work hard because there is a lot of music you have to learn.” Auditions under Miller’s tutelage include singing musical scales and My Country, ‘Tis of Thee. He also requires them to sing parts of music they likely have not seen before to get a feel for their music-reading ability. For those who can’t read music, Miller suggests taking a class. “This choir moves so fast, (those who can’t read music) will find it frustrating,” he says. “We’re looking for people who have a love of singing and who know a little bit about reading music.” Aside from the strong commitment made by this diverse group of singers, there are many others who help to make these stellar performances possible. “We have a council that administers the funds – volunteers who help do all the legwork to produce the shows,” says Miller.” Those tasks include lighting, sound and facility liaisons, along with scheduling, marketing and public relations. Volunteers also help coordinate hiring paid accompanists and instrumentalists. “I think what is really important is the chorus is mostly made up of volunteers,” says instrumentalist manager Murray Tudsbury. “They put in countless hours to make sure all the details are covered and the shows are of a very high quality. The concerts happen because of these wonderful people.” Miller adds, “This is a great community. Our goal is to really keep (this kind of) music alive in Placer County.” With the talent and dedication of this group, along with the following they have cultivated, The Sierra Community Chorus is an accomplished and revered performance choral group that continues to build on its foundation of strong directorial leadership, attracting key talent and benefiting from dedicated volunteers. And that is something we all can sing about. Perspectives November/December 2007 Distinctive Art From Extraordinary People by Janis Dice T he walls hold an array of completed works: some Artist Patsy Aronson uses beads and paint to turn a dried gourd into an attractive bowl. 10 framed and displaying ribbons awarded at the Gold Country Fair; others simply tacked up with pushpins. Fingers sift through tubs of broken tiles at one workstation; paint-stained digits labor to capture an image at the easel; circles whip into a tornado of colorful curves at a side table. The aromas of pencil shavings, chalk dust, saturated paper and freshpopped corn – the morning snack – blend into the animated atmosphere. It’s a typical day at Southside Auburn, where adults with developmental disabilities discover and cultivate their artistic talents. One of several art-related programs in Placer County that serve people with developmental disabilities Southside is a learning center that focuses on unleashing potential in people whose lives teem with challenging limitations. Opened seven years ago as an extension of the non-profit Sacramento Southside Art Center, Auburn’s Artistic Growth division offers instruction in painting, drawing, sculpting, print making, ceramics, beadwork, mosaics and textile arts to about 40 students per week. Some of the work reflects their ingenuous perceptions; others demonstrate a more complex view of the world, using exaggerated shapes, striking color combinations and intricate patterns to communicate visually. “It’s called ‘outsider art,’ which is a term used to describe art done in a non-classical, untrained way,” explains Ron Peat, Southside Auburn’s art director. “It’s kind of like folk art in that regard.” The medium chosen and topics depicted are as personal as the artists’ life experiences. Peat’s job is to guide the students to hidden paths of expression, sometimes using magazines to spark ideas for subject matter. November/December 2007 Perspectives “We’re self-activated, trying to get the students to do as much as they can on their own,” he says. “Then I nudge them a little, saying what do you think might make this better, to get them to push the media as far as they can. They are the same as any other artist; always doing the best they can.” An artist with two Masters Degrees in fine arts, Peat personally produces ceramic vessels decorated with acrylic paints. His time with the Southside students often inspires new takes on his own creations: “They juxtapose things you wouldn’t think of doing, and that can help you in your own work: It might cause you to rethink your approach or to work with materials in a different way.” The students’ products are on display and available for purchase at their on-site gallery in North Auburn, plus in the Southside Art Center’s New Visions Gallery in Sacramento. Their exhibits are in such varied venues as the La Bou café in Auburn, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital and the Old State Theater in Downtown Auburn. On Nov. 30-Dec. 1, their handiwork will be shown at Semas Ranch at 10940 Mt. Vernon Road in Auburn. That exposure may lead to more sales as, “people often see something at an exhibit in an outside location and then come to the center to buy more,” Peat notes. Extraordinary Artistic Capabilities That’s also true of work done by adults with developmental disabilities at the seven-yearold Studio 700 in Roseville. The only art program within the Placer Advocacy Resources and Choices Foundation – PlacerARC, for short – the Studio arts center exhibits students’ work in banks, cafes – anywhere they can find willing patrons. Their holiday season on-site show is set for Nov. 8-9 at 700 Douglas Blvd. in Roseville. “What surprises people most are the student’s artistic capabilities, regardless of their disabilities,” says Sandy Morris, program director for Studio 700. Adults with developmental disabilities challenge limitations and find inspiration in area art centers In addition to visual arts, Studio 700 also offers classes in performing arts, staging at least two productions annually. The students handle every aspect of the show; from lighting, costuming and painting the scenery to acting. “In that program, the students have to learn to cooperate as a team,” says Morris. “That’s a big step for people who are used to working alone.” Whether expressing themselves on canvas or on stage, the students are pursuing individual penchants. “There is no common thread in the students’ work,” Morris suggests, “except that they all have a passion for art: They don’t stay in the program long if they don’t. It’s not therapy and it’s not experiential. It’s like any student going to class; they have to be ready to work hard.” As at Southside, the ratio of instructors to students at Studio 700 is one to six, with all of the mentors required to be professional artists. Morris reports she has teachers coming all the way from Foresthill and Colfax to work with the students in Roseville. “Seeing people grow and accomplish things they never had an opportunity to learn before is a wonderful thing,” she says, “and it’s incredibly rewarding.” That’s old news to Jennifer Lile, a former special education teacher She started working in Placer School for Adults’ programs for people with developmental disabilities more than a decade ago, and now is the teacher coordinator for its Thursday night Artability classes. “I had been doing community resource education for a long time, including coordinating horsemanship classes, dinner dances and field trips for the students. But my background is art, so I wanted to use that experience to add arts to their learning opportunities.” Although socialization is not the goal in any of these arts programs, “the students’ opportunities for self-expression, team-building and the time spent with their peers enhances their self esteem,” Lile explains. “A lot of my students have developed talents they didn’t realize they had.” Just as any arts organization nurtures and promotes the work of its members, these courses buoy the spirits of the artisans and make them part of a larger community. “It’s important that everyone be supported in the arts,” Lile says. “And it’s most important to look beneath the surface. You just might be surprised at what you find.” Perspectives Colorful wall murals welcome visitors to Southside Auburn Art Center and Gallery (above). Mosaic-tile trivets showcase just one of many handcrafted items on sale at the location (below). November/December 2007 11 Promising Director Finds Mentors by Persia Woolley W hile it’s been a year since he premiered his first Foothills resident Ryan Humphries finds lots of local support as he embarks on a journey to become a mainstream movie director. 12 full-length feature film at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, director, producer, writer and soundtrack composer Ryan Humphries remains focused on the project as he prepares to distribute the film, entitled ‘Sounds,’ on DVD. At the same time, he’s working on his next film project, grabbing all that he’s learned and chasing his dream to become a mainstream movie director. And the longtime foothills resident is getting lots of help and encouragement along the way. Local writer Ron Montana (‘The Sailmaker’), who saw an early version of Humphries’ debut effort, considers his work very promising. Herb Lightman, a past professor at UCLA who’s mentored many promising film students over the years, including two young directors – George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, has also taken an interest in Humphries’ work. “His advice has been very insightful,” says the 25-year-old Humphries. “He reminded me to observe life to help build my characters and to draw from life experiences.” Before retiring to the Lake Tahoe area after a 50-year career in the film industry, Lightman was editor of American Cinematographer magazine and was highly connected in Hollywood circles. “He has a history with some very famous people,” says Humphries. During a filmed interview with Humphries, which will be part of the bonus material on the ‘Sounds’ DVD, Lightman shares advice he got from his mentor – Alfred Hitchcock. “Good films and great films are made on a desk, not on a set,” says Lightman, quoting the legendary director. “(Hitchcock) pre-planned everything down to the nth-degree.” It’s advice Humphries has taken to heart as he wraps up one project and begins work on November/December 2007 Perspectives his next film. “That’s been my biggest learning experience making ‘Sounds,’” says Humphries. “I wish I had done more pre-production work.” Montana, an Auburn resident and a highly successful writer, also sees potential in Humphries work. He viewed an early rough cut of the film before the dialogue or the score were added. “It was the visuals that caught my attention,” Montana says. “Young Humphries has a fine eye for everything from how he frames shots to the editing of sequences and all-out special effects. It is a native talent which could take him far in filmmaking.” Like many budding filmmakers, Humphries was forever videotaping family and friends since he was 10-years-old. He was lucky enough to have state-of-the-art equipment when he attended Bear River High School near Lake of the Pines, where he convinced school administrators to incorporate video into the curriculum. He also introduced the school to doing a video yearbook ¬– a practice that continues today. After graduating in 2000, Humphries headed to Los Angeles where he landed an internship that led to a spot as production assistant on the film set of ‘The Mesmerist’ and allowed him to hang out on the sets of ‘X-Files,’ ‘Minority Report’ and ‘X-Men II.’ Ryan Humphries (left) gets filmmaking advice from retired American Cinematographer Editor Herb Lightman as they walk the shoreline at Lake Tahoe. Sierra foothills resident gets support from local experts as he looks to direct mainstream movies When asked what he learned from his three years in Hollywood, Humphries quickly replies: “That it was time to get out and go make my own film. Everyone in the industry says, ‘Show me what you can do,’ but no one’s there to help you do it. So I decided to come home and make a movie.” Making ‘Sounds’ For Humphries, his first film project was an effort born solely from a passion for filmmaking. It was produced locally and filmed in portions of Auburn, Grass Valley, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. It’s a sci-fi comedic spoof following the antics of two bumbling FBI agents investigating mysterious occurrences surrounding four young adults on a weekend retreat. He carefully wrote a script to fit a rock-bottom budget – at about $50,000 – but made the finished work appear polished and professional. It was his first script. “I accidentally wrote a script that worked,” says Humphries with a chuckle. “I wrote it to work on film and I wrote it knowing I didn’t have any money.” Despite the tiny budget, the film used many mainstream techniques and special effects. “Saying it was a massive project doesn’t capture the magnitude and monumental effort of the project,” says Producer Marian Ridolfi, who works with the Auburn-based Sierra Traveling Actors and provided performers for the film. Shooting began in November 2004 with 33 straight days of bone-chilling cold, daily crises and frantic readjustments to handle unexpected contingencies. Fortunately, Humphries had landed an experienced cinematographer, Gary Tomsic, an engineer at KCRA in Sacramento. Some 70 percent of the exteriors were shot on the 10 acres around the house where Humphries grew up. That private-property location offered simplified logistics by reducing the need to move people and equipment around, and also reduced costs associated with permits and other logistics needed when film crews go on location. The film premiered to a throng of investors, actors, crew, friends, and a few press attendees at the Crest Theatre on Dec. 15, 2006, nearly three years after the project was conceived. “(The film) is like nothing else out there,” says Humphries, emphasizing it’s a great “escape” movie. “I wanted to make something that was entertaining.” Now the film is going into DVD distribution with the help of another local expert. Robert Lenney of Newcastle is a veteran in the field and is exploring a variety of distribution alternatives. The film is being packaged for DVD with bonus materials, including the interview with Lightman. It is expected to be available early in 2008 and more information can be found at soundsthemovie.com. Humphries is already writing his next movie script. “I like sci-fi comedy, and have some further ideas to explore in that genre,” he says. “And I’ll definitely do it here in northern California, now that I know I can find the people and talent.” He nods confidently. “Leaving Hollywood when I did was the best decision I could have made.” Perspectives New Director Ryan Humphries (left) received storytelling advice and encouragement from local author Ron Montana. November/December 2007 13 by Ronald D. Greenwood, MD W hile she is just one of 70 wonderful musicians in the Sue Dings, an original member of the Auburn Symphony, still contributes as a musician and community volunteer for the arts in Placer County. 