Meet The Artist
Josh McNair
By Melissa Wynn
California is a state of stunning beauty, especially when you get a close up look through the lens of Josh McNair of CaliforniaThroughMyLens.com. We sat down for a short Q&A about where it all started. Join Us!
What inspired you to do photography?
For me I am a constant creative. For my entire life I have always been inspired to pursue different artistic adventures, be it playing music in high school, videography in college and now making the move into photography. I have a love for nature and the beauty that it provides on a daily basis so it is constantly inspiring me to better capture what I see so that hopefully others can experience it the same way I do.
You photography shows your love of the outdoors, have you always been an adventurer?
Honestly, I have really fallen in love with the outdoors in the last 5 years. A friend and I took up hiking around that time and when I got out in the forest, saw my first local waterfall and realized how much I missed by not heading out more often then I knew I could not afford to stay inside when there was so much to experience. Since then my hiking has shown me some of the most beautiful places in California, be that the summit of Mt Whitney (the tallest mountain in the lower 48), the cables of Half Dome or the sheer power and beauty of McArthur-Burner Falls. I am a constant adventurer as my wife can attest to. Every weekend I am looking for a new place to experience.
Did you go to school for photography?
Nope I never went to school for photography, I just got a camera, started to shoot with it and read all of the blogs and online information I could. I am constantly learning and just last week I was talking with another photographer I met online that helped me tweak a few more things. This is the unique thing about the time we live in, there are so many ways to interact and dialogue with people online.
As far as photography goes, currently I just do it for myself. I am toying with the idea of setting up an online store where I can at least sell my images, but in terms of what I do on my site it is just for my own enjoyment and to inspire others to go outdoors. If anyone wants to contact me for photos or permissions just email me, josh@californiathroughmylens.com.
I love the Mountain Valley Living area and have hiked Lassen Peak and Bumpass Hell and spent time in McArthur-Burney Falls State Park, which is probably one of my favorite places in all of California. You can see all of my write ups and photographs of these places on my site californiathroughmylens.com as well.
Thank you for this opportunity and I would love to hear from your readers if they have ideas for me. Check out these great shots of McCloud Falls.
 [/media-credit] Photo by Josh McNair  [/media-credit] Photo by Josh McNair Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
By Traci Downey
Owner Traci’s Sweet Surprises
Top Ten Questions When Choosing a Wedding Cake.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY
CONSULTATION?
Start thinking about what you want your cake to look like. “Brides don’t have to come with a picture of the cake they want, but the consultation is harder if they come in and don’t have any idea [of what they're looking for],” says Traci. She suggests thinking about shape (round, square, something more unique), colors, and the number of tiers -
- just enough to get a rough idea. Traci also encourages brides to use lots of adjectives when describing their wedding style. “If they’re talking about being ‘chic’ and ‘elegant,’ ‘whimsical’ or ‘over-the-top,’ it’s a great way of figuring out what their style really is,” she says.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I ASK THE CAKE BAKER
DURING THE CONSULTATION?
Since you’ve done your homework (refer to question #1), you’ll have plenty to talk about at your first consultation. If you haven’t seen the cake baker’s work from an online portfolio, ask to see one when you get there. You should also ask how far in advance the cake is made. “Decorations can be made months in advance, but I bake the day before,” says Traci. And, as with all of your vendors, after your first meeting you should feel like you can trust them with all the details of your wedding day. “You should feel the confidence the baker exudes, and that should help narrow your choices,” says Traci.
Q: HOW EARLY SHOULD I START LOOKING?
This all depends on two things: your priorities and your budget. If the food, especially the cake, is very important to you, then make sure you start your search early to give yourself plenty of time to choose. “But for most people, about four to six months in advance is great, booking early will save stress down the road” says Traci. If you are in an area with a large population, having your order in early will help to prevent loosing your choice in a baker.
If you’re going with a custom design, go about six months in advance to give the baker plenty of time to design and then revise that design based on your input. Bottom line:
If you’re paying for a custom cake, make sure you allot yourself enough time to get exactly what you’re looking for.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A CAKE BAKER?
“If you have a specific style in mind, you should go to a cake baker who works with that style,” says Traci. For instance, if you want a unique topsy-turvy cake, you may not want to go to a cake baker who specializes in more traditional white wedding cakes and vice versa. A decorator may specialize in buttercream or fondant decorating, Traci recommends asking if the cake baker is versitible.
Q: DOES A CAKE BAKER DESIGN A CAKE FROM SCRATCH EVERY TIME?
Not necessarily. This is one of the differences between customizing (starting a design from scratch) and personalizing (slightly altering a preexisting design) your wedding cake. “As you’re looking through the cake baker’s portfolio, see if you can mix and match certain parts of different cakes,” says Traci. “Ask if you can change the color of the ribbon on one that’s in the portfolio as opposed to trying to reinvent the wheel.” I suggest to each of my brides to make the cake their own, it’s ok to almost copy a design, yet preferred for the cake to be a reflection of the bride.
Part of the cost of the cake has to do with how much labor goes into making it. So, if a cake baker has made that type of cake before and knows it won’t be too labor-intensive, you can still request a few minor changes and not break the bank. The wedding is about celebrating your love, I do not feel the cake should destroy their budget. I’m always willing to reconfigure, offer options for the cake to fit the budget, yet remain beautiful.
Q: DOES MY CAKE NEED TO MATCH MY WEDDING COLORS?
While it’s great to have a wedding color scheme, when it comes to your wedding cake, you may need to back off a bit. Asking for a cake with bright orange or blue frosting may not look that appetizing to your guests — even if the cake does taste great. Instead, Traci suggests you use only the cake decorations to incorporate your wedding colors.
“Use the colors as an accent, but keep the cake white or ivory,” Traci says. “Sometimes, you know, when you have to add food coloring, it does produce an off taste. And though food coloring is edible, if it’s added to your icing, it may not always come out
tasting the same.”
If you do want a color, Traci suggests you stick to a flavor that naturally produces that
color. For instance, using strawberries or raspberries to have a pink cake or a honeybfrosting for an ivory cake.
Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FONDANT AND BUTTERCREAM?
Fondant is a smooth cream confection that you often see on the outside of wedding cakes — and make no mistake: It can be a real treat to look at. Despite that, most people don’t actually enjoy the taste.
“Too many times I’ve seen people pick up the icing with a fork and throw away the fondant,” Traci says. Since fondant is usually more expensive than other icing,Traci suggests that budget-savvy brides can skip it entirely. Instead, use buttercream icing.
“With buttercream, you can get that same level of smoothness in the icing, but it’s a much richer, more flavorful taste,” she says. “Plus, you can change out the flavor and have everything from vanilla to fruit.”
Q: CAN I MAKE MY CAKE MYSELF?
All right Julia Child, step away from the kitchen. In the days leading up to your wedding, chances are the last thing you’ll want to do is be baking a cake — even if your wedding is less than 50 people. Good cake bakers will make their cakes the day before your wedding (and sometimes even the day of!) to guarantee you get the freshest one possible. And our guess is you won’t want to leave the rehearsal dinner early to go home and bake.
Plus, even if you’ve made stellar birthday cakes in the past, this one is a little different. “I could put together a cake in four or five hours, but it would probably take [an average bride] most of the day,” says Traci.
Q: HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY ON MY WEDDING CAKE?
One of the main ways that brides can save on their cake and still get a pro-looking product is by choosing to personalize rather than customize the cake (as mentioned in question #5). Ask your cake baker if there are any predesigned cakes available.
If you or a family member truly wants to make the cake, Traci also has a few suggestions for that. “You can buy professional sugar flowers and add them to your cake,” she says. Some cake shops sell sugar flowers separately with the idea that brides going the DIY route can add them for a professional touch. You can also use them to cover imperfections or to simply incorporate more color into the cake.
Q: DO I HAVE TO CUT THE CAKE?
Technically no; it’s your wedding, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. However, cutting the cake gives your guests a chance to “ooh” and “ahh” over the unique design that you worked out. If you decide against a cake cutting, make sure you
have your caterer or baker set aside a few slices for you and the groom so you can enjoy the cake later. “I do not recommended saving the top tier for your first anniversary,” Traci says, “ask the baker to include a free 4″ round cake for your anniversary within the cost of your cake. I offer this service to each of my brides, a fresh cake is much better than a year old squishy mess.”
