by Jan Cox
Jacquie Cordova has served as a mentor to the arts in the Almanor Basin for a long time. She is not only constantly creating with many types of media, she spends a great deal of her time teaching art to young and old alike.
Moving to Westwood from Berkeley 32 years ago, and knowing she loved anything having to do with a paintbrush, she decided to make her living first by being a house painter. She then taught herself to be a sign painter and next went on to be a part time teacher for Lassen College. Cordova recalls painting several murals in Lassen County in both Susanville and Westwood. The beautiful mural of Walker Lake gracing the side of Young’s Market in Westwood was painted together with Gayle Saltzaver, another resident of Westwood.
Always learning herself, she began teaching at Westwood High School after the retirement of artist/teacher Pat Kurtz. She later expanded to the elementary school and set up a program for all children in the district knowing the importance of the arts in student lives. She was a part of the California Arts Project for many years and although she retired from high school teaching in 2009, Jacquie continues to volunteer in classrooms until money is once again available for a district art teacher. She also continues to teach daytime and evening classes throughout the year.
In the upstairs at the Cordova home, you will find an intimate gallery next to her studio that shows off her work. From here she sells her beautiful raku pots, framed and unframed pictures both oils and watercolors, cards of her work and more. Her newest project is a Peace Bowl series of Raku pots. Jacquie remarks that to her, peace is so important and that we don’t often actively create peace in our lives so this is her way to take action and to promote peace.
When asked about her experience of doing art, Jacquie says, “When I’m creating, I feel the most connected to others and myself, God, and the earth. It is such a healing thing that I don’t talk about very much.” Cordova’s other love is to travel from which she gets much of her inspiration for her work.
You may call to make an appointment to see her gallery at (530) 256-2217 or enjoy her work at Blue Goose Gallery or B & B Booksellers in Chester, CA. She also exhibits her art at the Monticola Club in November or Art in the Garden both in Susanville, and at Art Around the Lake and, the Lake Almanor Art Show, on Collins Pine Lawn, in August in Chester. Or look for her at www.frfaa.com on line.
 Jacquie Cordova beside two of her pictures  Jacquie Cordova beside her watercolors
by Jan Cox
Jump in your car and head to Lake Almanor for a beautiful day of art around the lake. The Feather River Fine Arts Tour (FRFAA) takes place this year on July 24th from 10 am to 4 pm in the Lake Almanor Area. Previously, the Lake Almanor Foundation has sponsored this tour called Art Around the Lake, but this year, the foundation will be holding a special dinner/auction at Foxwood on July 10th, (see article this issue) while FRFAA will sponsor the art tour on the 24th.
Close to 30 artists will be exhibiting their work at various venues around the lake including Trebes Gallery at Hamilton Branch, Nantucket Gallery on Clifford Dr, Melissa Ave which includes Betty Bishop’s garden, B & B Booksellers, Good Vibrations, Wisteria, and the Blue Goose Gallery in Chester. Artists will be displaying paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, wooden furniture and wood carvings.
Ticket prices for the tour will be $10 and are available at B & B Booksellers, Blue Goose Gallery, Wisteria, Plumas Arts and from various artists. The money from ticket sales will go directly to the purchase of needed art materials for the Chester, Greenville, and Westwood elementary and high schools.
The Feather River Fine Arts Association also has a scholarship program for young artists. Those interested in applying should contact their relative schools for more information. Members of FRFAA show in a variety of venues around Plumas and Lassen Counties as well as the Chester/Lake Almanor area. New members are always welcome. Contact either www.plumasarts.org or www.frfaa.com.
by Jan Cox
 It has been documented that children who take part in the arts do better in many areas of their lives, both in school and out. In the Lake Almanor area we are fortunate to have several groups that sponsor the arts in our mountain communities. One of these groups is the Lake Almanor Community Foundation. On Saturday, July 10, in partnership with Plumas Arts and Feather River Fine Arts Association, they are sponsoring a fabulous dinner and exciting auction, hosted by Foxwood at their pavilion on the peninsula of Lake Almanor. The funds from the dinner/auction will go to strengthen the music and art programs in Chester, Greenville and Westwood schools.
It all begins with a wine reception at 5: 30 pm, giving the opportunity to view the art and other items to be auctioned off after the elegant sit-down dinner. Joe Gilmore of the Giggling Crow in Chester is donating his time as auctioneer for this special event. Items will include fine art donated by many local artists, jewelry, art lessons, portrait sitting and other exciting offers from area businesses and individuals.
Tickets will be $40 per person and may be purchased from one of the many individuals and businesses sponsoring a decorated table for eight, or by calling Judy Chynoweth at (530) 258-2345 or Josh Huddleston at Sterling Sage (530) 284-7334. For more information go to Chester-Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce at www.lakealmanorarea.com or to www.artaroundthelake.org where you can also view the fabulous winning painting by ninth grader, Shannon O’Kelley from Chester.
