by Jan Cox
Art as defined in Webster’s Dictionary is “the activity of using imagination and skill to create beautiful things.” As we move into the month of August, the arts are in plain view in Northern California. You will find art shows throughout the mountain communities.
What is it about the arts that draw people in? Jacquie Cordova, a local artist and teacher from Westwood, whose watercolor and oil paintings and raku pottery can be seen in local shows and galleries, has this to say about the arts.
“Nothing so calms the spirit, forming a connection to self and life, as painting and creating in the arts. Painting and other forms of creating are healing moments, and too frequently people put off doing these “activities” because they seem to lack practicality or direct results in their life. Whether one participates in dance, music, the visual or dramatic arts, creating employs all of one’s senses and most of one’s brain cells. As indicated by the research and statistics over the last 20 years, creating in the arts better prepares a person for all walks of life.”
For a variety of reasons, most of us are drawn to the arts. We either take part in various artistic endeavors for fun or for profit, or we become consumers by attending performing arts productions or visual arts demonstrations, art shows, museums and galleries. For this writer, this adds beauty and drama to my life. It allows me to experience the world in a totally different way, to feel joy and a sense of awe.
August is a great month to vacation in the Almanor Basin and while you are here, why not checkout one or more of the following artist venues!
August 1st and 2nd–Almanor Art Show, Collins Pine Lawn, Main Street Chester, Sat. 10 am–5 pm, Sun. 10 am-4 pm.
This juried art show sponsored by Plumas Arts Commission is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It was started on the shores of Lake Almanor by a group of artists who summered in the area. In the early 1980’s the newly formed Plumas Arts Commission took over the show and it soon grew too large and was moved to its present location on the beautiful shady Collins Pine lawn on Main Street
in Chester. Both local artists and those from at least 6 western states take part in the show.
Food and drink booths abound along the edge of the lawn and on Saturday there will be music from noon to5 pm by Now and Then, featuring Hank Alrich, Dave Johns and Shelley Miller Johns. On Sunday, Dutch Treat, from Susanville will be entertaining. For further information, go to www.plumasarts.org.
August 8 and 15 weekends–Bidwell House Art Show at 1 Main Street, Chester, CA. Sat. 10 am-5pm, Sun. 10 am-4 pm.
Artists from Oregon, Nevada, and Northern California bring everything from fine art, to hand made soaps, Corion cutting boards, Victorian style clothing and more to this show. This year, Wanda Skeffington will be selling natural fiber clothing while Al Dockwiller will again offer his beautiful, well formed pottery. Also reappearing will be Peruvian artist Hugo Lecaros. Andean music will be presented for your pleasure by Jose Cabezos. Each of the two weekends will feature some of the same vendors and some different. The Rescue and Adoption Foundation for Wolves will also be present.
August 14–Second Friday! Old Town Chester Art Galleries and Merchants. 5 pm -8 pm
Tourists and residents alike can once again enjoy the work of local artists in both Northwood’s Gallery and B & B Booksellers–Back Room Gallery. Music is provided at the book store while wine and soft drinks and a variety of appetizers at both venues create a great way to begin the weekend.
August 15–Art From the Heart at Chester Memorial Hall, 225 Gay Street, Chester, CA–Cocktails at 6 pm, Dinner at 7 pm
This auction will feature local art donated by many of our well known artists in the Almanor Basin with all proceeds going to Sierra Hospice. A sit down gourmet dinner will be served by Phyllis’ Phabulous Phood and includes Filet of Beef in Puff Pastry with Madera Sauce or Shrimp Scampi en Brochette with Wild Rice. There will be limited seating so plan on purchasing your tickets soon. Tickets can be purchased from David Price Jewelers at 216 Main Street or Main Street Fireside and Garage Door Store, 515 Main Street. For further information about this Fine Art Auction, Dinner and Raffle contact Sierra Hospice, 530-258-3412.