If you decide to cut the cake, traditionally it’s cut towards the end of the evening, but you can also choose to do it right after the dinner so that you can dance the night away without any interruptions.
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By Eileen Majors
Plumas County is just one of those places that offers majestic backdrops on every corner. The small towns welcome you.
At the eastern end of Plumas County, the Portola and Graeagle area welcome visitors with shops, dining and golf, lots of golf! Portola’s Western Pacific Railroad Museum welcomes visitors from near and far. In downtown Graeagle all the store fronts and businesses are painted red and wind along beautiful Highway 89 through town. Surrounded by the splendor of the Sierras, it’s hard to go wrong in this neck of the woods.
The Great Getaway to Downtown Quincy
If you are looking for a date night, downtown Quincy has a lot to offer. Quaint cafes, fine dining, cozy lodging and entertainment opportunities make for a great reason to spend the night.
There is plenty to do in this area and the local chamber has a host of brochures to send you on a hike, bike ride or other adventure.
The town of Quincy is lined with quaint shops and dining opportunities. For breakfast you might want to try Morning Thunder. It is right next to Moon’s (my absolute favorite for dinner downtown.) If an authentic Mexican dinner sounds good head to the top of the hill on Highway 70 to Mi Casita. Mario and his family welcome you for authentic cusine and some really great burgers too!
At Pangea Cafe and Pub you will often find local musicians jamming up front. Two theaters, Quincy Town Hall Theater and West End Theater also offer performances. There are a few spots downtown if you are looking for a little more night life. The Plumas County Arts Council keeps a full calendar of events at PlumasArts.org. Visit theater websites at quincytownhall.com and
westendtheatre.us
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A Few More Destinations to Write Home About!
- Northeastern CA
Weddings & Getaways
Whether you are looking for a totally remote location, in the middle of nowhere or a plush resort with all the ammenities, we hope you will check out our staff’s favorites in NorCal for a romanic getaway or wedding spot.
In Plumas County, our list of favorites included a bit of golf, a bit of lake, a bit of Mother Nature and a bit of the fancy. Take a ride through the area to check them out for yourself or visit their websites for more information.
Plumas Pines Resort 3000 Almanor Dr. West Lake Almanor – Canyon Dam, CA 95923 530-259-4343 • PlumasPinesResort.com
Enjoy the convenience of motel rooms, cabins and and RV park onsite. A marina with rentals and riding stables are part of the fun. Campgrounds are also nearby and paved trails wind along the beautiful shores of Almanor. For weddings, a beautiful lawn alongside the lake has hosted many a ceremony. Two large decks, a restarant and full bar complete the setting.
Twenty Mile House – 700 Old Cromberg Road Cromberg, Ca 96103 530-836-0375 • TwentyMileHouse.com
If a beautiful courtyard, riverfront ceremony spot and amazing mountain backdrops sound appealing, this is the place.
Known for their outstanding wedding facilities, the Twenty Mile House is a private 200-acre riverfront property that was once a stagecoach stop. It is secluded with lush forest, beautiful gardens and creeks.
The Lodge at Whitehawk 985 Whitehawk Dr. Clio, CA 96106 •
530-836-4985
LodgeAtWhitehawk.com
If a gorgeous golf resort buried deep in the Sierras sounds good, Whitehawk Ranch is about an hour from Reno. They offer indoor seating for up to 70 people and a picturesque place on the lawn to serve larger parties. For guests staying, the private cabins offer amazing views.
Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch – 2116 Greenhorn Ranch Rd Quincy, CA 95971
(800) 334-6939 • GreenhornRanch.com
Enjoy an authentic ranch wedding at this authentic dude ranch nestled in the pines just outside Quncy, CA. Enjoy beautiful lawns, rugged rides, bonfires, dancing and more. Weddings by the water offer amazing photo opporunities.
Chalet View Lodge – Hwy. 70 between Quincy and Portola (530) 832-5528
ChaletViewLodg.com
This unforgettable wedding venue features outdor fireplaces, views, patio, full bar an 49 guest rooms. It is nestled in the Sierras next to miles of designated wilderness trails. For a quick getaway or fabulous wedding, Chalet view Lodge welcomes you.
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By Eileen Majors
Choosing the right wedding gift (or any type of gift for that matter) can sometimes be a daunting task. We invite you to step out of the box and consider a choice from a gift shop in your community.
We spent some time roaming around Chester, CA to show you gifts that appeal to couples that love the outdoors, the home and the kitchen.
Picnic Baskets are fun to give and fun to pack with something cool for the happy couple. We found this fun picnic basket at Lassen Wisteria in Chester. This adorable, insulated picnic basket comes with ceramic plates, wine glasses and utensils.
Buck & Doe Oil Painting – This is just one of many hand painted, unique items offered at Morning Star Log Furniture in Chester. They have a nice selection of gift items made in USA. A hand crafted piece of log furniture like a rocking chair, also makes a perfect gift for indoors or the porch.
Wooden Bear Carving – We found assorted chain saw carvings at Canyon Dam Store near Lake Almanor that would compliment a room or, like this bear, stand guard at the porch.
Decorative Plate – We found this wine-theme plate at Lassen Gifts in Chester. Beautiful hand blown wine glasses compliment this gift, and they, like many small stores, offer beautiful gift wrap too. There are so many choices in beautiful gifts and glassware. Find something that speaks to you about the couple you are buying for.
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Bidwell House – Chester CA
An intimate setting it is for a perfect wedding with beautiful gardens and views for miles; this bed & breakfast inn is both charming and accommodating. They have both indoor and outdoor sites for the ceremony. Indoors, charming antiques and a cozy fireplace set the scene. Outdoors, gorgeous
meadow views stand behind the beautiful flowers and greenery that surround this grand white structure which stands at the far edge of Chester on the edge of the meadow, surrounded by birds and wildlife.
Their website has a list of sample menu items that sound fabulous and a variety of wedding packages starting at just $495 for just the
two of you, to large garden parties with up to 200 guests. A wedding consultant is also available to help plan the big day.
You can take a trip to Chester to check it out for yourself. What a great girls night that would make to come and stay and have a look around the beautiful Lake Almanor area before you make plans.
Lake Almanor is a short walk away from this amazing and quaint wedding destination, where every attention to detail is arranged for you. Online, you can view several wedding packages with varied pricing and a wide list of menu options available from their creative chefs. The Bidwell House offers lovely accommodations, beautiful gardens and from what I have definitely heard over and over, fabulous fare!
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By Eileen Majors
THE FOOD
Catering is one of the largest costs for many couples today. Remember that options are endless for this part of the wedding. The Bridal Association of America reports that the average catering bill for a wedding with 150 guests, lands just under $12,250, which equates to about $82 per person. I have seen it done for about one tenth of that cost, but it will take a host of volunteers who know what they are doing to pull it off. I got lucky at my wedding as one of the best cooks in the whole family, my brother-in-law Chuck, jumped to the occasion of offering his services. With about the same number of guests, he barbecued and sliced 12 tri tips, made 5 gallons of baked beans, fresh green salad and the most popular dish of the day was definitely large round trays with his garden-fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and mozzarella slices layered among a blend of oil and vinegar with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese. Loaves of fresh baked bread lined the tables along with dishes of whipped butter, all for under $900.
A TOUCH OF THE UNEXPECTED
Today’s brides are trying new things all the time. It seems the more unique a wedding is, the more fun it will be for the bride and groom to put on. Traditions are kept indeed, in most cases, but a bit of the unexpected always make for a good time. One unexpected turn I saw at a wedding in our family was at the cutting of the cake. Everyone knew it was time for the bride and groom to smash a bit of cake in each other’s face. Nobody knew, however, that this bride and groom had made a secret pact not to do it. Instead they each hurled and unexpected piece of cake into the faces of the best man and made of honor, who were part of the cake cutting ceremony.
WHEN KIDS ARE PART OF THE CELEBRATION
Often you will see the couple’s child or children taking part in the ceremony. Other times a darling niece or nephew will take the stage. If they are under the age of 7 there is a good chance they will have a hard time standing still for a long ceremony and they may go shy on you at the last minute. Try a cute chair or standing by an uncle but be prepared for the chance they may exit the stage to go sit with Mom. Let the best man hold the ring and if the child is to be part of the ring ceremony, the best man can hand the ring over to the little one at just the last moment.