14 Auburn Symphony orchestra, Sue Dings stands out. She occupies the first chair of the second violin section and has been a devoted member of the orchestra since its inception in 1987. But the Auburn resident stands out for more than just her love of classical music. She also brings a spirit of volunteerism to the community, especially in the arts sector. She is a long-time member of many worthy organizations, including the American Association of University Women, Soroptimist International of Auburn, and a trustee for the Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center (APPAC), helping with the restoration and conversion of the Old State Theatre into a state-ofthe-art concert hall. She also serves as chair of the annual Auburn Bluegrass Festival, which also benefits the APPAC. Dings sits on the governing boards of Area 4 Agency on Aging and the Placer County Older Adult Advisory Commission, the Auburn Arts Commission and the Art Walk Committee. And, in her spare time, the energetic Dings directs the Chancel Choir of Pioneer United Methodist Church. Not surprisingly, she has been honored for her steadfast and exhaustive community work by PlacerArts. But to regular symphony concertgoers, Dings is probably best known for her work with the violin. She is a wonderful musician and a loyal member of the Auburn Symphony. She was present when the Auburn Symphony was created three decades ago and has continued to watch it grow. “The Auburn Symphony has made steady progress due to the dedication of musicians, volunteers and good leadership,” says Dings. “In the early days, musicians came early to November/December 2007 Perspectives set up the stage for rehearsals and concerts. Now, we are fortunate to have a stage crew, an office staff with an executive director and a well-organized board of directors to manage the business of the Auburn Symphony, plus a symphony league to assist as needed.” Love of the Classics Dings grew up in Hollywood and Long Beach, California. Unlike many youngsters, she pursued her parent’s love for classical music early on, listening to classical records and Saturday broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. She especially adored the sounds of the viola. While recuperating from an appendectomy, Dings’ parents introduced her to the smaller, more manageable violin, which she enjoyed learning during her recovery. “The first piece I played by ear was the ‘Three Little Fiddies,’” she says. Music was always part of her family growing up as her older sister played the cello. In high school, Dings practiced the viola and played in chamber music groups. She later graduated from University of the Pacific with dual degrees – a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of music. Her first job was as a music therapist at DeWitt State Hospital in Auburn, where she worked for five years. It was there she met Bob Dings, a bioanalyst and chief of the medical laboratory. It turned out he also loved music and was an accomplished flutist. The two played with the DeWitt Dance Band while dating, destined to make beautiful music together. They married and had two children, Karen and Robert. As the children were growing up, Dings took a position as the director of a co-op nursery school and a coordinator of volunteer activities for family care residents. This eventually led to the establishment of the Volunteer Center of Placer County, where she was executive director for 17 years. Today, her children are on their own: Karen is a speech therapist in West Sacramento, and Robert a Symphony Musician Brings Community Spirit and Devotion towboat engineer residing in Wisconsin. Over the years, her husband took cello lessons so the couple could play chamber music together and with friends. Both were charter members of the Auburn Symphony. For Dings, her love of the symphony, and its leadership, has never waned. “The Auburn Symphony is very fortunate to have (Director) Michael Goodwin,” she says. “He serves us well as a teacher, musician and coach who inspires us to do our best.” Sue Dings – violinist, supporter of the Auburn Symphony and the arts in Placer County – we salute you! You are a genuine bright light and a nurturing spirit for the entire community. Music Director Ben Dominitz leads Chamber Music Alive! in a holiday concert in Rocklin Dec. 2. , entitled ‘The Special Holiday Baroque Concert with the Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra.’ Season Five for Chamber Music Alive! Could chamber music in Placer County draw patrons? Could it lure international musicians? Could it bring innovations in musical style? The answer to all these questions is yes and with gusto! Rocklin’s Chamber Music Alive! (CMA) entered its fifth season attracting capacity crowds and earning rave reviews. The Oct. 7 opening concert presented music of Haydn, Brahms and Chopin with performances by Music Director Ben Dominitz and an impressive list of guest artists. One of these, pianist Adam Nieman, presented the U.S. premier of the chamber version of Concerto for Piano and String Quintet, No. 1 in E minor, Op.11 by Chopin. Greenwich News stated: “Remember the name, Adam Nieman. You will see it emblazened in lights.” No arguments here as he is clearly one of the foremost interpreters of Chopin. The fifth gala concert awaits you on Dec. 2. “The Special Holiday Baroque Concert with the Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra” will be conducted by Dominitz, performed by Dominitz and guests, and presents Handel: Concerto Grosso in B flat Major, Op.6, no.7; Boccherini: G Major Cello Concerto; and Vivaldi: The Four Seasons. Dominitz promises the Vivaldi “will be a fresh interpretation of an old favorite.” This chamber orchestra is a departure from pure chamber music to a small orchestra. Jason Uyeyama, a frequent participant, is concertmaster for the ensemble. In addition to Dominitz’s skills as solo violinist and chamber musician, he studied conducting with Leonard Slatkin and has conducted throughout California and elsewhere in the last few years. His virtuosic talents with the violin bring great wealth to his interpretations as conductor. You are encouraged not to miss this spectacular event at the Dietrich Theatre on the Sierra College campus in Rocklin. For details, visit chambermusicalive.org or call (916) 789-2920. Perspectives November/December 2007 15 (From left) Cindy Shelton, Gayle RappaportWeiland, Maureen Higelin and Donna Lunardin enjoy the preview party in advance of the 26th annual KVIE Art Auction in Sept. Many Tuned In and Bid The three-day KVIE Art Auction for 2007 took place in mid-September with the goal of raising $150,000 to help the publicly supported station with its mission to educate, enlighten and inspire diverse audiences with quality television programming and related services. “The preliminary projections are that we will meet or come close to our goal,” says Gayle Rappaport-Weiland at press time, who served as a special collection artist during the program. Her donated ‘Source of Inspiration’ watercolor painting sold for $1,600. The number of bids per each art piece was up overall, reports Sheryl Brown, marketing communications manager for the event. The 26th annual program offered artwork spanning a variety of genres, all donated by emerging and established artists. Many of artists involved view the event as old home week, says RappaportWeiland. Local artists David Lobenberg and Gloria Burt juried the artwork this year. premier exhibit, entitled “Art and Illusion.” The inaugural exhibition – which includes work by such internationally acclaimed artists as Andy Warhol, Charles Bell and Masaaki Sato – will be selected from the contemporary collection of the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation and is being made available to the community through funding provided by that foundation. “We are so excited for the opportunity to return to the business of bringing art to our community,” says Beth Rohlfes, curator and project manager for the new space. “Everyone will find something to enjoy in this spectacular first exhibit.” The Blue Line Gallery, which will be the new digs for Roseville Arts!, represents a Herculean investment of donor monies, and hours of volunteer and staff time since conception of the idea in 2002. Its 5,000 squarefeet of floor space will provide flexible options for exhibitions, educational tours, workshops, a children’s gallery, poetry reading and more. For details, visit rosevillearts.org or call (916) 7834117. Weidner Architectural Signage of Sacramento fabricates the Blue Line Gallery sign, which was installed in October. The highly anticipated gallery will open its doors Feb. 2. Blue Line Grand Opening It’s finally happening. The Blue Line Gallery will open its doors to the public in grand style Saturday, Feb. 2. Visitors will be able to enjoy their first glimpse of this long-awaited gallery between12 noon and 8 p.m. and revel in its 16 November/December 2007 Perspectives Keeping Art in Our Future Roseville area schools and children will benefit from a recently established partnership between Roseville Arts! and retail giant Target. Initially, Target is providing a grant to help fund school children involvement in the first art exhibit at Roseville Arts’ Blue Line Gallery, scheduled to open its doors early next year in downtown Roseville. “This grant goes a long way to providing a fun, yet educational experience for our area kids,” says Roseville Arts Executive Director Barbara Dolder. The grant will help pay for gallery visits led by professional artists and family days at the gallery. Additionally, it will provide reference tools for teachers to help students understand how art relates to other subjects taught in schools and hands-on art projects related to the gallery’s inaugural exhibit. The initial exhibition, which opens to the public in Feb., is entitled “Art & Illusion: Selections from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation.” Weisman, a successful businessman, is well known for his extensive art collection, philanthropic values and passion for the arts. The exhibit is designed to help Roseville Arts! accomplish its major goal to “keep art in our future” by providing area youth with a gratifying museum experience. his directorial debut in the Oakmont High School production of Steel Magnolias. And while Del Oro High School in Loomis – with its youthful three-year-old drama department – received a noteworthy 10 Elly nominations, the school only secured one award. That went to Asia Sanchez for supporting actress in The Foreigner. The Take Note Troupe production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream won a family of Elly’s for costume design (LaRee Florence and Emmett Florence) and leading adult actress (Aurora Florence) in the Young People’s Play category. Leslie Boles also won for costume design for her work in the Grapes of Wrath produced by the Center for the Arts Elly Award Winners Consider it the Tony Awards with a regional flare. The Crest Theater in Sacramento hosted the 2007 Elly Awards, a program organized by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) to honor theatre performances in Sacramento and surrounding areas. Many local performing arts groups and schools were nominated for Elly awards, named after Eleanor McClatchy of the McClatchy news organization and a longtime patron of performing arts. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in student theatre productions. Roseville’s Magic Circle Theatre won an award for leading actor in a comedy (James Wheatley) for its Driving Miss Daisy production and leading child actor (Devin Jewett) in Julius Caesar. Oakmont High School in Roseville took two Elly’s for supporting roles (Nick Adorno and Amy Stevens) in its acclaimed A Chorus Line production. David Garrison, profiled in the May/June 2007 edition of Perspectives, took home an Elly for in Grass Valley. Judges for the annual Elly Awards standout for their volunteerism and commitment by attending between 15 and 50 shows in their assigned categories each year, often traveling hundreds of miles to theatres within a 70-mile radius of downtown Sacramento. All share a passion for the performing arts and a promise to remain objective. If you are interested in judging performances, visit sarta.com or call (916) 4438229. Troupe’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ received several Elly nominations and took home the coveted awards for costume design and leading adult actress in the Young People’s Play category. Charitable Rollover Ends This Year The deadline is approaching for the IRA Perspectives November/December 2007 17 Charitable Rollover, which sunsets on Dec. 31. The IRA Charitable Rollover permits taxpayers (age 70 and older) to make donations directly to charitable organizations from their IRAs without counting them as part of their adjusted gross income and, consequently, without paying taxes on them. The IRA rollover, though limited in its scope, has already led Americans to make millions of dollars in new charitable donations from their IRAs. The National Committee on Planned Giving reports that over the past year and a half more than $80 million in contributions have been made to nonprofits as a result of the IRA rollover legislation. For more information, call the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) at (916) 201-7569. Two Micro-grants Awarded Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. The Placer Community Foundation – with its mission of encouraging philanthropy for the betterment of communities in our region – bestowed two $1,000 micro-grants in support of two separate Auburn area organizations. The Library Garden Theatre Summer Series received its grant to help fund new sound equipment as it enters its 20th anniversary year. Under the auspices of PlacerArts since Jan, 2001, the free-to-thepublic Summer Series exposes audiences to an ever-changing variety of music from jazz, blues, salsa, reggae, country western, choral, big band and cajun. The foundation also granted $1,000 in support of the PlacerArts’ 14th Annual Art Studios Tour, which takes place Nov. 9 - 11.The combined assets of the Foundation and its supporting organization are now close to $5 million. Camera Clubs Snaps-up Awards The 2007 Gold Country Fair’s Showcase of Photography competition was picture-perfect for Placer Camera Club members. Judges awarded the top honor – Best of Show – to the Club President Mike Schumacher. (See the winning photo on Page 2 of this edition of 18 November/December 2007 Perspectives Perspectives). Club members took home 10 out of 30 place awards along with nine Honorable Mention awards. The Placer Camera Club helps local photographers improve their traditional and digital camera skills. In addition to learning techniques from guest speakers, members enjoy sharing tips. Members also share images at meetings four times a year when a guest judge