SEATING, PLACE CARDS AND WEDDING FAVORS
Maybe not everyone will know each other at your wedding. Some likely will. Put some time and thought into your seating arrangements to make the most of the party. If some of your guests won’t know anyone, put them in a fun group you think they will like.
When kids are on the guest list, consider some special wedding favors for the children. Pick up some toy cars and princess crowns to set next to their place cards. For older kids, candy in a keepsake tin is always appropriate. Also, kids love to help, so if you will need help passing out the wedding favors or any other small tasks, consider enlisting the children’s help. It will make them feel like a special part of your day.
WEDDING FAVORS
Wedding favors can be expensive or simple. I have seen gorgeous glass wine stoppers given to every guest in a fancy white box, wrapped in tissue. I also have seen birdseed passed out in simple net fabric with a bow make a big splash when guests were invited to shower the bride and groom on their way into the reception hall. Candies are always nice, but do be sure if you wrap up chocolates, that they are not placed where they will eventually be sitting in the sun!
CHOOSING THE VENUE
I absolutely loved my wedding and the beautiful Dorado Inn on Almanor’s east shore, where we chose to take our vows. My only advice would be to consider your guest list before choosing your venue. I located the resort where I wanted to have my ceremony and reception. I was told I could have about 120 people, which sounded just fine. After adding up the 53 members of my family who were coming and the people I work with every day, I realized I better get permission for more. As it turned out, the resort sold during my plans and the new owners were more than accommodating with extra guests. I sent out a few late invites; we all had a ball and I wouldn’t change a thing, but I think planning your guest list is a good place to start.
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It was a sunny day in Chico, when I arrived at the home and workshop of Zeke Lunder and his wife Erika. In their workshop, I was amazed to see industrial sewing machines set up below spools of discarded fire hoses of all sizes.When Zeke met Erika in 2007, their co-owned business Zeeko Salvage was born. Since that time, they have been busy creating messenger bags, purses, tool bags, motorcycle bags, billfolds, backpacks, fanny packs, and much more. What is unusual about what they produce is that it is all made from material that others throw away. Some of these items include: discarded fire hoses, old tarps, industrial textiles, old outdoor furniture, garden tools, discarded caps, aprons, inner tubes, canvas and even a trampoline.
The use of these materials relates to a philosophy of life that this couple shares. To them, it is important to stop throwing away things that break or wear out, and instead, restore the items or make something new out of them. Zeke sees a real need for thrift in this new economy and one way is to reuse what we already have. By doing so, the local economy has yet another way to rebuild itself. They are open to taking used materials or fixing what needs to be fixed.
Zeeko Salvage sells its goods at the 360 Ecotique at 5th and Main, Chico, and at the Chico holiday craft fair known as the Bizarre Bazaar, held on December 15th at the Chico Women’s Club. They can also be reached on-line at Zeekosalvage.com.
Zeeko Salvage is a part of this family’s main business, Deer Creek Resources, which also creates maps of wildfires both locally and in several adjoining states. Zeke is the operations chief and Erika does the administrative tasks. Getting his start in geography and graphics at Chico State University, Zeke received a degree in Cartography and has worked with the Forest Service, mapping erosion on Forest Service roads before beginning to map wildfires in 2000. Their company provides manpower and trailers with computer systems and all other necessary equipment to go into the field and work with fire crews. You may have seen their maps during last summer’s Chip’s fire.
Chico has been a great place for Zeke and Erika for the last 20 years. While raising their two young boys, it is where they utilize their great creativity in their small business, connect with other crafters, and work together in community with like minded people. To contact Zeke and Erika, go to ZeekoSalvage.com.
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By Melissa Wynn
Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and nowhere showcases that truth better than Reno, the wedding capitol of our neighborhood. Whether you are planning a black tie, gala event or a simple affair your guests expect to eat, drink and be merry. So, who will do the cooking? Many brides and grooms believe they only need a caterer if they are planning a traditional sit down meal for hundreds. However, this is not the case. Most caterers happily handle any style or size wedding or other event, we were told by the ladies at Cheese Board Catering Company who cater throughout the Reno/Tahoe area. Creative catering is the name of the game for Catering Coordinator Krista Phillips. As she explained to me, during our very tasty lunch at the Cheese Board’s Bistro, hiring a caterer can range from simple hors d’oeuvres dropped off at your venue, to a full wait and bar staff with an elaborate meal. Maybe a summer picnic fits your outdoor theme, the possibilities are as endless as a bride’s imagination according to Phillips, who added, “It’s your wedding, get some help and do it your way!”
The Reno/Tahoe area is abundant with gorgeous wedding venues and a few of Cheese Board owner Debbie Branby”s favorites. Debbie’s picks include the historic Chism House, across from the Truckee River, sporting a pond, fountains and lush grounds to backdrop those everlasting photos. Perhaps you would prefer to say your ” I Do’s” in a beautiful gazebo amid flowing fields of lavender at Reno’s lovely Lavender Ridge. Thunderbird Lodge, Lake Tahoe’s Castle In The Sky, is also on Debbie’s list of favorites, who told us the mansion and gardens are truly stunning. Choosing a venue is an important step. It’s all about you and your unique style.
Whether your tastes run to white-tie and tails or white shirt and blue jeans, only the best caterers will take the time to listen to your needs, create menus and motifs that move you, and implement them to perfection with their culinary talents. Debbie and Krista both welcome the opportunity to showcase their expertise in helping couples prepare for their unique wedding day and they encourage brides and grooms to interview caterers, do some tasting and start planning well in advance.
Your special day should be worry free so let the pros handle the details. Menus, wine and cocktails, tables and chairs, decor, floral and music can all be delegated to capable professionals. How easy is that? Plan early so you can thoroughly enjoy your big day!
Source:
Cheese Board Catering Co. • 247 California St. Reno, NV • 775-323-3115 • http://cheeseboardcatering.com/
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Hand Carved Carousel Horse Invokes Memories
Just about everyone shares fond memories of their first carousel ride. The exciting organ music, the challenge of trying to catch the brass ring, and awe of the intricately carved horses are permanently etched in our memory.
According to Beverly Smith, owner of the Gift Boutique Antiques and Collectibles in Susanville, the Jeweltone Jessebilled Jumper reproduction shown here is a replica of an actual carousel horse created for the Philadelphia Toboggan Company when it first started producing carousels in 1903.
“The trappings (carved decorations) were initially quite simple, but by 1923 Master Carver Johan Zalar was creating some of the most extravagant trappings ever designed. Each of his originals are signed and numbered,” she said. Reproductions such as this one are often scaled down in size for home décor.
Caption:
Jewel Tone Jessebilled Jumper carousel horse. Photo by Jaime Vega.
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By A R Mallett
Wedding photographs are a precious memory of a wonderful day. Here are a few tips on looking your best.
Don’t use products containing SPF (sun protection factor) as they can cause white flashback in pictures. There are some cosmetic lines available with non-reflective SPF.
Primer ensures smooth coverage. Experiment with foundation to find one that gives you a flawless complexion and matches your natural color perfectly. Use a little matte blusher so you don’t look pale in the pictures.
Use eye shadow primer to prevent creasing. Eye makeup should be soft, subtle and matte, enhancing, not overpowering, your natural beauty. Don’t be heavy-handed with eyeliner, which can make the eyes look smaller. Waterproof or “tube” mascara won’t run when you cry.
A colorless lip liner applied outside the edge of the lip will prevent lipstick feathering. If you use a regular lip liner, match it to your lipstick so there is no obvious line. A lip stain will stay in place for hours. A soft lip color will make lips look lush. Don’t overdo the gloss, it may shine unnaturally in photographs.
Practice your look before the big day, so you can apply your makeup flawlessly. Look at YouTube videos for lessons, and bridal magazines or websites for different looks. This gives you time to find out if you react to any of the products you use, and you can see how long-wearing they are. Check the result by taking a photograph.
Apply your makeup before you put on your dress. Last minute efforts to remove spilled mascara or lipstick from your dress could ruin your day and your photographs. Have a small makeup touch-up kit handy on the day, including makeup remover wipes.
Relax and enjoy your big day!
Source: Make Up Artist Anneka Fane
20 February 2013
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By Eileen Majors
A dark, snowy night in the small town I come from usually beckons one to stay inside by the fire, primarily to keep the house warm. But coming from the same small town as I is singer/songwriter Mark Growden, and this snowy night would bring a private performance in his parents’ home nearby.
Having heard some of his music via CD, I couldn’t resist the trip out. Since leaving Westwood over a decade and a half ago Growden has been playing across the country, gathering fans from coast to coast. A jazz band in New Orleans backs up much of his original music, and as for Tuscon, he told me “a good old-fashioned string band backs me up”. The music recorded in New Orleans definitely takes on the jazz influence, and according to Growden this New Orleans group is one of his main inspirations these days.
He plays in theaters mostly but said he really enjoys the smaller venues, as would be the case tonight. The fire roared; the dog snored as friends began to gather. A group of junior high students filed in to see the show they had found posted on Facebook®. Desserts lined the table and all were welcome.
As guests gathered, Mark Growden tuned up with his new phone app and then began to play his first tune, on a pair of bicycle handlebars! The flute sounds were an intriguing and amusing introduction to an evening of really good music. Every song came with a story and the art of story telling is certainly part of the Growden charm.
Out came a shruti box and with it a story before what he called an Appalachian chording song. Growden enjoys playing the banjo, sax and accordion too, he told me as I noticed his Westwood band teacher seated in the front row. “I started with the sax.” He pointed to Mr. Hamilton. “He taught me everything”. He said he had been lucky enough to land a record deal a few years ago, which really began to cinch up his career, and it gave him the confidence of knowing he had someone behind him.
As excitement in the crowd rises, Mark grabs his accordion, the instrument that captured my attention, revealing Mark’s outstanding talent to me, a few years back. This would be a new song tonight, one he wrote about an aging woman who is ready to pass, inspired by his grandmother. Each song shows the strength and diversity of his voice, displaying a passion for music, and a wonderful talent as a songwriter. Each song really grabbed me as if I had heard it before and had been longing to hear it again.
Song after song, the young photographer next to me, along with the young and old who had ventured out through the snow, smiled and swayed; dancing in our seats to the unique variety of great music we heard that evening.
Growden has upcoming performances in San Francisco and Berkeley, and plays in Chico and his hometown region when he can. For his concert schedule, visit MarkGrowden.org.
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CALENDAR LISTINGS FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CONTACT: Louise Jensen
(530) 257-3252
LASSEN LAND AND TRAILS TRUST
2013 EVENTS CALENDAR
SUSANVILLE, CA, December 14, 2012—Lassen Land and Trails Trust is pleased to announce its 2013 Calendar of Events.
Saturday, January 26 CABIN FEVER RELIEF—Join Lassen Land and Trails
Trust and break out of the post-holiday doldrums. Choose to ski,
snow shoe or just come to the soup dinner!
8:00 a.m. Cross-county Ski Trip to Butte Lake
1:00 p.m. Snow shoe hike
5:00 p.m. Soup Dinner and Silent Auction at the historic Susanville
railroad depot—delicious homemade soups and bread, desert,
great silent auction items and no-host bar. $10/adult; $5/child Proceeds benefit the Trust’s on-going conservation, trails and education work.
For more information, go to www.llttweb.org or call
(530) 257-3252
Saturday, May 18 ADVENTURE LASSEN: PAIUTE MEADOWS TRAIL RUN,
WALK & RIDE!—Something for everyone. A 4.7 mile run, a 2-
mile run and a 1-mile run or walk. All ages! New this year a bike
race on the upper trails!
Susanville Ranch Park
For more information, go to www.llttweb.org or call
(530) 257-3252
Saturday, June 1 LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST’S FARMERS MARKET—
Lassen County’s only certified farmers market opens for the season! Watch for some great new things this season, and plan to
shop for all of your fresh fruits and vegetables each Saturday through September 28. For more information, go to www.llttweb.org or call (530) 257-3252
Saturday, June 1 NATIONAL TRAILS DAY & BIKE THE BIZZ KICK-OFF!
8:00 a.m. It’s a day to celebrate our regional trails. Join Lassen Land and
Trails Trust, the Bureau of Land Management and Lassen National Forest for the first of the season bike shuttle on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. The shuttle will run on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, ending the last Saturday of October.
For more information, go to www.llttweb.org or call
(530) 257-3252.
Saturday, October 12 LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST’S ‘RAILS TO TRAILS
Noon to 4:30 p.m. FESTIVAL’—Come celebrate the Centennial of the historic
Susanville railroad depot! The festival will include rail handcar
races, chili cook-off, vendors and entertainment including hobo
storytelling by real-life hobos and railroad folk songs!
For more information, go to www.llttweb.org or call
(530) 257-3252.
Lassen Land and Trails Trust, a non-profit member supported organization, actively works to conserve significant natural areas and working landscapes and to promote and enhance a system of leading public trails in northeastern California—where the Sierra Nevada, Cascade, Modoc Plateau and the Great Basin converge, a unique region rich in agricultural heritage, wildlife and scenic vistas. For more information about the Trust’s work or about trails to enjoy, please visit www.llttweb.org.
P.O. Box 1461
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 257-3252
www.llttweb.org
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By Melissa Wynn
Many of us view the tipi as the traditional home of many Native American tribes, but I recently learned that this isn’t the case at all. As a matter of fact, the tipi wasn’t used as a permanent home until the natives were driven from their original home lands and forced to follow the buffalo herds in a new migratory lifestyle.
Buffalo hides were tanned and sewn together to make the cover, liner and floor. The poles were cut on site or fashioned into a stretcher like carrier along with the hides, and dragged along, either by members of the tribe or more often by their dogs.
Today, the modern tipi is made of canvas, but since the design was so effective, little else has changed. Randy Nelson of Westwood is our local tipi tailor and although his tipis are stitched together with a sewing machine the design is authentic to that of a chosen tribe. The example pictured is the design of the Cheyenne nation.
Being an avid outdoors man Randy originally planned to build one tipi that was big enough to go camping with our five adult children and their growing families. Before long, each of the children wanted one of their own and 2 Feathers Tipi was born.
Having a background in construction of decorative and industrial sheet metal fostered Mr. Nelson’s interest in the art of authentic tipi construction. Today he custom makes these abodes of yesteryear to order, in the design of the tribe of your choice, with your own custom floor pattern. This Cheyenne tipi floor showcases a beautiful landscape and buffalo silhouette.
” Tipis are the superior tent” says Randy. “Not only do they give adequate space, but the design allows for superior ventilation, which means cooler by day and warmer by night. The smoke flaps accommodate an indoor campfire for heating and the marine canvas fabric floor means cleaner indoor cooking. Besides, is a tipi at camp too cool or what?”
2 Feathers tipis are available for sale OR rent since many consumers would like a tipi for the day, weekend or summer but maybe not for life. Tipis are also a real eye catcher in photo ops, at parties, weddings and other special events. The uses are only limited by your own imagination.
Randy delivers, sets up and tears down all rented tipis and this service is included in the rental fee. Purchase of a custom tipi includes set up and tear down instruction. Pricing is based on size, detailing and packages are available with or without poles. For more information and price quotes contact the 2 Feathers Tipi by phone at 530-816-0635 or visit their website www.2featherstipi.com
Click the pic to view full size
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Article by Eileen Majors
When you hear the musical talents of this band you are likely to kick up your heels and dance. My first acquaintance with their music was with a CD left in my car by my son. Original after original, these new songs I was hearing took me back to fond memories of my dad’s country music blaring from the record player in our living room. This music, however, was ignited by rockin’ rhythms and catchy choruses I’d never heard before.
Northern Traditionz band is made up of six inspiring musicians who basically grew up together. Kenny Williams, (songwriter, lead singer and rhythm guitar player) and Hippy (the bass player) sat down to tell me that they were raised on country music. Behind them stood the rest of the boys for the interview, cutting up and cutting each other up as only best of friends can do.