is invited to evaluate the photos in front of the group. The judge’s comments provide valuable feedback and help members develop their composition skills. Interested in joining? Visit placercameraclub. org or call (530) 305-4546. Bridging Divides Through Art A unique ensemble of musicians from around the world came together earlier this year for concerts in Chicago, Washington D.C. and Casablanca, Morocco to show art can unite. HAMSA Fest 2007 in Chicago, which for three years running has showcased international dance, art, and cuisine, introduced a crosscultural element like no other to link “cultures in conflict through the arts.” Artists featured at the concerts included American pianist and harmonica legend, Howard Levy, Persian guitarist Shahin Shahida, Afghan vocalist and instrumentalist Humayun Khan, Persian instrumentalist Farshid Soltanshahi, Israeli singer Avishai Cohen, Lebanese vocalist Christine Atallah, American Jewish tenor Alberto Mizrahi, and Moroccan singer Haj Youness, who is Muslim. The goal, say show organizers, was to “examine and challenge beliefs about personal and cultural identity.” By the way, the word “Hamsa” comes from the root word for the number five in Arabic, similar to “Hamesh” in Hebrew. It refers to the digits on the hand, often referred to as the “Hamsa Hand” and is considered to bring good luck and well being the world over. New Budget Brings Arts Funding Now that the California State Legislature finally passed the state’s fiscal year 2007-08 budget in August, the $109 million appropria- tion for arts education in schools has been locked down. “The Legislature has recognized the arts as core curriculum for all our children, and these funds are crucial to providing music and arts programs in our public schools,” says California Arts Advocates (CAA) President Brad Erickson in a written statement. However, Erickson goes on to express “disappointment” that general funding for the arts “remains stalled at a mere $5.8 million.” This puts California near the bottom of the pack for per-capita investment in arts among all states and means funding for the California Arts Council will remain flat this year. Still, the CAA pledged its commitment to working with legislators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to “achieve meaningful support” for future arts funding. “Our minimum goal,” says Erickson, “is (to secure) the national median of arts investment – one dollar per person (statewide).” That would provide in the neighborhood of $37 million to the CAA’s increased funding effort, which would represent a 15 percent increase from current levels. County Disbursements Benefits Arts The Placer County Board of Supervisors recently allocated “revenue sharing” disbursements in support of local organizations including several in the arts and education sector. $1,250 went to a golf tournament that benefits the Roseville High School District Scholarship Fund; the Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s Community Festival and Auburn Placer Performing Art Center’s Bluegrass Fest each received $500; the Del Oro High School Band Spectacular received $350; and $250 went to both the Placer Theater Ballet’s “Nutcracker” presentation and the Loomis Basin Education Foundation. 10 Years of ‘Nutcracker’ For 10 years running, the nonprofit Placer Theatre Ballet has brought the classic ‘Nutcracker’ ballet production to Placer County audiences. Its popularity continues to grow due to the theatrical quality of the produc- tion, professional performances and frequent appearances by guest artists of national and international acclaim. More than 110 cast members make up the production and some of them will be in attendance at this year’s Nutcracker Victorian Tea Party in the historic Powers Mansion Inn on Dec. 1. In addition to meeting Nutcracker characters and dancers, patrons will be treated to high tea service in classic style prior to the matinee performance. Additional performances include Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 - 9. For more information, visit placertheatreballet.org or call (916) 630-7820. Native American Exhibit Nisenan artist Alan Wallace incorporates native-American dialect and his great-grandmother’s teaching into his paintings. Folks can see for themselves during the holiday season as the local artist’s works go on exhibit Nov. 3 - Jan. 11 at the Maidu Interpretive Center in Roseville. Wallace works through diverse art mediums, including jewelry, paintings and mixed media to communicate his ideas and thoughts on the natural world. His great-grandmother, Lizzie Enos, fueled his focus on nature as a youngster and, along with his sister, spent countless hours outdoors with Enos, learning about the natural world and working with native plants in the region. When asked about the importance of connecting the Nisenan language to his works, Wallace explains that the words forced him to ascribe a certain meaning and verbal context to the works. “The whole idea of language,” he says, “is the concept of expressing ideas, thoughts and messages in a certain perspective or viewpoint.” For Wallace, art represents a means of critically analyzing the world and utilizing reasoning skills in interpreting a worldview, much like his greatgrandmother taught him in childhood. Perspectives Nisenan artist Alan Wallace’s diverse native-American artwork will be on display at the Maidu Interpretive Center Nov. 3 Jan. 11. November/December 2007 19 The Auburn Old Town Gallery is an artists’ cooperative. It features the works of 60 local artists who explore a wide range of media. Visitors can buy original artwork directly from the artists. Hours are from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Located at 218 Washington St. in historic Old Town Auburn. For details, visit AuburnOldTownGallery.com or call (530) 887-9150. Nov. 20 - Dec. 24: ‘It’s A Date, 2008’ featuring the artwork of local artists on 2008 calendars, including a Victorian Homes calendar with 12 local homes in pen and ink, and watercolor by Auburn artist Nancy Holtz. The Backroom Gallery featuring the works by Joan Charson and Joyce Williams, located in the Chocolate Shoppe and Gift Emporium at 823 Lincoln Way in Auburn. For details, call (530) 885-4822. Lincoln ‘Lincoln House’ is one of 12 area homes depicted in the pen and ink with watercolor calendar by Auburn artist Nancy Holtz. Galleries Auburn NEW LISTING: Nicholson Blown Glass in Auburn. A nationally recognized glass-blowing studio located north of Auburn off of Highway 49. Call for appointment. At 5555 Bell Rd. For details, call (530) 8231631 or visit nicholsonblownglass.com. Art Can Heal presents art in a variety of media chosen for its healing qualities. Work by area artists and students from local schools. Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Hallway Galleries at11815 Education Dr. in Auburn. For details, e-mail [email protected] or call (530) 3898504. Through Jan. 11: Marker Paintings by Barbara Coe Ferreira in the Chapel Gallery; Mixed Works by Linda Baugh graces the Art Can Heal Gallery; Feather Paintings by Mae Gee on exhibit in the Garden Gallery. Through Nov. 24: “Flights of Fantasy” Art Exhibit at the Lincoln Arts Gallery. Assembled by artist Jane Lares and the Lincoln Arts gallery committee, the exhibit represents the artwork of more than 20 Lincoln Arts members, including ceramic, clay and paintings. Artist reception: Nov. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For details, call (916) 645-9713. Umpqua Art Gallery in Downtown Lincoln.With new shows every two months, the Umpqua Bank of Lincoln has teamed with the Placer Arts League to showcase the work of local artists at the bank in a gallery setting. For details, call (916) 645-8714. Newcastle Bella Fine Arts and Gifts in Newcastle features the exciting works of many local artists: paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, glass and wood works, specialty items and gifts. In downtown Newcastle at 455 Main Street, #7. For details, call (916) 663-9790. Open Tues. thru Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m, and Sun. to 4 pm (thru Dec 16 only). Carpe Vino Art Gallery. Enjoy a glass of wine at this wine bar and award-winning restaurant while you admire the works of artists Keith Sutter, Robert Copple, Michael Godard, Alan Ross and Clark Stoeckly. In Old Town Auburn at 1568 Lincoln Way. For details, visit carpevinoauburn.com or call (530) 823-0320. J. Randall Smith Studio Gallery. Features new works of sculptor J. Randall Smith, metal sculptor Jennifer Johnson, blown glass by Nicholson Glass. Located at1130 High St. in Auburn. For details, visit jrandallsmith.com or call (916) 289-7133. Latitudes Galleries. Well-known local and regional artists showing work in rotating exhibits in historic Old Town Auburn. Latitudes Restaurant at 130 Maple St. For details, call (530) 885-1121. Sunset Oaks Framing and Gallery featuring Larry Brenden’s limited edition Distinctive Natural Landscape Photographs and other artists’ works. At Fiddler Green Plaza at 1273 Grass Valley Hwy. For details, call (530) 885-4858. The ARTS Building at 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn showcases a wide variety of art exhibitions. It’s also the home office for PlacerArts and the Auburn Symphony. For details about current or upcoming exhibitions, visit PlacerArts.org or call (530) 885-5670. Through Dec. 5: Autumn Art Studios Tour Preview Show. Preview the works of the 72 Placer County artists participating in the 14th Annual Autumn Art Studios Tour. 20 November/December 2007 Perspectives Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Send Us Your Listings and Photos Perspectives welcomes your calendar listings and publishes them free-of-charge. Providing information digitally through PlacerArts’ Online Calendar at PlacerArts.org – in advance of our deadlines – is the most convenient and effective way to get information to us. It also will make your information available to other publications and online-calendar listings throughout Placer County. Include high-resolution photos (of at least 300 dpi) to provide additional exposure for your activity, event or class, and possibly, a published home for your artwork. Photos are used at the discretion of the editor. Please include background information about the photo, including the names of people or the art piece. Please be aware that Perspectives does not verify information submitted for calendar listings and suggests readers verify listing dates and times in advance through the information provided in each listing item. Those who submit information for ongoing calendar listings are responsible for providing updates or changes to their listings, which can be done easily online. Deadlines for submitting calendar information or for updating a current listing for upcoming editions are as follows: For the Jan/Feb 2008 edition, submissions must be received no later than Nov. 15, 2007; For the Mar/Apr edition, submissions are due no later than Jan. 15, 2008. Nov. 8: Meet The Artists Night at Bella Fine Arts and Gifts. A monthly even to meet local and regional artists of the month while viewing their works and enjoying light refreshments from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. SUBLIME Rocklin Cutting-edge Exhibits at Ridley Gallery on the Sierra College Campus. located in the Learning Resource Center in Room 102 at the Sierra College Rocklin Campus at 5000 Rocklin Rd. For details, visit sierracollege.edu or call (916) 789-2873. Through Nov. 16: ‘Two from the Faculty’ exhibits the work of Sierra College art instructors Marty Gessler and James Albertson. Roseville Through Dec: ‘The Colors of Mya Louw’ Art Exibit at the 2237 Gallery. See the fanciful and colorful art of Mya Louw, an award-winning artist with a studio in Granite Bay. Her work can be found in private and corporate collections in the U.S., Holland, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (closed weekends) at 2237 Douglas Blvd. in Roseville. For details, call (916) 772 2402 or visit myalouw.com. 404 Gallery at Vernon Street in Downtown Roseville. The 404 Gallery offers a wide variety of new original paintings, prints, ceramics and sculptures from local and regional artists with selected art work for resale. The ‘404’ features different invitational artists each month. Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. or by appointment. The ‘404’ offers a Third Saturday Reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Art classes also offered. For details, call (916) 784-9898. TA H I T I A N P E A R L R I N G studio & galler y 107 sacramento st., old town auburn • (530) 823-1965 Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Placer Valley Third Saturday Art Tour. Free art viewing and Open House every third Saturday of the month, 6:30 - 9 p.m., in participating Roseville galleries: 404 Gallery, 404 Vernon St. (916) 784-9898; 2237 Gallery, 2237 Douglas Blvd. (916) 782-2909; Artists of Timber Creek, Sun City Roseville Art Room, Del Webb Blvd., (916) 771-4257; Perspectives November/December 2007 21 the Sacramento Cultural Arts Center. At 6520 44th Street #308 in Sacramento. For details, call (916) 456-5080. Nov. 17: What Happened at El Mozote? A Conversation with Claudia Bernardi and New Yorker journalist Mark Danner. Free at 2 p.m. at the Guild Theater. Dec. 1: War and Social Injustice in Central America. A Panel Discussion moderated by Xóchitl Arellano. Dec. 7: Fundraiser for Walls of Hope. Features special live music by Lichi Fuentes. $25 at 40 Acres Art Gallery. The Chroma Gallery at 10030 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks Village provides monthly shows of unique artists. Join in the fun each second Saturday for an evening reception. For details, visit thechromagallery. com or call (916) 966-6020. Nov. 8 - Dec. 2: The “Significance of Place” Art Exhibit featuring Artist Jackie Carroll. This show highlights river, foothill and vineyard views in the Sacramento area and scenes from California redwoods and beaches. Artist reception: Nov. 10 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 8: “Small Enough for Santa’s Sack” Art Exhibit of miniature paintings. Part of the Second Saturday reception from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Fair Oaks. The Chroma Gallery will offer a range of oneof-a-kind original paintings, photography, sculpture, wearable art and ornaments in all sizes and price ranges during Dec. Dutch-born artist Mya Louw in her studio. See her work at The 2237 Gallery in Roseville through Dec. Beyond Point B, 151 N. Sunrise Ave, Ste 1303, (916) 787-9909 x 3; Borders Books, Galleria, 1173 Galleria Blvd. (916) 788-1580; Borders Books, 2030 Douglas Blvd., (916) 784-1088; Comfort Zone, 426 Folsom Rd., (916) 773-2444; Cordia, 5161 Foothills Blvd., (916) 7783330; La Provence, 110 Diamond Creek Pl., (916) 789-2002; Maidu Interpretive Center, 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr. (916) 774-5934; Mike