Fiddle player Tony Rios gained his experience playing classic violin. That was until one day when John Henry (Uncle John) suggested they bring him on as fiddle player. “Same instrument” they each explained, “you just play it differently.” Tony has developed a sound that adds greatly to the character of the songs that are making these boys famous throughout Northern California. Matt Chomistek is the drummer; Chris Anderson plays lead guitar and is a back up singer. Uncle John plays guitar and offers lead vocals for many of those good old country favorites they play.
Kenny writes their original songs, the boys told me, as they continued to explain how he also orchestrates musical parts for others in the band.
“He gets on the drums and shows me how he wants the fiddle part to sound.” Tony told me as they all laughed. Kenny broke in to humbly confirm that the song writing is a group effort. In Kenny’s deep dark eyes, one can see the makings of the original songs are, as he sings it, ”the makin’s of my heart” in their song, This Guitar, another rocking original they perform.
(Lyrics INSET on page):
When I was young, my dad told me, “Why don’t you pick up this guitar? Said “It might help you to keep what’s true, never forget who you are.” What he gave to me will always be the makin’s of my heart. I love everything that comes from this guitar. –Lyrics from‘ This Guitar’, by Northern Traditionz – Songwriter Kenny Williams
“We’re picking country-rock-raggae, cuz Baby, that’s who we are.” is exclaimed in the lyrics of their Drinkin’ Song. (I think it should be called the Dancin’ Song.) The group definitely gets crowds up and dancing. “Good things happen pretty much everywhere we play.” Kenny told me. There are more new songs in the works that they will soon begin playing for the crowds who come to hear their unique style of music.
The guys started out playing heavy metal and their metal band Esoteric still performs occasionally (without Uncle John). The ‘country-rock-reggae’ as they call it, has definitely taken the lead in their lives; they are booked solid for most of the year. “This whole country thing started with family”, Hippy told me. “Uncle John taught us to play some of Pops’ favorite country songs for his 50th birthday celebration. We had no idea how far it would go.”
Kenny added, ” Uncle John has an awesome voice and his ability to harmonize made us sound like a million bucks.” And that is exactly what fans hope for this band and their songs. I must agree I would not be surprised to watch them accept their first Country Music Award. They are getting around, have played at The Roxie in Hollywood; they have opened for some notable bands including The Fried Brothers at a Redding Convention Center performance. They have also been featured on ‘Nor Cal Noise’ a radio show on ZROK, a popular Northern California rock station. They love the mountains and their music tells it.
They sing about their “Hippie house, where we play our songs” in their Drinkin’ Song. They gutted the theater room of the home and made it into a jam studio. A pool and bar add to the fun of the “Hippie House” where their music comes alive. Between the years dating back to first grade, they have lived together, played together and worked together in their landscaping business, Chico Yard And Pool where I was told, “everybody works from time to time”.
They can be reached at 530-624-9827 or you can email them at NorthernTraditionz.band420@yahoo.com. Check out their music online at reverbnation.com/northerntraditionz.
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Summer/Fall 2012 Calendar of Events September-November
September 15- Chico, CA: Chico World Music Festival. 10:00am
(530) 898-6333
September 15- Hamilton Branch, CA: Plumas Arts Tour. 11:00am 530-596-4166
September 15- Susanville, CA: Diamond Mountain Speedway at the Lassen County Fairgrounds “Stock Car Races” 7pm (530) 251-8900
September 19- Reno/Sparks, NV: Street Vibrations Fall Rally. All week.
(775) 329-7469
September 20- Chico, CA: Boys & Girls Club Spaghetti Feed 5:00-8:00pm
(530) 899-0335
September 22- Susanville, CA: Friends of NRA “Fundraising Banquet and Auction.” 5:30pm(530) 254-6595.
September23- Chico, CA: North State Symphony: Experience the Beat, Chico
2:00pm (530) 898-5739
September 28- Chico, CA: Chico Air Show 2012! 5:00pm (530) 332-9414
September 29- Susanville, CA: Lassen Land & Trail Trust “Susanville Farmer’s Market” (530) 257-3252
September 29- Mineral, CA: 3rd Annual Art & Wine of Lassen 11:00am
(530) 595-3555
| September 29- Chester, CA: Lake Almanor Fall Century Bike Ride |
7:00am (530) 258-2426
October 1- Chico, CA: Gallery Exhibit: Tim Adams—Masters of Fine Arts Culmination Exhibition. 10:00am (530) 898-5739
October 3- Chico, CA: The Fix 7:30pm (530) 898-5739
October 4- Susanville, CA: Lassen County Chamber of Commerce “Mixer.” 5:30pm (530) 257-4323.
October 6- Chico, CA: Family Weekend BBQ. 11:30 AM (530) 898-6474
October 6 – Susanville, CA: “Beer Brewery Octoberfest & Lacy J. Dalton Concert” (530) 825-3333
October 6- Reno, NV: Eldorado Italian Festival. Eldorado Hotel. All day.
October 7- Chico, CA: Mozart Mile. 8:30am (530) 898-5984
October 10- Chico, CA: Shaolin Warriors. 7:30pm (530) 898-6333
October 12- Chester, CA: Wine Walk. 4:00pm (530) 258-2426
October 13- Chico, CA: FOCUS Film Festival. 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (530) 221-9530
October 15- Chico, CA: Children’s Fair. 10:00am (530) 894-4809
October 19- Susanville, CA: Symphony “Susanville Swing Concert” 7pm
(530) 257-2920
October 20– Chico, CA: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Chico Walk. 7:30 AM (530) 342-8365
October 21- Reno, NV: “Repticon” Ramada Reno. (775) 786-5151
October 25- Chester, CA: Words & Music Chester. 7:00pm
(530) 283-3402
October 27- Chico, CA: Open Studios Art Tour. 10:00am (530) 895-8726
November 3- Chico, CA: Quasquicentennial (530) 898-5739
November 3- Susanville, CA: “Community Breakfast” Vets. Hall Don McMullen (530) 310-4031.
November 3- Susanville, CA: ”Members Mixer” 601 Richmond Rd. (530) 257-3252
November 5- Chico, CA: Shirin Ebadi, University Box Office. (530) 898-6333
November 10- Chico, CA: North State Symphony: Experience Mystery, Chico 7:30 PM (530) 898-5984
November 11- Susanville, CA: ”Veteran’s Day Parade” 11am, Main St. (530)251-8290.
November 11- Reno, NV: Veterans Day Parade, down town Reno
November 14- Chico, CA: Cream & Sugar. 7:30pm (530) 898-5739
November 15- Susanville, CA: Lassen County Chamber of Commerce “Mixer” 2001 Paul Bunyan Rd 5:30 – 7:30pm (530) 257-4323.
November 15- Chester, CA: Words & Music Chester 7:00 PM (530) 283-3402
November 17- Reno, NV: Tanner’s Marketplace, livestock events center.
Exhibit Hall 9:00am -775-747-0905
Sources:
http://www.chicochamber.com
http://lakealmanorarea.com/events.htm
http://www.lassencountychamber.org
http://www.visitrenotahoe.com
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Music Makes Friends Thick as Tar – Northern Traditionz
Article by Eileen Majors
When you hear the musical talents of this band you are likely to kick up your heels and dance. My first acquaintance with their music was with a CD left in my car by my son. Original after original, these new songs I was hearing took me back to fond memories of my dad’s country music blaring from the record player in our living room. This music, however, was ignited by rockin’ rhythms and catchy choruses I’d never heard before.
Northern Traditionz band is made up of six inspiring musicians who basically grew up together. Kenny Williams, (songwriter, lead singer and rhythm guitar player) and Hippy (the bass player) sat down to tell me that they were raised on country music. Behind them stood the rest of the boys for the interview, cutting up and cutting each other up as only best of friends can do.
Fiddle player Tony Rios gained his experience playing classic violin. That was until one day when John Henry (Uncle John) suggested they bring him on as fiddle player. “Same instrument” they each explained, “you just play it differently.” Tony has developed a sound that adds greatly to the character of the songs that are making these boys famous throughout Northern California. Matt Chomistek is the drummer; Chris Anderson plays lead guitar and is a back up singer. Uncle John plays guitar and offers lead vocals for many of those good old country favorites they play.
Kenny writes their original songs, the boys told me, as they continued to explain how he also orchestrates musical parts for others in the band.
“He gets on the drums and shows me how he wants the fiddle part to sound.” Tony told me as they all laughed. Kenny broke in to humbly confirm that the song writing is a group effort. In Kenny’s deep dark eyes, one can see the makings of the original songs are, as he sings it, “the makin’s of my heart” in their song, This Guitar, another rocking original they perform.
(Lyrics INSET on page):
When I was young, my dad said “Son, Why don’t you pick up this guitar? Said “It might help you to keep what’s true, never forget who you are.” What he gave to me will always be the makin’s of my heart. I love everything that comes from this guitar. - This Guitar, Northern Traditionz, Songwriter Kenny Williams
“We’re picking country-rock-raggae, cuz Baby, that’s who we are.” is exclaimed in the lyrics of their Drinkin’ Song. (I think it should be called the Dancin’ Song.) The group definitely gets crowds up and dancing. “Good things happen pretty much everywhere we play.” Kenny told me. There are more new songs in the works that they will soon begin playing for the crowds who come to hear their unique style of music.
The guys started out playing heavy metal and their metal band Esoteric still performs occasionally (without Uncle John). The ‘country-rock-reggae’ as they call it, has definitely taken the lead in their lives; they are booked solid for most of the year. “This whole country thing started with family”, Hippy told me. “Uncle John taught us to play some of Pops’ favorite country songs for his 50th birthday celebration. We had no idea how far it would go.”
Kenny added, ” Uncle John has an awesome voice and his ability to harmonize made us sound like a million bucks.” And that is exactly what fans hope for this band and their songs. I must agree I would not be surprised to watch them accept their first Country Music Award. They are getting around, have played at The Roxie in Hollywood; they have opened for some notable bands including The Fried Brothers at a Redding Convention Center performance. They have also been featured on ‘Nor Cal Noise’ a radio show on ZROK, a popular Northern California rock station. They love the mountains and their music tells it.
They sing about their “Hippie house, where we play our songs” in their Drinkin’ Song. They gutted the theater room of the home and made it into a jam studio. A pool and bar add to the fun of the “Hippie House” where their music comes alive. Between the years dating back to first grade, they have lived together, played together and worked together in their landscaping business, Chico Yard And Pool where I was told, “everybody works from time to time”.
They can be reached at 530-624-9827 or you can email them at NorthernTraditionz.band420@yahoo.com. Check out their music online at reverbnation.com/northerntraditionz.
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The term “Wabi’Sabi” is a native American saying for the perfection of imperfection, as well as the name of the art collective located in Chico CA. Emily, the founder of the collective, has been immersed in art from a young age, and has experience in a wide variety of mediums. Studying the art of batik in South East Asia, and bringing her knowledge back to the states, she has become quite successful. Over the last decade she has focused mostly on concrete coloring and art, and has recently embarked in an artistic partnership with Greg Stanley, building custom furniture out of reclaimed wood. Their goal is to build spaces that are comfortable for humans and the environment. Emily has recently purchased a building in April and is in the process of revamping it to suit the needs of the art community and the Wabi Sabi collective. The building is a reminder of the days when Chico was built with pride, and was originally constructed by Phillip Allgeier and his father. Originally a candy distribution warehouse, the building is now home to artists, and renamed The Habitat Lab. While still in the process of being refined, Emily envisions the building being a host to creative people and a place for them to explore all of their ideas, completely uninhibited by societal norms. In the future the habitat lab will consist of all sorts of people, ranging from architects and artists to the simply curious individual. Located at 199 East 13th street, right across from the homeless shelter, the Habitat Lab is breathing new life in to a previously depressed area of Chico. They are hosting open art nights once a month, in which the community can come and get creative in an adventurous environment, and hosting life-drawing classes twice a month as well. For more information you can find the Habitat Lab on Facebook, or contact Emily for more information at emilymcclintick.com. Come on out and touch in with your inner artist, bring a friend, or the family and make something new happen. There is no time like the present, to improve your self, and awaken your creativity.
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Welcome to Donnell’s Music Land, your one stop shop for everything you need to live in rhythm. Donnell’s offers new and used musical instruments, guitar strings, drum sticks,woodwind reeds and sheet music. Owner Ken Donnell is an experienced luthier and is available for all of your repair and custom built guitar needs. He even repairs antique furnishings. Donnell’s Music Land is also the only place in the world to purchase the miniflex microphone invented by Mr. Donnell. Open jam nights on Wednesdays are an awesome chance to check out this amazing shop. The only music store in the Lassen and Plumas Counties area. Come feel the rhythm. Drop in, look around and sign up for guitar, piano and other music related lessons.
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by Jan Cox
When Susanville local, Allison Templeton graduated from Chico State University and returned to her hometown to work, she needed to find a studio for her art. She soon discovered the perfect place at 1015 Main Street. Not only did this building have a studio, it also had a front room for a gallery.
Templeton opened the Crow’s Nest Studio in November 2011. Here, she has room to display her own art along with showcasing the art of many local talented artists. Interested artists can call and set up a show or make a plan for consignment art.
After graduating from Lassen High School in 2003, Allison received her Associate degree from Lassen Community College and went on to receive a double major in Art Education which prepared her for teaching and Art Studio with an emphasis in sculpture and glass. Her double minor added Art History and Theater Arts to this well rounded degree.
The Crow’s Nest Studio has art for everyone. Much of it is geared toward youngsters who do not always have access to art training due to lack of funding in schools for these programs. She loves working with children and even substitutes at local schools where she will try to fit in some art whenever possible.
Each month a flyer listing the dates of workshops offered can be picked up at the studio. In April the children made “Unique Umbrellas”, “Rainsticks” and did “Rain Painting”.
Adults, too, may come and work on projects or attend specific workshops to learn more or experiment with various media. You may request workshops in any area of interest. Art 101 is a once a week class offering the basics of an art medium through four session by appointment. Specific dates are also set aside for B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Project) for an evening of creativity, conversation, and camaraderie from 5-7 pm.
Allison reminds the reader that “art has little to do with talent and lots to do with practice,” while the beauty of doing art work teaches us to “think outside the box, look at things in a different way.” She emphasizes that this is a place to work with no judgment or grading. It is a place to learn, explore and have fun. And if you are one of the people that is sure you can’t draw, she emphasizes that there are many other ways to express through the arts.
Her shelves are lined with art books, materials, paints, crayons, etc. and she welcomes donations of art supplies any time. She also has many art supplies for sale.
Please call for prices and availability. Space is available to rent for clubs such as 4-H, scout meetings, birthday parties, etc. Depending on the theme for birthday parties, she will present 2-3 crafts per party.
Presently, the studio is open Tuesday-Friday from 3pm-7pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Anyone can drop in to work on their art at these times. Watch for new summer hours, workshops yet to come and special 5 day summer camps for children, each with a different theme.
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By Melissa Wynn
For many years now Lassen and Plumas counties have been without a music store. Each time one of the many musical members of my family needed guitar strings or drum sticks it meant a long trip out of our area, oh bother!
On December 1st of 2011, local luthier and inventor of the MiniFlex Microphone, Ken Donnell and his partner Jim McBean opened Donnell’s Music Land at 207 Main St. in Greenville, finally bringing music back to the mountains. It’s a great little shop and so much more than a place to buy, sell and trade instruments and accessories.
The day of my tour, I arrived to find the storefront full of customers watching local teen Christopher Gibson practice his skills on a beautiful red drum set in the corner. A few minutes later jazz lover Andrea West came in to sell her Alto Saxophone and joined Christopher in song to play it one last time. She was very happy when Ken Donnell invited her to come back and play it again at Donnell’s Music Land’s weekly jam night. These Wednesday night get togethers welcome all musicians from 6-7:30 pm.
It’s all about the music and a walk through the back of the shop showed me the true passion of Ken and his staff . In the first workshop area we found electronics tech Micheal assembling Miniflex Microphones and tapping his foot to the beat he was hearing in his headphones. Sold on a global scale for acoustic instruments Donnell’s Music Land is the only place to purchase yours from the inventor himself.
A man of many talents, Ken also has a large work area for his luthier work. This is the room where instruments are created, including a gorgeous fiddleback guitar of stunning walnut in progress. Repairs and restorations of musical instruments as well as fine wooden antiques are also on the list of services that keep the melodies flowing through our neighborhood.