Martin Photography, 508 Vernon St., Historic Downtown, (916) 2238361; Roseville Arts!, 311 Vernon St. (916) 783-4117. Call galleries to confirm times or visit jointhearts.com. The Total of One Gallery showcases art, sculpture, and mixed media that represent the finest in casual living. Located at 2029 Opportunity Dr. #4. For details, call (916) 797-8707. Sacramento Region Viewpoint Photographic Art Center in Sacramento. Located at 551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd. For details, visit viewpointgallery.org or call (916) 441-2341. Through Nov. 3: Evolution: Passion & Transformation. An exhibition of photographs by Huntington Witherill. Nov. 9 - Dec. 15: ‘Imagining Life and Death’ Exhibit. A photo project by Randy Snook in which subjects are engaged in different forms of dialogue and interaction in an attempt to facilitate a search for answers to questions regarding the meaning of life, the existence of God and whether there is life after death. Artist reception Nov. 10 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The Crocker’ Art Museum collection includes works from Europe, North America, and Asia, dating from the 15th century to the present. The museum also offers special exhibitions, lectures, educational programs, workshops, concerts, and events. For a complete list of activities for all ages call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum. org. 216 O St., Sacramento. Here are some of the upcoming activities and exhibitions: At Crocker: European Painting from the Collection, European Galleries. Introduces museum visitors to the subjects and styles represented by our European collection; includes a small selection of decorative arts rarely seen on display. At Crocker: Early California Painting Collection. Demonstrates the artistic vitality of Northern California through the 1870s. New Artworks Gallery at 10239 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks. Gallery hours are Wed-Sun from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. or by appointment. For details, visit thenewartworksgallery.com or call (916) 962-7362. Through Nov. 4: “A Study in Color” features works by Mary Louise Mock and Ted Sanders. Nov. 7 - Dec. 2: Who’s New @ New Artworks. An exhibition of its newest members with an amazing array of works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen & ink, mixed media and photography. Dec. 5 - Jan.6: Deck The Walls. It’s an all member exhibit in true holiday fashion. Sierra Nevada Region The 40 Acres Art Gallery and Cultural Center is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to exposing and educating the Oak Park and greater Sacramento community to a broad range of visual art forms by presenting museum-level exhibitions. Admission is free. Hours Tues. - Fri. from 12 - 6 p.m .; Sat.10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Located at 3428 3rd Ave. in Sacramento. For details, visit 40acresartgallery.org or call (916) 456-5080. Through Dec. 30: ‘Silence was Hostile and Almost Perfect’ Exhibit by Claudia Bernardi. Nov. 3: Dance! Learn about Central America through dance with Nov. 29 - Dec. 31: Holiday Arts, Crafts and Gift Show at the Truckee Gallery. More than 25 local artists and craft makers will participate in this holiday gift shop. At 10950 Industrial Way, Suite B102. For details, call (530) 550-7797 or visit truckeegallery.com. 22 November/December 2007 NEW LISTING: The Carmel Gallery in historic downtown Truckee features the works of local artists Elizabeth and Olof Carmel, who specialize in fine art landscape photography with an emphasis on scenes of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. The gallery also showcases fine art prints from Europe, Latin America, Alaska, the Pacific Coast and the desert Southwest. At 10035 Church Street. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Tues. and Wed. (by appointment only). For details, visit TheCarmelGallery.com or call (530) 582-0557. Center for the Arts Gallery in Grass Valley. Located at 314 W. Main St. in downtown. For details, call (530) 274-8384. Dec. 14 - 16: winterDance - A Celebration of the Season at the Center for the Arts. A family holiday celebration showcasing dance, music and art. The “winterArt” exhibit will offer artwork Perspectives Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org and ornaments for purchase. Refreshments will be served. Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Price: $12-$15. At 314 W. Main St. in Grass Valley. For details, call (530) 274-8384 (x14) or visit thecenterforthearts.org. Nov. 3 - 4: Banner Mountain Artisans Sale in Nevada City. Five local home shows featuring 24 artists. Admission is free. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. For details, visit BannerMountainArtisans.com. JB Photographic Gallery. Fine art photographs by Jim “JB” Budny, specializing in classic black & white images and Tahoe winter scenes. Downtown Tahoe City at the “Y.” For details, call (530) 546-8450. Julie Baker Fine Art at 307 Spring St. in Nevada City. For details, visit juliebaker.com or call (530) 265-9ART (9278). Keoki Flagg Gallery of Fine Arts. Features limited edition fine art photography from acclaimed photographer Keoki Flagg. Original glass and hand-painted ceramics exclusive to the gallery. The Village at Squaw Valley and at 419-3 North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. For details, call (530) 583-1419. Lake of the Sky Gallery. Landscape and fine art photography by Richard Francis Topper and designer jewelry by Michou. Located at 521 North Lake Blvd. In Tahoe City. For details, call (530) 583-2722. Lakeside Gallery & Gifts. Original art, prints, watercolors, jewelry, art supplies, framing and art classes. Located at 8636 North Lake Blvd. in Kings Beach. For details, call (530) 546-3135. MacKenzie’s Gallery of American Style. Located at Broadstone Marketplace at 2766 East Bidwell St. #600 in Folsom. For details, visit mmackenziegallery.com or call (916) 984-5511. Pogan Gallery. Original paintings of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra by the nation’s top landscape painters. Located at 6921 North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe Vista. For details, call (530) 546-7846. Potter’s Wheel. Fine-quality crafts by regional artists specializing in pottery, woodworking and watercolors. Located at 8331 North Lake Blvd. in Kings Beach. For details, call (530) 546-8400. Vista Gallery in Tahoe Vista provides original contemporary art in a variety of media including fine art photography, printmaking, mixedmedia, ceramics, stain-glass and metal art, plus a vintage photograph collection of more than 2,000 images. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 7081 North Lake Blvd. For details, visit vistagallery.com or call (530) 546-7794. Through Dec. 29: ‘Change the Seasons, Change Your Mind’ at the Vista Gallery. New art celebrating nature and the change of the seasons by more than 30 artists in a variety of media, including fine art photography, mixed-media, printmaking, ceramics and metal. I f you value and appreciate this county’s creative and vibrant arts community, the Placer Community Foundation can help you ensure a lasting legacy of support for this region’s artists and arts organizations. With a gift of cash, appreciated stock, or other assets, you have options. You can establish a fund to benefit the arts in your families name or contribute to an endowment fund of pooled gifts in which the principal is held in perpetuity and invested. Grants to artists and nonprofit arts organizations are made from the earnings, allowing the principal to grow. Through a permanent, continuous effort to build endowment, the arts are assured stability and security—forever. Help support creative minds. Future master artists of Placer County are waiting to be discovered! Vrooman Woodcarving & Wildlife Gallery. Original wildlife woodcarvings, paintings, sculptures, and photography featuring national and local artists. Located at 10115 Donner Pass Rd. in Truckee. For details, call (530) 587-8104. Watercolors by Jan Foss. Watercolor gallery and studio featuring soft landscapes and colorful florals. Studio visitors can sign up for a watercolor class. 120 Country Club Drive, #21, Incline Village. For details, call (775) 833-1144. Music & Dance Auburn Nov. 30, Dec. 1 - 9: Placer Theatre Ballet Presents ‘Nutcracker.’ The Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Perspectives November/December 2007 23 and violinist Ben Dominitz as soloists. Dominitz also will conduct. The performance will include Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. At Sierra College’s Dietrich Theatre in Rocklin. For details, visit chambermusicalive.org or call (916) 789-2920. Dec. 13-16: The Sierra Community Chorus presents ‘The Many Moods of Christmas.’ Under the direction of Lorin Miller and accompanied by Diana Murray Tudsbury, the Sierra Community Chorus presents its popular Candlelight Concert series at the Dietrich Theatre on the Sierra College campus in Rocklin. Tickets: $16-$24. For details, visit sierrachorus.org or call (916) 786-2609. Swing Dance Classes with Chris & Emma of ‘In The Swing of Things.’ Beginning classes for teens and adults are held on weekday evenings. For details, visit intheswingofthings.com or call (916) 660-9255. Roseville Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville. Two charming theatres in downtown Roseville at 241 and 421 Vernon St. Contact the theatre for show times and location. Tickets range from $15 to $30. For details, visit mcircle.org or call (916) 782-1777. “California Glow” acrylic painting (48” x 48”) by landscape artist Mya Louw. Visit myalouw.com. company celebrates its 10th anniversary and productions of the popular holiday season ballet with seven performances at the Placer High School Theatre in Auburn. $10-$17. Meet the characters and dancers at the Nutcracker Victorian Tea Party at the Power Mansion Inn on Dec. 1 before the matinee performance. For details, visit placertheatreballet.org or call (916) 630-7820. Barbershop Harmony for Men. The Nevada Placer Sierranaders (members of the men’s Barbershop Harmony Society) are directed by Roger Perkins. The group meets every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Burback Hall in DeWitt Center, Auburn. For details, call (530) 823-0339. The Sierra Gold Chorus rehearses each Mon. at 7 p.m. at Burback Hall at 11577 E Ave. in Auburn. Women of all ages are invited to come and sing with the group. For details, e-mail [email protected] or call (530) 478-0130. Nov: Holiday song rehearsals going on now. All women who enjoy singing are invited to join the Christmas Chorus. Swing Dance Classes with Chris & Emma of ‘In The Swing of Things.’ Beginning classes for teens and adults are held on weekday evenings. For details, visit intheswingofthings.com or call (916) 660-9255. Loomis Dec 7-9: The Sierra Community Chorus presents ‘The Many Moods of Christmas.’ Under the direction of Lorin Miller and accompanied by Diana Murray Tudsbury, the Sierra Community Chorus presents its popular Candlelight Concert series at Del Oro High School in Loomis. Tickets: $16-$24. For details, visit sierrachorus.org or call (916) 7862609. Dec. 15: Del Oro High School Dance Show. Celebrate the new dance program watching students performing tap, jazz, African and salsa dance styles. Shows are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Price: $5-$6. At 3301 Taylor Road in Loomis. For details, call (916) 652-7243 (x1625) or visit arts.sacbee.com/DelOroDance. The Northern California Dance Conservatory (NCDC) in Roseville celebrates dance as an art form as students – from beginners to professionals – receive the highest level of instruction from experienced professionals, who also are skilled educators. For details: email info@ ncdc.com or call (916) 791-2061. Music Classes for Infants and Toddlers in Roseville. Whiz Kids Music classes help students develop pitch and rhythm skills and capitalize on this critical period in developing the music aptitude of a child. For details, visit whizkidsmusic.com or call (916) 765-9119. Sacramento Area Nov. 8: James Taylor at ARCO Arena in Sacramento. For details, visit Ticketmaster.com. Nov. 27: Van Halen at ARCO Arena in Sacramento. For details, visit Ticketmaster.com. Mondavi Center Presents. World-class performances of music, dance, and drama; also, well-known speakers’ presentations and concerts for children. On the UC Davis campus. For a complete schedule of events, visit mondaviarts.org or call (530) 752-1915. Swing Dance Classes with Chris & Emma in Sacramento. Beginning classes for teens and adults are held on weekday evenings. For details, visit intheswingofthings.com or call (916) 660-9255. Sierra Nevada Region Nov. 4: Spyro Gyra at the Jackson Rancheria Hotel and Casino in Jackson. For details, visit Ticketmaster.com. Nov. 10: Dionne Warwick at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks. For details, visit Ticketmaster.com. Nov. 17: Sierra Nevada Winds Orchestra’s Memorial Concert for Richard Goodrich. Under the direction William “Bill” Hill, a program of contemporary and classical music will honor Goodrich, a horn player with the orchestra who died in July. Paul Trethewey, saxophone soloist, is featured on Tango by Albéniz. Highlights include Fanfare for a Festival by Malcolm Arnold, Lads of Wamphray by Percy Grainger, Shoutin’ Liza Trombone by Henry Fillmore. Donations: $5-$8. 8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 3101 Colusa Hwy. in Yuba City. For details, call (530) 269-0395. Rocklin Nov. 18: Jewel on Solo Acoustic at Jackson Rancheria Hotel and Casino in Jackson. For details, visit Ticketmaster.com. Dec. 2: Chamber Music Alive! Presents ‘The Special Holiday Baroque Concert.’ The chamber orchestra will feature cellist Eric Gaenslen Dec 6: Musiq Soulchild at Jackson Rancheria Hotel and Casino in 24 November/December 2007 Perspectives Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Jackson. For details, visit Ticketmaster.com. Dec. 14: Four Tops at Cache Creek Casino in Brooks. For details, visit Ticketmaster.com. Nov/Dec: Center for the Performing Arts in Grass Valley. A variety of great performances at 314 W. Main St. For details, call (530) 274-8384 (x14). Also see listing under ‘Events and Festivals.’ Nov. 10: Singer/Songwriter Eliza Gilkyson. $25. Nov. 11: Ozzie Kotani & Stephen Inglis - Hawaiian Slack-key Guitarists. $18 Nov. 23-25: Saul Rayo: The Music of Neil Young. $20 Dec. 8: Dance Concert with Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings. $20 Nov.22, Dec. 25 & Dec. 31: A Very Festive Season at the Groveland Hotel. The holidays start with Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Enjoy Christmas dinner in the Victorian Room. On New Year’s Eve, put on the Ritz with live music, dancing, party favors and champagne. Just outside of Yosimite National Park at 18767 Main Street in Groveland, CA. For details, visit groveland.com or call (800) 273-3314. Second Saturday Swing Out in Grass Valley. Every second Saturday of the month brings a beginning East-Coast Swing dance lesson from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a DJ swing dance from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. $6 Lessons/$10 Dance only. This is an all ages, smoke-free, alcohol-free event. Singles are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary. Presented by The Foothills Swing Dance Society, a nonprofit corporation. For details, visit intheswingofthings.com or call (916) 660-9255. InnerRhythms Dance in Truckee. Classes offered each week in a variety of dance disciplines, including ballet, hip-hop, jazz and modern dance for ages 7-70. MiniRhythms for mini-dancers ages 18 months – 6 years. At Training Centre at 12219 Business Park Drive, Suite 3. For details, visit innerrhythms.org or call (530) 550-8464. Museums Auburn Placer County Museum Exhibits represent the chronological history of Placer County, from the Pleistocene era to contemporary times. Also houses the Pate Native American Collection of over 400 items. Docents offer free walking tours of Old Town Auburn Saturdays, 10 a.m. Placer County Courthouse, 101 Maple Street. (530) 889-6500. Bernhard Museum Complex If you’re interested in improving arts education for kids…you’ll need a license. Built in 1851 as an inn called Travelers Rest. The house, one of the oldest wooden structures in Placer County, was added in 1868. Now restored, it is furnished with late Victorian pieces. The complex also includes an 1874 winery, one of the state’s first, a vineyard, and a reconstructed carriage barn. Docent tours, permanent and seasonal exhibitions. 291 Auburn-Folsom Road. (530) 889-6500. Gold Country Museum Chronicles the rich history of gold mining in the region. Exhibits include gold panning demonstrations, a walk through a mine shaft, an operational stamp mill model, and displays depicting the lifestyle of Gold Rush residents. Gold Country Fairgrounds at1273 High Street. (530) 889-6500. Dutch Flat The Arts License Plate, designed by renowned California artist Wayne Thiebaud, is the first plate in the nation solely designed to benefit the Arts. Your purchase of the Arts plate helps fund arts education and local art programming in schools and communities throughout California. Order your plate today by calling (800) 201-6201 or visit www.cac.ca.gov. Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Claudia Bernardi’s “Que Mala Suerte, Nina” or “What a Bad Luck Girl” fresco on paper (30”x48”). Visit 40acresartgallery.org. Golden Drift Museum The colorful history of the “Golden Triangle” -- Dutch Flat, Gold Run, Alta/Towle -- is shown in exhibits depicting boom days of hydraulic mining, the rise of the county’s timber industry, the coming of the transcontinental railroad, and the growth of communities. Tour the town and all its historic buildings. 32820 Main Street. (530) 889-6500. Foresthill Foresthill Divide Museum Displays portraying the history of the Foresthill and Iowa Hill Divides include a model of the Foresthill Logging Company, firefighting equipment, depictions of life during the Gold Rush and of early modes of transportation. 24601 Harrison Street. (530) 8896500. Perspectives November/December 2007 25 A multimedia, interactive online museum presenting the rich history, culture, and natural history of the Sierra Nevada. A project of Sierra College students, faculty, and staff. Visit SierraNevadaVir tualMuseum.com. Rocklin History Museum Houses a history timeline, Whitney family items, Indian artifacts, quarry tools and display, Ruben Ruhkala paintings, a Rocklin Jubilee display, and Rocklin’s Centennial quilt. The small Victorian home that houses the museum is typical of many early 1900’s Rocklin homes. 3895 Rocklin Rd. (916) 624-2355. Roseville Roseville Telephone Co. Museum Exhibits detail the history of telephone communications and of Roseville Telephone Company. Displays include old-style switchboards and telephones; models range to present day.106 Vernon St. (916) 786-1621. Maidu Interpretive Center Offers frequent tours of ancient Southern Maidu village site featuring over 300 bedrock mortars, petroglyphs and evidence of thousands of years of Maidu occupation. Exhibits, nature trail tours, family weekend programs, campfires, “old ways” classes, camps, and more. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr. (916) 774-5934. Carnegie Museum A central exhibit area houses changing shows. One wing features a scale model of the local Southern Pacific Railroad yards and the Pacific Fruit Express icing facilities; another features changing Roseville history. A small but quite complete Roseville reference and research library is open by appointment. Open Monday Sierra College art instructor James Albertson will display his work at the college’s Ridley Gallery in Rocklin through Nov. 16. The exhibit is entitled “2 From the Faculty.” Penryn Griffith Quarry Museum Founded in 1864, the quarry was major supplier of granite for many California buildings, including the State Capitol. Exhibits reflect the history of the region’s granite industry. Three miles of nature trails offer views of old quarry sites. Taylor and Rock Spring Rds. (916) 663-1837. Tours (530) 889-6500. Rocklin Sierra Nevada Virtual Museum "SUIBQQFOTJO3PTFWJMMF -JOLCFMPXUPmOEPVUBCPVU VQDPNJOHWJTVBMQFSGPSNJOHBOE MJUFSBSZBSUTBOEDVMUVSBMFWFOUTJO 3PTFWJMMFBOE1MBDFS7BMMFZ $JUZPG3PTFWJMMFT Support for the Arts Resources, grants, publications, funded projects, partnerships A Great Nation Deserves Great Art www.nea.gov 26 November/December 2007 Perspectives &OUFSZPVSFWFOUPOPVSPOMJOFDBMFOEBS XXX1MBDFS"SUTPSHDBMFOEBS Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org - Friday, 12 - 4 p.m. or by appointment. 557 Lincoln St. (916) 773-3003. Sacramento Area Aerospace Museum of California Emphasizes education and aerospace science while displaying the proud heritage of aviation and aerospace activities in California’s capital region, including contributions to space travel. Located at 3200 Freedom Park Dr. at McClellan Park. Call (916) 643-3192 or visit AerospacemuseumOfCalifornia.org. Sierra Nevada Region Gatekeepers Cabin Museum Houses artifacts of Lake Tahoe history, including paneled history displays, illustrated pioneer stories, hundreds of historical items, and a research library. One wing contains the Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum, filled with a collection of more than 800 rare baskets from 85 tribes, collections of Indian dolls, and Southwestern pottery. 130 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. (530) 5831762. The Watson Cabin Living Museum An outstanding, preserved, turn-of-the-century log cabin, built in 1908 by Robert Montgomery Watson, Tahoe City’s first Constable. 560 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City.(530) 583-1762. Emigrant Trail Museum Located in Donner Memorial State Park, this museum focuses on the theme of the Donner Party. A 26-minute movie on the Donner Party is shown on the hour. Exhibits portray the lives and arts of the Washoe Indians, early explorers, the building of the railroad through the Sierra Nevada, and Truckee’s the early days. 12593 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee. (530) 582-7892. Events & Festivals Auburn Nov. 2: Auburn Library NOON Programs . Sid Stoffels presents ‘Lewis and Clark: Then and Now.’ A reenactment of the historic expedition. Free from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. At the Auburn Library Beecher Room at 350 Nevada St. For details, call (530) 886-4500. Through Dec. 5: Autumn Art Studios Tour Preview Show. Preview the works of the 72 Placer County artists participating in the 14th Annual Autumn Art Studios Tour. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. At The Arts Building Gallery at 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn. For details, call (530) 885-2787, or visit PlacerArts.org. ___________________________________ Art, Verse and Vines Nov. 9 -11: PlacerArts’ 14th Annual Autumn Art Studios Tour. People come from all over Northern California for this self-guided tour. Enjoy the fall colors as you travel through parts of Placer County to view unique paintings, pastels, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture and fiber arts. For details, visit PlacerArts.org or call (530) 885-5670 (x119). Nov. 9 -11: 13th Annual Cowpoke Fall Gathering of Cowboy Poets & Musicians. This South Placer Heritage Foundation sponsored event brings Cowboy Poetry and all its wholesome honesty, humor and love of the land. All the proceeds help fund renovation of the Blue Goose Fruit Shed. For details, visit SoPlacerHeritage.org or call (916) 652-3480. Nov. 9 -11: The Placer County Fall Winery Tour is a terrific opportuni- Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gary Snyder will present ‘poetry and prose’ at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley Nov. 29 to benefit the Yuba Watershed Institute and the South Yuba River Citizens League. Perspectives November/December 2007 27 forms. The annual shopping event provides unique gifts with a large variety of beautiful glass art. At 5433 Willowynd Court in Rocklin. For details, call (866) 748-4725. Roseville Dec. 6-8: Christmas Nativity Exhibit in Granite Bay. The Second Annual Christmas Nativity Exhibit runs each day from noon to 9 p.m. Experience the wonder of Christ’s birth depicted in 500 nativities from around the world. Musical performances. Free at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 6460 Cavitt-Stallman Road. For details, call (916) 788-7488 or e-mail [email protected]. Events, campfires, camps, exhibits, and shows for children and families at Maidu Interpretive Center. The center, at 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr., is open Tues. -Sat., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Resident discounts offered for many events. For details, call (916) 774-5934 or visit roseville.ca.us/ indianmuseum. Nov. 3 - Jan. 11: Nisenan-Maidu artist Alan Wallace will exhibit selections of his diverse art mediums, including a series of acrylic paintings of oak trees and woodlands that use Nisenan words and their English translations to describe the pieces. Opening Reception: Nov. 3 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Every Third Saturday Art Tour. Join the Downtown Library each month as new local artisits are highlighted. Free from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. At the Public Library at 225 Taylor Street in Roseville. For details, call (916) 774-5221 or visit roseville.ca.us/library. Nov. 17: Local Artists Joan Sexton and Tom Laffey Sacramento Region Nov. 23 - 25: Crocker Holiday Art & Craft Festival in Sacramento. Eighty regional artists and craftspeople will offer their unique gift items at the Scottish Rite Center at 6151 H St. $3 - $5 on Fri. from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Crocker Art Museum and the Creative Arts League present the event. For details, visit crockerartmuseum.org or call (916) 264-5423. Sacramento artist David Lobenberg’s Tombow/waterbrush sketch entitled “Jazzy Hand Contour.” ty to explore the myriad of winemaking styles in the region and stock up on the region’s best for the holidays. The tour provides unique access to private wineries and imbibing conversation with winemakers and grape growers. For details, call (530) 889-2855. ___________________________________ Nov. 23 - Dec. 16: Nicholson Blown Glass Holiday Open Studio Tour. Glass blowing demonstrations and sales Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Free at 5555 Bell Rd. For details, call (530) 823-1631 or visit nicholsonblownglass.com. Lincoln The Poets Club of Lincoln Open Mic. Every second Sunday a guest poet reads before the microphone is open to all poets interested in reading up to three poems. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Salt Mine in Linclon at the corner of Highway 96 and Sixth St. Rocklin Nov. 23 - Dec 23 (weekend’s only): The 11th Annual Holiday Art Studio Open House at the Glass Hearts/Artitude Studio. Give the gift of fine art by local artists Barbara A. Kee, Linda Lim-Hoschler, Candise Dzwoniarek, Rena Call, Candy Armstrong, Terese Butler, Jamie Boudreau, Gabriella O’Neil and others representing many different art 28 November/December 2007 Dec. 1: 47th Annual Crocker Ball. Sacramento’s premier black-tie gala moves offsite this year due to construction at the Crocker Art Museum. The Crocker Ball will kick off the holiday season at the Aerospace Museum of California. The unique venue inspired this year’s theme: ‘Fly me to the Moon!’ combining mid-century elegance with contemporary glamour to benefit the Crocker Art Museum. $500 per person. Begins at 6 p.m. For details, visit crockerartmuseum.org/ ball or call (916) 808-7843. Sierra Nevada Region Nov. 29: An Evening of Poetry with Gary Snyder in Grass Valley. The Yuba Watershed Institute presents “Peaks, Fires & Spirits of Love and Loss” with the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet at the Center for the Arts at 314 W. Main St. in downtown. $35. For details, call (530) 271-700 or visit thecenterforthearts.org. Nov/Dec: Center for the Performing Arts in Grass Valley. A variety of great performances at 314 W. Main St. For details, call (530) 274-8384 (x14). Nov. 17-18: Jugglers Extraordinaire: The Raspyni Brothers. Nov. 24: Comedy Improv Competition at the Off Center Stage. Dec. 14-16: Winter Dance - A Celebration of the Season. Dec. 20-Jan.1: Improver’s Nation Presents Holiday Comedy Improv Festival at the Off Center Stage. Dec. 8: Colfax Holiday Festival. Enjoy the famous Soroptomist Soup Kitchen, the holiday “Lights” parade, and arts and craft vendors. Free from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. in historic Downtown Colfax at Main and Grass Valley Streets. For details, call (530) 346-8888 or visit colfaxarea.com. Dec. 14-16: Winter Dance - A Celebration of the Season at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. A family holiday celebration showcas- Perspectives Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org ing dance, music and art. The ‘winterArt’ exhibit will offer artwork and ornaments for purchase. Refreshments will be served. Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Price: $12-$15. At 314 W. Main St. For details, call (530) 274-8384 (x14) or visit thecenterforthearts.org. Trips & Conferences Dec. 7 Registration Deadline: The Nutcracker at the Sacramento Ballet on Dec. 22. Enjoy this classic ballet with the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Depart Saugststad Park in Roseville at 10:45 a.m. Enjoy a no-host lunch in Old Sacramento and return at 5:45 p.m. $78-$87. Sponsored by Roseville Arts! For details, call (916) 783-4117 or visit rosevillearts.org. Dec. 26 - 30: Walking with Dinosaurs – The Live Experience. Based on the award-winning BBC Television Series, this show features fifteen roaring, snarling, awe-inspiring life-size dinosaurs. With a “paleontologist” as your guide, you will be taken on an amazing journey through the era of the Dinosaurs learning about the rise of the huge creatures. HP Pavilion in San Jose. For details: (408) 998-TIXS. Ticketmaster.com Feb. 1 Registration Deadline: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Sacramento’s Community Center Theater on March 13. See the Tony Award-winning musical comedy. Depart Roseville at 10:45 a.m. Enjoy a no-host lunch in Old Sacramento and return at 5:45 p.m. $83$91. Sponsored by Roseville Arts! For details, call (916) 783-4117 or visit rosevillearts.org. May 1 Registration Deadline: Phantom of the Opera at Sacramento’s Community Center Theater on June 12. Take in Andrew Lloyd Reprints of historic photos in sepiatone make an attractive display The Nevada Rock Art Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Reno that actively promotes the protection and public awareness of rock art in Nevada and surrounding areas. Its mission includes promoting public awareness and appreciation of Nevada rock art and other heritage resources. The group organizes several archaeology awareness and historic reservation site tours each month. For details, visit nevadarockart.org or call (775) 323-6723. We stock images of Newcastle Auburn Colfax Applegate Roseville Weimar American River Bowman Trains Newcastle Hwy. 40 Tahoe Clipper Gap Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Webber’s beloved musical. Depart Roseville at 10:45 a.m. Enjoy a no-host lunch in Old Sacramento and return at 5:45 p.m. $81-$89. Sponsored by Roseville Arts! For details, call (916) 783-4117 or visit rosevillearts.org. PoganArt Workshops and Group Trips. Since 1993, PoganArt has offered watercolor and oil painting workshops in the Lake Tahoe region and beyond. In 1997, we began taking our outdoor painting workshops to exotic places in the US and abroad. Our instructors are nationally recognized artists. All our workshops are held on location in some of the most breathtaking settings in the world. For details, visit poganart.com or call (775) 746-9856. History As Decor Prints available from 8x10 to mural size, framed or unframed, for home or office. Prices start at $14 for an 8x10 Contact Donna Howell, representative for Heritage Graphics, at 530-885-2891 Rick Nicholson (pictured), along with his wife, Janet, will open their studio doors this holiday season for public glass-blowing tours on weekends beginning Nov. 23. Film The Silver Screen Classic Movie Series. Shown at 2 and 7 p.m. Presented by Auburn Library in library’s Beecher Room at 350 Nevada St., Auburn. Suggested donation: $4 seniors, $5 general admission. For details, visit auburnsilverscreen.com or call (530) 878-7938. Nov. 3: The Farmer’s Daughter with Loretta Young and Joseph Cotten. Dec. 1: The Court Jester with Danny Kaye, Basil Rathbone, Angela Lansbury Old State Theatre: Independent, Art, Limited Release and Foreign Films. Lots of legroom provides a comfortable, intimate film-viewing atmosphere, featuring two screens, special family nights and discount days. Open nightly in Downtown Auburn at 985 Lincoln Way. For schedule and times, call (530) 888-7936. Regal Cinemas’ Independent Film Series. Wednesdays & Thursdays, 2 Perspectives November/December 2007 29 Sacramento Area NEW LISTING: Sacramento Theatre Company presents public performances of classical and modern plays in two performance spaces: the 300 seat Mainstage Theatre and the 85 seat Stage Two. Sacramento Theatre Company’s season runs Oct.through Apr. and consists of six productions. For details, visit sactheatre.org or call (888) 4-STC-TIX. Through Nov. 11: Of Mice and Men (Mainstage) Nov. 7-Dec. 2: Virgo, Hebrew Rising (Stage Two) Nov. 28-Dec. 23: A Christmas Carol (Mainstage) The Chroma Gallery in Fair Oaks features the plein-air works of artist Jackie Carroll in a show entitled “The Significance of Place” through Nov. This oil painting is called “Point Lobos Vista.” p.m. & 7:30 p.m. at Auburn Stadium 10, 500 Nevada St. For details, call (530) 745-0160. Theatre Nov. 23 - Dec. 31: ‘The Courtship of Mr. and Mrs. Kringle.’ A sentimental and uplifting two-person play set in one of Santa’s most trying Christmases in the Depression, features real-life husband and wife theatre team of Jenifer J.K. Smith and Motherlode founder Stuart E.W. Smith. At various locations throughout Placer County (undetermined at press time). For details, e-mail [email protected]. Auburn them might confuse a jazz legend named Duke with Nov. 1-10: ‘Metamorphoses’ by Mary Zimmerman at Woodcreek High School. Based on Ovid’s transformation myths, this play subtly mixes the ancient stories of pathos and tragedy with contemporary language, humor, and thought, all enacted in and around a large pool of water in the center of the stage. Price: $6-8 From: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. At the Performing Arts Bldg., at 2551 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd. For details, call (916) 771-6565 (x4228) or e-mail [email protected]. Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville. Two charming theatres in downtown Roseville at 241 and 421 Vernon St. Contact the theatre for specific show times and location. Tickets range from $8 to $23. For details, visit mcircle.org or call (916) 782-1777. Nov. 16 - Dec. 22: Night Club (Tower Theatre) Jan. 11 - Feb. 23: Sound of Music (Roseville Theatre) Jan. 4-26: The Apprentice Offering of 2008. Now in its 12th year, the Offering is the premiere showcase for teen playwrights from Placer County. $6-$9. From: 8 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. At J.B. Gale Little Theatre at 1 Tiger Way in Roseville. For details, call (916) 782-3753 (x3807). November/December 2007 Kids don’t get enough art these days. Not in their schools. Not in their communities. So you can see why some of Roseville 30 A piano player. A composer. An orchestra leader. Duke Ellington reigned over a land called Jazz. Perspectives royalty named duke. But art transforms lives. In fact, the more art kids get, the more knowledgeable they become in math and science. And the more likely they’ll become well-rounded, finger-snapping members of society, daddy-o. For Ten Simple Ways to get more art in kids’ lives, visit AmericansForTheArts.org. A m e r i c A n s F o r T h e A r T s . o r g Image donated by Corbis-Bettmann. TM 2006 Estate of Mercer K . Ellington by CMG Worldwide Music & More Arts Academy and Theatre. The academy offers instruction in voice, instruments and acting for all ages, along with family entertainment through its productions. Theatre rental also is available. DeWitt Theatre at 11596 D Ave. For details, visit musicandmore.net or call (530) 885-0594. Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Sept.: Music Circus Summer Season 2007 in Sacramento. There is something miraculous about Music Circus! No barrier separates you from the story as it unfolds. The music surround you. The dancing is more energetic and the romance more intimate. Call for show times at the Wells Fargo Pavilion. For details, call (916) 557-1999 or visit SacramentousicCircus.com. Through Sept. 2: 1776 Sierra Nevada Region Foothill Theatre Company in Nevada City. This professional theatre ensemble produces a variety of outstanding plays – from classic to contemporary, originals as well as old favorites, comedies and dramas. The Nevada Theatre at 410 Broad St. For details and tickets, visit foothilltheatre.org or call (530) 265-8587. Nov. 1 - 11: New Voices of the West Nov. 15 - Dec. 30: It’s a Wonderful Life Classes and Workshops Auburn NEW LISTING: Art Classes with Everett Jensen. All skill levels welcome. Learning to See – Drawing class for beginners and those who want to transform their existing skills and visual ability in B&W and/or colored pencils. Composition/ The Series – Drawing class for beginners and advanced students who desire to learn structured principles to make their work more visually powerful. Painting in Oils – Learn to paint in oils, including portraiture, with a simple process that will give students great results with great efficiency. For details, call (530) 887-8704. NEW LISTING: Fuse Glass and Glass slumping with Diane Wood. For beginning and advance students on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Arts Building at 808 Lincoln Way. For details, call (530) 878-8774. Pet Portraits and Nature Illustrations. Art instructor Ann Ranlett also creates pet portraits that captures the qualities that make individual pets special and unique. She offers two styles: Realistic ink on scratchboard or mixed media; or whimsical and colorful watercolor paintings with “petzazz.” For details, visit annran.com or call (916) 300-5774. Nov. 9 - 11: Annual Autumn Art Studios Tour in Newcastle with two other ‘Gold Hill’ artists – Judy Dawson and Arry Murphy-Frank. Watercolor classes with Sandy Delehanty at The Arts Building at 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn. For details, visit sandydelehanty.com or call (916) 652-4624. Piano lessons at Jerelen Bartone Piano Studio. All ages. Lessons on fine pianos. Studio near I-80/Foresthill Exit. For details, call (530) 8868490. Pastel Classes with Reif Erickson. Landscape painting classes weekly on Tues. night 6 - 8:30 p.m., Thurs. afternoon 3 - 5:30 p.m. and Friday morning 9 - 11:30 a.m. $25 at home studio at 1436 Lowe Lane. For details, call (530) 887-9565. Painting Critique Circle with Reif Erickson. Open to the public on each second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Bring 1-2 pastels, oils or watercolors. $10 and free for Reif’s students at home studio at 1436 Lowe Lane. For details, call (530) 887-9565. Painting Classes with Gayle Rappaport-Weiland. For details, visit grappaport.com or call (530) 885-8461. (916) 705-8414 916-435-4096 Nov. 1: Focus Flowers, Stems & Leaves Watercolor. Rocklin (916) 625-5200 Nov. 9 - 11: Autumn Art Studios Tour at Finn Hall. Daily. Nov. 17: Let’s Paint a Tree Sampler. Sierra College 1 - 5 p.m. Nov. 27: Watercolor Processes & Possibilities. Sac (916) 971-3713 Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org David Lobenberg captures the the fall season in this watercolor. The Sacramento-based artist teaches a range of painting and sketching classes. Visit davidlobenberg.com. Dec. 4: Watercolor Workshop for Beginners. Auburn (530) 885-8461 Handbuilding in Clay with Gerda Francesca. Beginning and advanced students. At the Old Library Art Studio at 175 Almond St. For details, call (530) 887-8216. CLAYart Classes with L. Luis Ortiz. The Arts Building at 808 Lincoln Way. For details, call (530) 885-2787. Music, voice, dance, and drama classes at Music & More Arts Academy & Theatre. For details, call (530) 885-0594 or visit musicandmore.net. Barbershop-style four-part harmony. For women of any age or singing experience. Sierra Gold Chorus (member of Sweet Adelines, Int.). Directed by Barb Tincher. Mondays, 7 p.m., Bill Burback Hall at DeWitt Center at 11577 E Ave. For details, call (530) 885-4202. Improve Photography Skills with the Placer Camera Club. Meetings vary to include picture-taking techniques, photo processing, guest speakers and photo evaluations/competitions. Members also gather for photo shoots. Meets the 3rd Tuesday of most months at 7 p.m. in the Beecher room of Auburn’s Placer County Library at 350 Nevada St. No meetings in July and August. For details, call (530) 367-4505. Music & More Arts Academy and Theatre. The academy offers instruction in voice, instruments and acting for all ages, along with family entertainment through its productions. Theatre rental also is available. DeWitt Theatre at 11596 D Ave. For details, visit musicandmore.net or call (530) 885-0594. Lincoln Poetry Class with Sue Clark. Thursdays 3 - 4:30 p.m. Anyone can join anytime. Beginning poets are welcome. Class fees: 10 weeks - $62. Location: Lincoln Arts. For details, call (916) 434-9226. Beginning China Painting with Andrea Simeral-Boyer. Classes limited to six students, adults only. For details, call Lincoln Arts at (916) 6459713. Art & Clay Classes with C. Kerley Pflueger. All levels welcome. Continuing four-week sessions. Handbuilding and wheel techniques for the creation of 3-dimensional forms. At artist studio: 350 Big Ben Rd. For details, call (916) 645-3173. Perspectives November/December 2007 31 Lincoln Arts classes for children and adults. For details, call (916) 6459713. Loomis Two-day Plein Air Painting Workshops with Victoria Brooks. Class size limited to seven. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., starting at Brooks’s Loomis studio. Painting at nearby scenic areas. Fee: $175 (equipment and supplies not provided). To register, call (916) 7681751. Auburn resident and part-time Sierra College art instructor Marty Gessler will exhibit his work at the college’s Ridley Gallery in Rocklin through Nov. 16. Private Music Lessons at McLaughlin Studios. Teaching the art of music- making and performance. Two dozen instruments taught in private lessons. Also, classes in chamber orchestra, clarinet choir, flute choir, brass ensemble, music exploration, intermediate rock, advanced rock, adult rock, and jazz. At 3415 Swetzer Rd. For details, call (916) 6526377 or visit mclaughlinstudions.com. Newcastle Nov. 13: Jewelry Making Class at Bella Fine Arts and Gifts. Learn how to make a bracelet with a Christmas theme. In downtown Newcastle at 455 Main Street #7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For details, call (916 ) 6639790. Creative Sewing Classes at The Tin Thimble. Felting, Fashion, Knitting, Crocheting, Introductory Sewing, Quilting and More! Weekday & Weekend classes. At 595 Taylor Rd. on the corner of Old State Hwy in Newcastle. For details, visit thetinthimble.com or call (916) 663-2134. Beginning East Coast Swing with the Foothills Swing Dance Society. Dance lesson 7 – 8 p.m.; DJ’d swing dance 8 – 11 p.m. All ages, alcohol-free. Every 4th Saturday at the Portuguese Hall, 920 Taylor For details, call (530) 887-8117 or e-mail [email protected]. Piano School with Music Exchange’s Keyboard Kollege. Accepting new students ages 6 to adult. Newcastle Town Center. For details, call (916) 624-2733. 