Wanna join the jam sessions but can’t play a note? No worries, Donnell’s has you covered again. Several local musicians give lessons and Music Land has the information to get you started.
Donnell’s Music Land is open Wednesday-Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 12-4pm. The man himself, Ken Donnell will also open for you by appointment, just give him a call at the store at 530-284-1689 or after hours at 530-230-7842. He’s happy to open the door and bring music back to the mountains.
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by Jan Cox
When you register for a watercolor class by Robbie Laird, you could end up in Costa Rica or Italy! This artist and world traveler loves to take groups to both of these countries where you, the artist, will be presented with a visual feast from which to paint.
Art has always been a part of Robbie Laird even as a little child. She names her father, who taught drafting, mechanical drawing and architecture, as the source of her artistic background, internalizing light directions and architecture from him. This becomes apparent in her personally designed home at Lake Almanor, CA.
Like many artists, she wanted to go to art school but was encouraged to get a job that paid. So she became a teacher. She began teaching 4th grade, but soon became the art teacher for 37 school districts in San Diego and San Bernadino counties. She helped write the curriculum for the Visual and Performing Arts in the 1970′s. When turning 40, Robbie took two years off to paint and was soon established in a gallery in Maui where you will still find her art.
Throughout her life she has been in tune with nature and the life cycles and rhythms of our planet. Robbie does not paint snapshot type pictures but rather ones that show the emotions of the scene before her. Her outstanding watercolors show this rhythm and flow in each picture.
With her MA in Art Education, Laird gives workshops here and abroad. She emphasizes that artists find the perfect fit for themselves. She sees three essentials as; digesting the fundamentals of design, getting in touch with individual interpretations of the scene, and learning techniques that help say what is important.
Robbie paints series of watercolors such as her Kelp or Flowing Flowers series and is now working on one inspired by Alaska as seen from the eye of an artist pilot.
Currently, as a “pay it forward” gesture, she and her husband direct the week long Kanuga Watermedia Workshops in NC each spring. Here, Robbie and eleven other nationally known artists instruct 250 participants at a retreat center in the Blue Ridge Mountains. a scholarship may be available. Go to Robbie@kanugaww.com or call 530-259-2100 for information.
Locally, Robbie’s work may be viewed at Books and Beyond, Backroom Gallery and at Good Vibrations in Chester, CA. Her website is robbielairdartstudio.com. She has created a teaching video from Creative Catalyst Productions, Inc. at www.ccpvideos.com or 1-877-464-2228.
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Robbie Laird Watercolors
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Robbie Laird with her Flowing Flowers Series
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by Jan Cox
Benjamin J. Wade truly fits the description of a Renaissance man. He is Coach on the popular “Survivor” show, coach of the men’s soccer team at Lassen Community College, Susanville, author of a new book called “No Turning Back” published by Shapato press, and Maestro for the Susanville Symphony.
Born into a musical family, Ben couldn’t wait until he could play trumpet like his father, who played professionally. At home, the entire family created music together; father on trumpet, mother on piano and brother on violin. Ben received his first trumpet in second grade and went on to win many awards.
His father’s work took them to many different countries where the family began playing music together four hours a day while he practiced another two. Through this family quartet, he learned how to balance his playing with others. And through his father, Ben learned to have a deep understanding of each note and how to extract as much from it as he could. Those earlier discoveries now lead him to expect the very best from the symphony members as they prepare for concerts.
When Wade arrived in Susanville in 2001, he encouraged the community to develop a symphony. It was here that music became very stimulating to him again (after a break from the trumpet to pursue his many interests.) It was also this transition that awakened a deeper part of him and led to composing music.
Ben was once told to “take your first love and make it your hobby and take your hobby and make it your career.” He says Susanville has allowed him to do that. This place allows him to coach soccer and direct the symphony, while enjoying the clear mountain air and beauty of the surroundings.
The Susanville Symphony is in its 9th season. Upcoming, December 2nd and 4th will be the Christmas Concert featuring Deb Sokol as soloist singing Ave Maria, Russian Christmas Music by Alexander Reed, Dancing Wooden Soldiers and some music that the Maestro, himself, has written.
In February, The Red Violin will be a once-in-a-lifetime concert featuring world renowned violinist, Elizabeth Pitcairn doing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. You will not want to miss this one. The April concert brings us Spanish music and June, the always popular, Pop’s Concert. Wade tailors his music to the people and hopes that everyone can experience a symphony in their lifetime.
Tickets may be ordered online at www.susanvillesymphony.com or from Leslie Jewelry, 700 Main St. Susanville, CA 96130. Concerts are held Fridays at 7pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.
And don’t forget, the Maestro can be seen on Survivor on CBS, Wednesday nights at 8pm!
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by Jan Cox
When Sylvia Smith was in sixth grade she was fortunate to have a teacher who suggested that she keep working on her art because she was good at it. And work she did. Smith began painting seriously with oils in her late 20′s and continued in this medium for 25 years, painting mainly wildlife and mountain landscapes.
Rather than making art her only life’s work, Smith worked for Southern California Edison as an accountant in customer service until she retired in 1996. At that time she took up watercolors. She had taken several art classes in college but in retirement she takes a few classes yearly from local instructors and popular artists. Her favorite artists are Steven Quiller, Tom Lynch, and Joe Garcia. Sylvia takes away something new from each artist and is always learning, changing and growing.
Smith divides her time between Northern and Southern California but loves best the calm of the Lake Almanor area. She exhibits at Books and Beyond: Backroom Gallery in Chester, Plumas Arts Gallery in Quincy, and various area shows including the Almanor Art Show in Chester, Art Around the Lake and the new Plumas Arts Tour.
She says her heart belongs to the Heart K Ranch in Genesse Valley run by the Feather River Land Trust. Here she is a plein air artist whose pictures are auctioned off during their special money raising weekends to support the preservation of ranch land (usually held the 3rd Saturday in September).
When she and her husband spend time in Palm Desert, Sylvia is active in the Coachella Watercolor Society which brings in many famous artists for workshops and demonstrations. Lately, her favorite subjects are wildlife and birds.
Sylvia also does commissions of local homes, gardens and other special features. She begins by taking many photos and then does a mock-up of the picture on vellum finding a focal point of interest that determines her drawing. Next she sketches it with the light and dark contrasts and finally paints the finished product on 300lb watercolor paper.
If interested in Smith’s beautiful pictures or commissions, go to www.h2ocolor4u.blogspot.com or call her at (530) 259-6054 to work out commission details.
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Sylvia Smith and Work in Progress
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Steps in a Commissioned Piece
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by Jan Cox
Multi-talented could be a term used for Dottie in both her life pursuits and in her art. Clark credits her aunt for influencing her artwork when she was young. When she moved to Lake Almanor in 2000, she took classes and workshops from art teachers both in the Lake Almanor Basin and in Chico and began drawing and painting in earnest.
Having grown up in Chico, CA, Dottie began her undergraduate work at Shasta Community College, Redding, where she took art classes from some excellent teachers. Transferring to CA State University, Chico, she received a BA degree in Liberal Arts and Psychology and an MA in psychology, and worked as a school psychologist in the Redding schools. Later, she had her own private practice and also became a day trader in her spare time!
Clark loved working with live models and was taught the classical method for this type of drawing. She kept playing with this form until she developed her own style. Several of her pictures show a minimalist bent, where she finds just the right brush strokes to portray the person.
Other works, especially her nature watercolors, reflect what she learned from her Japanese teacher who advised her to “get into the subject.” By that Clark means not just the objective reality of the picture but the “zen” aspect of the piece.
When Dottie begins a piece she goes through three steps. First, she becomes mentally aware of what she wants to portray and then prepares physically by getting the equipment and space ready to proceed. Finally she gets into the flow of the subject as she paints. If it is a person she is painting, she first talks with them to find out who they are inside and what strokes best bring that out. If it is a nature picture, she tries to discover what is there that needs to be shown.
Dottie says that using charcoal and graphite is very tactile, but she loves watercolor, considering it a very interactive medium. She chooses subjects that she reacts to.Then when the paint is down, she will respond to what it has done on the paper. It is this interaction of artist and medium that creates her fascinating artwork.