781-0590. Watercolor and Drawing Classes with Barbara Roth. All ages. Students learn skills needed to successfully paint in watercolor. Lessons structured to meet students’ individual needs. For details, call (916) 6247572. Sierra College Community Education. Day, evening, and weekend classes. Sierra College at 5000 Rocklin Rd. For details, visit sccommed. org or call (916) 781-0590. City of Rocklin Community Education. A variety of cultural arts classes for children and adults. For details, call (916) 632-4100. Roseville NEW LISTING: Watercolor/Watermedia classes by Patricia Abraham. Part of the Roseville Parks & Recreation at Maidu Community Center. All classes are 8 weeks. Must register in Dec. For details, call (916) 774-5950. Jan. 8: Beginner-Intermediate level begins from 9 a.m. to noon. Jan. 8: Intermediate-Advanced level begins from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 9: All-level Wednesday Eve class begins from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Travel Journaling: Sketching, Drawing & Painting with Donna Naes. Document your journeys regardless of where you travel in watercolors, pen, ink and acrylic. Roseville. For details, call (916) 622-6315. Learn How to Draw in Six Easy Steps with David Lobenberg. Learn position, shape, and value as part of Lobenberg’s six skill-set notes. Neophytes can learn to draw and those with some ability can improve, Lobenberg says. Fee of $125, including breakfast nibbles and lunch. For details, call (916) 737-2311 or visit davidlobenberg. com. Maidu Interpretive Center. Classes, events, and nature programs for children, adults, and families. For details and to register, contact Maidu Interpretive Center at 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr. For details, call (916) 774-5934. Roseville Parks & Recreation Cultural Arts Classes. For details, call (916) 774-5950 or visit roseville.ca.us Sacramento Area Nov. 27: Watercolor Processes and Possibilities. Open new doors to traditional watercolors with the use of alternative media to stretch creativity and skills. No previous experience required. This workshop will get the beginner started and give the advanced painter new information. $100. From 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center. For details, call (916) 971-3713. Watercolor Painting with David Lobenberg. Studio located at 741 48th St. in Sacramento. For details, visit davidlobenberg.com or call (916) 789-2002. Nov. 11: Third Annual Holiday Watercolor Workshop (Lobenberg). Rocklin NEW LISTING: Fuse Glass, Glass Slumping and Glass Tile Bars with Diane Wood. Sierra College Community Education. For details, visit sierracollege.edu or call (530) 878-8774. The City of Rocklin Theater & Arts program. Finn Hall. $10 resident discount. For details, visit rocklin.ca.us or call (916) 625-5200. Watercolor Classes with Gayle Rappaport Weiland. Sierra College, Community Education. See ‘Auburn ‘ listing. For details, call (916) 32 November/December 2007 Perspectives For more information visit the California Arts Council at www.cac.ca.gov Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org At the LaProvence Restaurant in Sacramento. Includes tips on how to turn completed watercolor paintings into personalized greeting cards. $125. Impressionist Oil & Introduction to Plein Air Painting with Victoria Brooks. “Alla Prima” or “all at once” is the direct approach Brooks teaches to create fresh spontaneous oil paintings. All levels of painters are accepted. Continuing six-week sessions available at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center on Tuesday afternoons. For details, visit vbrooks.com or call (916) 768-1751. One Stroke Painting with certified instructor Sharleen Snow. For project and technique class schedule and sign up information, call (916) 5081458 or e-mail [email protected]. Color Intensive and Landscape Workshops at the School of Light and Color. Classes include: beginning workshops, pastel landscape, photography & digital imaging, basic drawing, pastel, watercolor, and art classes for youth.10030 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks. For details, call (916) 966-7517 or [email protected]. Sierra Nevada Region Family Art Instruction at Big Bend Visitor Center. Explore nature and history through art using simple and inexpensive techniques from instructor Barbara Hoffmann. Call for current class listings. For details, call (530) 389-8718. Watercolor Classes with Jerianne Van Dijk, five-week courses in beginning, intermediate, and challenge class; also some weekend workshops and plein air days. Grass Valley. For details, call (530) 271-0676 or visit jerianne.net. Printmaking with Linda Byrne. Adult classes in woodcut and relief, non-toxic printmaking, and monotype and collagraph. Basic color The Roseville Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled its brickwall mural entitled “La Rosa.” The 16-foot high mural took a year to complete and will be on display at the chamber office. The artists are (left to right) Joanne Liston, who is holding the original sketch, Rosemary Ward and Sherell Taylor. theory for artists. Private studio in Nevada City. Maximum five students per class. For details, call (530) 470-0929. PoganArt Workshops and Group Trips. Since 1993, PoganArt has offered watercolor and oil painting workshops in the Lake Tahoe region and beyond. In 1997, we began taking our outdoor painting workshops to exotic places in the US and abroad. Our instructors are nationally recognized artists. All our workshops are held on location in some of the most breathtaking settings in the world. For details, visit poganart.com or call (775) 746-9856. $BMMGPS"SUJTUT *OUFSFTUFEJO1PUFOUJBM 1VCMJD"SU1SPKFDUTJO3PTFWJMMF 'PSNPSFJOGPSNBUJPODPOUBDU 1MBDFS"SUT3PTFWJMMF$PNNVOJUZ0ö DF PSXXXQMBDFSBSUTPSH UPDPNQMFUFBOPOMJOFBQQMJDBUJPOGPSN Watercolors by Jan Foss. Watercolor gallery and studio featuring soft landscapes and colorful florals. Sign up for a class at 120 Country Club Drive, #21, Incline Village. For details, call (775) 833-1144. Arts for Children Auburn Art for Preschoolers at Creative Endeavors. Ages 20 months - 5 years. Fun, age-appropriate, hands-on classes. At 638 Lincoln Way, Ste. 150A. For details, e-mail [email protected] or call (530) 3553465. CLAYart Classes with L. Luis Ortiz. Students explore hand-building Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Perspectives November/December 2007 33 through advanced. At Music Exchange’s Keyboard Kollege at 477 Main St. For details, call (916) 663-9020 or visit MusicExhangeOnline. com. Rocklin Beginning Watercolor Workshops with Gayle Rappaport-Weiland. At Rocklin Parks & Recreation. For details, call (916) 625-5200. City of Rocklin Community Education. A variety of cultural arts classes available for children. For details, call (916) 632-4100. Roseville Children Activities at Maidu Interpretive Center in Roseville. Make friends with nature and other kids. Have fun for a day or a week while exploring the natural world. Activities include nature investigations, activities and crafts. Knowledgeable leaders, new information and skills, and a fun, safe environment create special memories for children. The Maidu Interpretive Center is at 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr. For details, visit roseville.ca.us/IndianMuseum or call (916) 774-5934. Landscape artist Mya Louw’s “California Vista” (36”x 48”) acrylic painting. She is an award-winning artist who has lived, studied and worked in South Africa, Europe and the U.S. techniques for the creation of three-dimensional ceramic forms. The Arts Building at 808 Lincoln Way. For details, call (530) 885-2787. Introductory Swing Dance for Teens. Class starts with basic steps of Lindy Hop. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. The Courthouse Athletic Club at 1121 Maidu Dr. For details, call (530) 906-2048. Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville. Two charming theatres in downtown Roseville at 241 and 421 Vernon St. Contact the theatre for specific show times and location. Tickets range from $8 to $23. For details, visit mcircle.org or call (916) 782-1777. Nov. 2 - 10: Our Town (Tower Theatre) Nov. 15 - Dec. 7: If Your Goat Faints, Can You Still Get Eggnog? Music Classes for Infants and Toddlers in Roseville. Whiz Kids Music classes help students develop pitch and rhythm skills and capitalize on this critical period in developing the music aptitude of a child. For details, visit WhizKidsMusic.com or call (916) 765-9119. Music & More Arts Academy: music, voice, dance and drama classes. Classes for all ages in most instruments taught by master teachers. For details, visit musarts.com or call (530) 885-0594. Roseville Parks & Recreation Cultural Arts Classes for Children. For details, visit rosevilleparks.ca.us or call (916) 774-5242. Musikgarten Classes. Age newborn through 7 years. Continuing 10-week sessions are available. Scholarships available. Keyboard Konnection at 1515 Grass Valley Hwy. For details, call (530) 745-0248. NEW LISTING: Sacramento Theatre Company’s ‘The Ensemble for Kids and Teens!’ Classes offer a unique creative experience in an exciting and stimulating theatre environment. Our instructors are professionals with years of experience teaching theatre arts to young people. Small class sizes provide a comfortable setting where students receive personal attention. $225 per session. At 1419 H St. in Sacramento. For details, e-mail [email protected] or call (916) 446-7501 (x105). Jan. 12 - Mar. 15: Creative Dramatics Acting Classes (grades 1st-3rd) Jan. 12 - Mar. 1: Awakening Acting Classes (grades 4th-6th) Jan. 14 -Mar. 4: Awakening Acting Classes II (grades 7th – 9th) Piano Lessons. Group piano classes (ages 6 - adult) and guitar (ages 8 - adult). Keyboard Konnection at 1515 Grass Valley Highway. For details, call (530) 745-0248. Lincoln After School Art Classes for Children/Youth. Held at Lincoln Arts at 580 Sixth St. For details, call (916) 645-9713. Art & Clay Classes for Children with C. Kerley Pflueger. Continuing four-week sessions for students to explore several art projects from watercolors to clay. Hand-building techniques for the creation of three-dimensional ceramic art forms. Artist’s studio at 350 Big Ben Rd. For details, call (916) 645-3173. Loomis/Granite Bay Art and Music Programs for all Ages at Children’s Creative Art Center. 6210 Douglas Blvd. in Granite Bay. For details, visit ChildrensCreative ArtCenter.org or call (916) 791-6407. Private Music Lessons at McLaughlin Studios. Teaching the art of music making and performance. Two dozen instruments taught in private lessons. The studio also offers classes in chamber orchestra, clarinet choir, flute choir, brass ensemble, music exploration (ages 3 – 5), intermediate rock, advanced rock, adult rock, and jazz. Located att 3415 Swetzer Rd. For details, visit MclaughlinStudios.com or call (916) 652-6377. Newcastle Piano lessons. Children and adults, ages 6 and up for beginners 34 November/December 2007 Sacramento Sierra Nevada Region InnerRhythms Dance in Truckee. Classes offered each week in a variety of dance disciplines, including ballet, hip-hop, jazz and modern dance for ages 7-70. MiniRhythms for mini-dancers ages 18 months – 6 years. At Training Centre at 12219 Business Park Drive, Suite 3. For details, visit InnerRhythms.org or call (530) 550-8464. Call to Artists Nov. 12 & Nov. 17: Theatrical Auditions. The Center for the Arts will hold general auditions for its spring 2008 production. The play under consideration is “The Philadelphia Story.” Performance dates: Apr 17 May 10. At the Off Center Stage at 315 Richardson St. For details, call (530) 274-8384 (x14) or visit thecenterforthearts.org. Dec. 1 & Dec. 31 Deadlines: The Auburn Arts Contest, where all entries win awards and get exposure in the book “Auburn’s Creative People: 2008,” wants arts submissions in poetry, essays and short stories, fiction and non-fiction writings, drawings and paintings, Perspectives Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org sculptures, photography, music, culinary arts, performing arts The first deadline is Dec. 1; and a late fee of $10 is charged for entries received between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31. Submission fees are from $15 - $50, depending on age and artistic experience. The age groups are 12 and under, 13 to 19, 20 to 64, and 65 and over. The contest area includes the Highway I-80 corridor from Roseville to Dutch Flat, in addition to Cool, Foresthill, Lake of the Pines and Lincoln. Jan. 31 Deadline: Roseville Arts! 8th annual “Art in the Garden” Home Tour in May 2008. Approximately 25 artists will be chosen by a juror to display and sell their work for the one-day event in one of five gardens. Both two- and three-dimensional works are desired. Garden related subjects are recommended. Membership in Roseville Arts required. For details and applications, e-mail [email protected] or call (916) 759-3902. Feb. 1 Deadline: Feats of Clay celebrates its 21st year as one of the nation’s most prestigious and unique ceramic contests held for four weeks in the oldest terra-cotta factory in operation in the U.S. For details, visit lincolnarts.org or call (916) 645-9713. NEW LISTING: Use the PlacerArts’ Online Calendar to promote artrelated classes, events, performances, artist calls, gallery listings and conferences. It allows users to post events once and have them appear on hundreds of websites and publications throughout the county, including consideration for publication in Perspectives. For details, visit PlacerArts.org or call (530) 885-5670 (x112). NEW LISTING: Art Teachers Wanted: The City of Roseville Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Roseville City School District is seeking class instructors for a new after school enrichment program at Cirby and Woodbridge elementary schools. Curriculum to include – but not limited to – visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, athletics, science, health, nutrition and safety. For details, call (916) 774-5135 or e-mail [email protected]. Artists sought for PlacerArts’ new online database ‘Regional Art Registry.’ It provides a complete listing of visual and performing artists, and organizations, segmented by medium or type of performance art. The registry is designed to connect patrons, businesses and event coordinators directly with artists for potential exhibitions and sales, performances and special events. Registration is free. For details, visit PlacerArts.org or call (530) 885-5670. Roseville Arts’ Member Directory of Artists. Join this new online Directory of Artists that provides a high-quality look with easy navigation. It can link to an artists own website and can be updated quarterly. Must be a member of Roseville Arts! to participate. $30 annual fee. Deadlines for requests are Dec. 31, March 31, June 30 and Sept. 30. For details, visit rosevillearts.org or call (916) 783-4117. New Artworks Gallery in Fair Oaks seeks 2-D and 3-D artists. Obtain an application online at thenewartworksgallery.com, by calling (916) 962-7362 or by visiting the gallery at 10239 Fair Oaks Blvd. ‘Art Matters’ in Rocklin. A visual arts group for artists in Rocklin and surrounding communities. For details, call (916) 300-0794. Potential Public Art Projects in Roseville seeks artists. For details, visit PlacerArts.org or call (916) 780-2787. ‘All About Art’ community-access television program seeks invitations to profile artists of “any and all mediums.” The Truckee-based program is expanding its airing to other locations. Host Nina Ski has produced more than 200 such shows in six years. For details or to be added to the profile list, call (530) 587-2650. Call to Theater Techs for the non-profit Placer Community Theater is looking for talented artistic people interested in volunteering to work on live stage productions as stage manager, prop master/mistress, stagehand, costumer, and lighting/sound technician. For details, visit placercommunitytheater.org or call (530) 886-8569. Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org Glass Hearts/Artitude Studio will present its 11th Annual Holiday Art Studio Open House on weekends beginning Nov. 23 featuring many art forms. Pictured is glass artwork created by artists Linda Lim-Hoschler and Barbara A. Kee called “Black on Fire.” Exhibit at Latitudes Restaurant. Artists are invited to submit inquiries for the 2007 exhibit calendar Great exposure in a historic Auburn Victorian at East-West Galleries at 130 Maple Street. For details, call (530) 885-5670. The Artisan Gallery in Fair Oaks invites artists to submit proposals for month-long displays beginning with the Second Saturday Art Walk. For details, call (916) 648-0260. 2237 Gallery in Roseville is accepting portfolios for review. All artists are eligible. For details, e-mail [email protected]. Auburn Concert Band seeks muscians. Rehearsals are September through mid-May. Meets each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Health for All at 4065 Grass Valley Hwy., #206. All instruments needed. For details, visit auburnband.org or call (530) 888-1801. The Foothill Farmers’ Market Association seeks crafters and artisans to vend their original works at any of 16 seasonal weekly farmers’ markets around Placer County. For details, call (530) 823-6183. Call for singers for the Sierra Gold Chorus, a member of Sweet Adelines, Int. Learn to sing barbershop-style, four-part harmony. Women of all ages welcome. Directed by Barb Tincher. Rehearsals on Mon. at 7 p.m. Burback Hall at DeWitt Center in Auburn. For details, call (916) 663-2105. The Arts Marketing Institute (AMI), a program of the California Arts Council, seeks to motivate and sustain individual and group actions for the arts to make the arts a part of everyday life for individuals and all the diverse California communities. For details, visit cac.ca.gov/ami. Perspectives November/December 2007 35 PlacerArts would like to thank our new and renewed individual and business members; patrons and affiliates — and our private and public partners for their continued support. New & Renewed Individual and Families Martin & Laura Almanzan Jane Amick Linda Atoms Carol Bailey Diane Barkey Erna Barnickol Mary Barrett Susan Barry Sue Barthelow Joyce Beeman Katherine Beggs Marjorie Blodgett Carol Boyd Ken & Sandy Campbell Emile & Pam Carriere Kathy Chillemi Diane Clark Charles & Mary Clayton Joann Cochran Barbara & Jugo Covich Tobin Covich Kathleen Curtis George & Pamela Cuthbertson Monroe & Betty De Jarnette Dawn Deyo Marlys Donohue Jim Drennan Mario Ferrante Rita Forman James Gamble Suzanne Green Rosemary Griffin Bonnie Grimm Elaine Hollows Kristy Howard Liz Howard Donna Howell Paulette Janca Everett Jensen Marla Jensen Barbara Jicha David Johnson Ronald & Gretchen Jurek David & Andrea Kelly 36 Tad & Diane Kitada Douglas Klein Greta Lehto Loraine Markey Eileen McDavid Miccie & James Mcnee Binns & Michele Melander Fusae Miyamoto Tommie Moller Margaret Moore Elinor Mulloy Gerald & Anne Nash Carol Newland Robert & Gayle Nolasco Randi Olson Marian O’Neill Skip Outman Traci Owens Geneva Parker Polly Parks Dorothy Pasztor Janet Patten Eric Peach Mary Perolio Wayne Peyton Patricia Platt Lee Porter Mary Preston Kathryn Randall Sandra Rascon June Reeves Hazel Reimche Marilyn Rose Barbara Roth Kathleen Ryan Lori Shively Christopher Spurrell Richard Stultz Alliene Thym Peggy Tibbs Elias & Dorothy Tuma Douglas & Nancy Van Howd Doris Viera Joan & Warren Walker Karin & Heinz Weiser Mary Whitney Dorothy Young November/December 2007 New & Renewed Patrons Peter & Norma Brink Eldon Cotton Bob & Veda Eckard Rodney Haack Mike & Cynthis Posehn Bharati & Roopal Shah New & Renewed Benefactors Auburn Rotary Community Fund Placer Community Foundation New & Renewed Businesses Laughing Fish Studios Auburn Needleworks Sierra Nevada Conservancy Avant Garden Williams + Paddon Architects & Planners Maki Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Bella Fine Arts and Gifts Sierra Moon Goldsmiths New & Renewed Affiliates Americans for the Arts Arts For The Schools Auburn Branch American Association of University Women Auburn Community Concert Association Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center Auburn Symphony California Arts Advocates California Assembly of Local Arts Agencies Metropolitan Arts Partnership Musictalk, Inc. Nevada-Placer County Chapter SPEBSQSA Perspectives North Tahoe Arts Placer Arts League Placer Ballet Theatre Placer Camera Club Placer Community Theater Placer County Visitors Council Placer Valley Tourism Reconciliation Singers Voices for Peace Roseville Arts! Sierra Business Council Sierra Community Chorus Sierra County Arts Council Sierra Foothills UnitarianUniversalists Sierra Nevada Arts Alliance Singing Tree Press Windows Art Project Public Partnerships California Arts Council California Department of Education City of Auburn - Auburn Arts Commission City of Lincoln City of Rocklin City of Roseville - Roseville Cultural Arts Committee County of Placer Metropolitan Arts Partnership National Endowment for the Arts Placer County Office of Education Placer County Water Agency Placer Union High School District Western Placer Unified School District Click & List! online at PlacerArts.org A r t s N ew s m a g a z i n e & C a l e n d a r o f E ve n t s P l a cerAr ts Advertising Rate Sheet Circulation Perspectives is distributed throughout Placer County, parts of Nevada and Sacramento counties, and beyond through chambers of commerce, parks and recreation departments, the library system, arts and culture centers, new resident welcome services, the California Welcome Center — Auburn, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, and Placer Valley Tourism and to Arts Council of Placer County members and subscribers. Readership is estimated at 15,000 per issue. Circulation and readership increases by approximately 70% (to 25,500) for the full color Studios Tour special edition. Readers cover the demographic spectrum of Placer County residents from the communities of Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill, Loomis, Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville and the Reno-Tahoe-Truckee region as well as national and international visitors seeking arts, culture and heritage information and experiences. Ad sizes 1/2 page vertical 1/4 page 1/2 page Back page (full color bleed) Spot color not available 1/2 page b/w vertical 1/4 page b/w 1/2 page b/w Back page full color Add 15% to all rates for Studio Tours full color issue Back page full color, glossy Studio Tours issue Deadlines 3.625" x 9" 1/4 page 3.625" x 4.5" 3.625" x 9" 3.625" x 4.5" 7.5" x 4.5" 8.5" x 7" Ad Rates 1/2 p. vertical 1x $400 200 400 1,100 +15% 1,700 6x Nonprofit arts discount +15% +15% 5% – – 5% 3x $1,100 550 1,100 3,300 January/February March/April May/June July/August September/October (all color Studio Tour issue) November/December $2,200 1,100 2,200 6,600 5% 5% 5% 5% 1/2 horizontal 7.5" x 4.5" November 15 January 20 March 20 May 20 July 15 September 20 Submission Please submit ads electronically to [email protected]. Successful receipt of your ad will be acknowledged. Acceptable file formats for either PC or Mac are: PDF (fonts converted to outlines or embedded) JPG (300 ppi, high quality) EPS (all fonts converted to outlines, graphics embedded or included) TIF (300 ppi). Files over 10MB should be stuffed. Ad layout services are available; contact [email protected]. back page (bleed, CYMK) 8.5" x 7" plus 1/8" bleed top and left side PlacerArts 808 Lincoln Way / Auburn CA 95603-4807 Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Auburn, CA Permit #150 Payment PlacerArts Attn: Perspectives Advertising 808 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603 Building Community with Art and a Sign for the Ages by Virginia Dains T o a tile artist, every bare wall of concrete is a potential canvas. One slab of concrete in particular clutched my attention as a ceramic sculptor and tile artist living on the outskirts of Auburn. The eight-foot long, doublesided slab sits on a massive rock base and some 30 years The old sign for ago, announced the entrance to the Bureau of the American River Reclamation’s Auburn Dam Overlook. More Canyon Overlook recently, it has supported only peeling paint sorely needed a while offering little in the way of information. makeover. Overlook Park, however, has many visitors who could benefit from an informative sign – and much more. The Auburn Recreation District manages the property under an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. It is the western portal to Auburn’s famous 100mile endurance races on foot and horseback. It hosts many festivals, has a skatepark, and is a wellused trailhead for American River Canyon recreation. For all these reasons, I A fish eating a fish is just one of hundreds of ceramic fish knew the tiles created by community members during free public sign needed a workshops that began in 2006. facelift to better reflect the 38 November/December 2007 Perspectives spirit of the community where it is found. With the backing of the Auburn Recreation District staff, I took my idea to the Bureau of Reclamation. The sign would be recreated as a community-built public art project – ceramic fish tiles swirling around a title guiding visitors to the American River Canyon Overlook. The Bureau had other ideas – actually 80 pages of rules – on what a sign should look like. When a good idea gets me in a headlock, I’m not easily dissuaded. I incorporated as many of the official sign manual’s requirements into the design as made sense. For instance, the speed limit on adjacent Pacific Avenue is 35 miles per hour, so the sign’s lower case letters needed to be a minimum of four-inches high for visibility. The mandated Egyptian 505 BT font was no problem, nor was formulating a blue glaze and matching grout that approximated the agency standard for ultramarine blue. But still the design went through several iterations. At one point, it was beginning to look like official government letterhead rather than a signpost to someplace where one might consider recreating. The turning point in these discussions came when I pointed out that the existing sign was out of compliance with the Bureau’s own guidelines. Checkmate. The people of Auburn could make this right. Four months later at the conclusion of routine archeological and environmental reviews, the project was approved. We held the first of three Make-A-Fish public art workshops at the Auburn Community Festival during October 2006. With slabs of clay, templates of clipart fish, and the simplest of tools (a popsicle stick and a wooden skewer), hundreds of creative hands made more than 700 ceramic fish tiles over the next four months. With the help of artists Stephanie Boggs of Colfax and Michelle Mahan of Roseville, I glazed, fired, and arranged the community-built tiles into a mosaic of fishes and letters. It was addictive, like a puzzle you can’t put down. I found it helps if you hum. This fish here, that fish there. No, no! THOSE fishes here, THIS fish there. When the layout was complete, the tiles were face-mounted with industrial-grade sticky plastic sheeting, lifted and then fixed into place with thin-set mortar onto four sheets of tile-backing board. The signs were grouted in my upstairs studio, taped securely to portable tables, and transported in the back of my pickup truck to Overlook Park. The on-site installation took two days. The huge number of passersby giving us the “thumbs-up” and shouts of “Looks Great!” kept our feet 10-feet off the ground despite the hot and heavy work. My greatest reward came at the unveiling and dedication of the sign on June 10, 2007. This day fell nearly exactly one year from the day that image of a tiled sign snuck around the corner of my imagination and stuck firmly in my head. A cadre of Brownies from Troop 5622 of Roseville ripped the paper veil off the sign to the cheers of our community artists and supporters. People then reached for the sign and ran their hands over it feeling the textures, looking for their fish, and reveling in the work of others, as I had been reveling in their work for the previous days and months. Yes, it was a truly fine reward. This project has given me much more than a public canvas for my mosaic tile work. It has given me a greater appreciation for community and people’s desire and need to be a part of something bigger and more lasting than any one individual. Their simple and singular works of art, once a wad of clay, have become a connection to this place and to each other. I am lifted by the energy of many hands through this work and am sure to have received far more than I have given in return. Virginia Dains attended college on an art scholarship but found her way into a 25-year career as a plant ecologist. Over the years, she continued to pursue art on her personal time, experimenting with serigraph prints, pen and ink, watercolor and batik. Her graphic artwork has been published in scientific journals and agriculture publications. In 2002, she inherited the basic components of a small pottery studio and focused her creative efforts in ceramics. Her current work includes sculpture and tile with themes from nature. The American River Canyon Overlook community-built public art project can be seen at 855 Pacific Ave. in Auburn, located behind the Gold Country Fairgrounds. The park is open dawn to dusk and provides picnic facilities, restrooms and, of course, an expansive canyon view. The sign contains 720 ceramic fishes, uncountable bubbles, and at least one mermaid. If you go, look for the Bob Marley fish, the peace fish, the love fish, the Mae West fish, the lilyfish, the fish with a purse, the fish named Genesis, and the fish-eating fish—a few of my many favorites. While we only broke one fish in the course of this project, to that special artist, whoever you are, I am deeply and sincerely sorry. Perspectives November/December 2007 39 -PPLJOHGPSBGFXHPPEBSUJTUT 1MBDFS"SUT 3FHJTUSZ QSPmMFT WJTVBM BOE QFSGPSNJOH BSUJTUT BOE PSHBOJ[BUJPOT BOE UIFJS QSPEVDUTBOETFSWJDFT 3FHJTUFSXJUI1MBDFS"SUTGPSGSFF$MJDLIFSF #SPXTFUIFEJSFDUPSZGPS 1FSGPSNJOH"SUJTUT .VTFVNT(BMMFSJFT5IFBUSFT 7JTVBMBOE.FEJB"SUJTUT 4QFBLFST #BOETNVTJDJBOTWPDBMJTUTEBODFSTDPNFEJBOT OPWFMUZBDUPSTUIFBUFSBSUT "OJNBUJPOmMNBSUTQBJOUJOHEJHJUBMHSBQIJDT QIPUPHSBQIZWJEFP "SUTIPXTWFOVFTMJWFUIFBUSFGVOESBJTJOHFWFOUTBSUTPSHBOJ[BUJPOT "VUIPSTFYQFSUTUSBJOFSTLFZOPUFTQFBLFSTQPFUTIPTUT 5IF"SUJTU3FHJTUSZXBTNBEFQPTTJCMFJOQBSUUISPVHIBHSBOUGSPNUIF1MBDFS$PNNVOJUZ'PVOEBUJPO PlacerArts 808 Lincoln Way / Auburn CA 95603-4807 Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Auburn, CA Permit #150