Clark’s work can be viewed at Books and Beyond, Backroom Gallery in Chester, CA, in the Plumas County museum in Quincy, and in December at Morning Thunder in Quincy. A home art tour is available by appointment. Call (530) 259-5424.
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Microbrew, Music and Art in Quincy
MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL Quincy, CA
Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds from 1 to 5pm
Come home to, or visit, the beautiful small town of Quincy where the grand granite Sierras show off their fantastic Fall colors amid majestic American Valley pines. Practice some social networking— the old fashioned way-— face to face in the same place. Feel what it is to be part of one of the best communities on the planet… There is more that one reason that hundreds of people consider this one of their favorite events of the year.
It’s about the BEER (& Wine)…
Mountain Harvest revolves around a most impressive small town microbrew tasting you will find anywhere. Brewers and brewery owners love to come to this event to proudly share the fruits of their labors and to “talk beer” with an interested, appreciative crowd. We will have more than 25 craft brewers represented with more than 50 brews to sample.
The list is growing we will keep a current one posted with this link.
If you prefer to sample wines, we are please that once again, Quincy Natural Foods will host a tasting of local and organically produced wines.
It’s about the the Music…
We are so very excited to have the Guitar driven Americana, bluesy, Rock & Roll music of Bob Woods Band headlining the music this year at 3pm. We also welcome the local talents of Rocket Surgery who will perform at 1pm.
There will also be a great Silent Auction of arty, beer-themed and other amusing and unique items and services, a Bocce Tournament & Instruction sponsored by Bread for the Journey, Feather River and some crafts booths as well as yummy food booths.
It’s about the Arts& Community…
“The Mountain Harvest festival is one of the major fund-raising efforts that helps to keep Plumas Arts bringing you countless events, services and programs all year long that help make our lovely little county the very happening cultural Mecca that it has become.” said Roxanne Valladao, Plumas Arts & Town Hall Theatre Director.
Admission Prices:
Adults: $7 Plumas Arts Members:$5
BEER AND/OR WINE TASTING PASSES
Include event admission and a souvenir tasting glass: $35 Advance Sale or… $30: Plumas Arts Members, advance sale only. At the gate: $40.
On-Site camping is available for $10 per site. RV Hook-ups are $20.For info call (530) 283-3402 or visit plumasarts.org.
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by Jan Cox
The studio of Susan Kearns is a special place; a large room with her drawing board set up in front of the picture windows, drawers and cupboards for all her supplies, art on the walls, and two cozy chairs in which we sat and had tea while Susan talked about her life as an artist.
On her drawing board lay her newest watercolor project, which was consuming many hours of technical work on the part of this artist. This particular picture was of three cowboys relaxing on their horses while waiting for the next group of animals to come through the corral. Their faces are exquisitely done. The picture is multi-layered to create depth. When it is complete, it will be shown at the Backroom Gallery at Books and Beyond on Main Street in Chester. This is a must see.
Susan entered the art world after her training at Cal State, Fullerton in the midst of the realist era, but she now feels that such art is often flat and sterile. As a watercolor artist today, she wants to capture the energy of the scene she is painting. It is her intent to not only show the beauty of the scene, or the joy of the people in action, but to capture the vibration of the situation that seeing it in person gives us. Her goal is to draw viewers to the picture by creating a beautiful surface that captures and engages and then causes them to “fall into the picture”–becoming part of it.
An art teacher for 32 years in Southern California, she loved working with her students. Susan retired in 2002 and can now spend more time on special art projects. She paints three different series of artwork. The first is her people in action and activities that show spirit and soul, next, her Deer Creek and other local areas (such as Feather River along Highway 70), and finally her “strong ideas” series that say something special to the viewer.
You will find Kearn’s work at the Backroom Gallery in Books and Beyond, Main St. Chester. Susan is a member of both Feather River Fine Arts Guild and Plumas Arts.
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One-Mile - Chico, CA by Paula Beehner, PaulasPhotoArt.com Since we began bringing our magazines to grocery stores and waiting spots in Chico, we have received several wonderful photos and articles to include in our publication. Thank you Chico for the warm welcome. Thank you Paula Beehner, of Paula’s Photo Art, Chico, CA for this amazing shot of One-Mile in Chico. For more great photos, see paulasphotoart.com.
The One-Mile at Bidwell Park, Chico, CA
The swimming area pictured is located in beautiful Bidwell Park. The park was established in 1905 when Annie Bidwell donated approximately 2,500 acres to the City of Chico. Since then the city has purchased more land including Cedar Grove in 1922 and 1,200 acres south of Big Chico Creek in Upper park in 1995. The park is 3,670 acres and one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.
The Sycamore Pool, at the One-Mile Recreation Area, is built of concrete around Big Chico Creek. It is a popular summer gathering spot. Swimmers should use caution avoiding white water and knowing that water which appears to be shallow and slow-moving may actually be swift and powerful. Lifeguards are on duty only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Source: cityofchico.ca.us
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Patrick Michael Karnahan Exhibition ~ Feather Community Arts Center – Portola, CA ~ August 20th - 7:00pm
The work of Patrick Michael Karnahan, an accomplished artist, songwriter and musician, will join local artists during a special Railroad Days art show and raffle at the Feather Community Arts Center in Portola, Saturday, August 20, during Portola Railroad Days. Proceeds from the show and raffle will benefit the art center and Portola Railroad Days events. Doors will open to the public at 10:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
Karnahan’s impressive portfolio embodies his passion for life, and his interests in railroads, aircraft and firefighting. An 18-year career with the United States Forest Service provided inspiration and a unique avenue for Karnahan’s talent as an artist. After being commissioned by the USFS on several paintings, he embarked on a personal journey of highlighting the work of firefighters.“My mission is to take the skills I have developed in painting portraits, trains, and landscapes, and use them to showcase America’s Angels of the Forest.”
The past 20 years of Karnahan’s career have also included commissions of several fine art posters, covers for both magazines and books, and calendars—including the notable OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) calendar. With the success of distributing nearly a million calendars throughout California in 2008, OSH has already commissioned Karnahan for their 2011 Train Calendar.
Karnahan exhibits include such venues as California State Railroad Museum Rail fair events, Penn State University as a part of America’s Railroad History, the
Smithsonian Museum Folklife Festival in Washington D.C., and the Kennedy Center. Karnahan’s work for the August show will focus on railroads of Eastern California & Nevada.
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by Jan Cox
On a beautiful spring day I traveled to the home of Eric and Susan Toews in the mountains beyond Janesville to meet these two interesting artist/musicians. Graciously inviting me into their home, they both enjoyed sharing their love of music and the arts and even played a bit for me.
For about 10 years, Susan Toews hand painted shirts with wildflowers, birds, lizards and the memorable Boss Frog. She then went into partnership with
Laurie Bliss and Shirley Robinson to begin the bead shop in Susanville, then called Salmagundi Sisters. When she sold out in 1997, she went to massage school and continues to do massage today. At this point in her life, she enjoys promoting and supporting others’ artwork as a way of valuing artists everywhere. Both Eric and Susan are lifetime members of Lassen Arts.
About 7 years ago, at the age of 51, Susan began learning to play the cello because the symphony needed cello players. She has always been musical, playing the clarinet, sax and piano throughout her life. But learning the cello took some real dedication such as driving to Reno for 6 months of lessons and practicing 4 hours a day. She recalls that it was a maniacal pace but she learned quickly and well. Today, Susan and Eric often play together at their home as well as in the Susanville Symphony.
Eric Toews started learning clarinet in second grade and played through all his schooling only putting it down during what he calls his house building/child raising phase. He has now retired from his work as a CCI (case worker) at the prison for 27 years. And music has traveled to the top of his list of things he loves to do.
His later music career began when he came across some local musicians who together created 4/5ths of a wind quartet (clarinet, French horn, bassoon and flute). This group then met Ben Wade, the current conductor of the Susanville Symphony, who at that time was playing in a brass group. They asked him to be the fifth part of their wind quintet and he played oboe or trumpet—or “foboe” as they termed it.
Eric now not only plays in the Susanville Symphony but also in several other groups. A Dixieland band called The Blue Garter Gang recently played at Eagle Lake Village. He is also a member of Eight O’Clock Jazz which plays throughout the Almanor Basin and beyond.
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Josh McNair californiathroughmylens.com