 Roxanne Valladao at Plumas Arts Gallery Roxanne Valladao
by Jan Cox
It was a real pleasure to visit with Roxanne Valladao, Executive Director of Plumas Arts at the gallery in Quincy, CA. Having worked for Plumas Arts for 25 of its 30 year existence, she has definitely been a prime mover in the establishment of the arts in Plumas County. Valladao considers Plumas Arts to be her main creative work. This association supports arts in all areas of the county, often in partnership with other groups such as schools, tourism, and community functions. She sees this organization as fueling the energy needed to redefine Plumas County through arts, culture and community.
An artist herself, she has been a photographer since the mid 70’s, working with black and white darkroom techniques. She continues to teach these techniques at Feather River College and will be offering a fall class. Roxanne claims she couldn’t draw and so took up photography using infrared and manipulation of the photos creating an archival art form. Her joy is using her artist’s eye to photograph people in a way that shows the true depths of the person.
In this digital age, she too has taken up this newer form of photography and calls herself a “point and shoot photographer with dark room experience and a good eye.” Last year she and Keith Linford presented a show she considered much fun, creating predominantly altered digital images. To Roxanne, photography has never been done to make a living. Instead she enjoys it as a creative process and does it all, from taking the photograph, cutting the mats, to framing the picture.
Valladao rejoices in the fact that “the arts are finally validated for their quality of life enhancement.” She continues, “The arts build better human souls and lots of good things come from that. That’s why so many work so hard for so little because it is soul building. The arts bring people together and people are engaged for the right reasons.”
Stop in to visit the Plumas Arts Gallery and Roxanne Valladao in Quincy at 372 Main St. The Plumas Arts Gallery is open Wed. – Fri. from 11am to 5 pm. Or go on-line to www.plumasarts.org for more information. Also check out their yearly arts calendar with both writings and black and white pictures from local artists along with important community dates to remember.
 Plumas Arts Gallery Wall
 Tom Williams enjoys building guitars  Made by Guitar Builder Tomm Williams Janesville, CA
After 15 years of shooting combat hand guns in competition, Tomm Williams of Janesville was ready for a new challenge. Serious about achieving perfection, Williams was rated a Master Class Shooter. He won the Oregon State Championship two years in a row and won the Western United States Championship. Williams’ newest challenge initially came in the form of an ad for a DIY guitar kit. Because these kits offered no real woodworking challenge, it wasn’t long before Williams began research on how to build guitars from scratch.
Williams began his new journey by gathering data from books and internet sources which provided a wealth of information on achieving ideal sound and design in custom built guitars. Armed with this new knowledge and a few new tools, six months later, Williams’ first custom built guitar was complete. That was around 2002. Since that time, Williams has built over two dozen instruments. He will tell you his favorite is a carve top guitar for which he uses the Gibson Les Paul as a general pattern, although his guitars are not direct copies. He finds carve tops to be the most comfortable to hold and easiest to play.
Williams builds his guitars out of a variety of wood and said, “Choice of wood is a personal decision made by the customer. One gentleman asked for a guitar built from Redwood and Walnut in the style of a Paul Reed Smith. I thought the Redwood was an unconventional choice, but that particular piece of wood had sentimental value to him and the guitar finished out incredibly; he’s very happy”. This same customer has returned to have a total of four guitars built by Williams, with at least two more on the drawing board.
When Williams first began building, it was for personal enjoyment. He wasn’t sure he wanted to take orders for guitars. “I thought the best way to do it was to build what I like and if someone wants to buy it—great. I’ve changed my thinking about that a bit, but I don’t want to turn this into a job”. According to Williams, his customers have been very patient with their orders as a full custom carve top guitar can take anywhere from six to eight months to complete.
One of Williams’ latest builds was inspired by the Beatles. A customer contacted him in November of 2009 and wanted a guitar like George Harrison’s Gretch Tennessee Rose. “I had never attempted to do an exact copy of a guitar,” said Williams. “First off, it could get me in trouble with the originator, and second, I probably couldn’t execute an exact copy if I wanted to. The customer and I discussed what he wanted and I contributed a few ideas. The end results were pleasing to both of us”.
Williams explains that one of the biggest challenges when taking a custom order is understanding exactly what the customer wants. What is “cherry red” to one person may not be the same to another. So far, Williams’ customers have allowed a considerable level of “artistic leeway” with the custom builds. This “leeway” has allowed Williams to use his own eye for taste and balance in what a guitar should look and feel like and his customers are very happy with the product.
When not building custom guitars, Williams enjoys other music related hobbies. In January of this year, Williams, along with his wife Michelle, began “Williams Sound & Stage”, a sound reinforcement operation with a full complement of sound reinforcement equipment for musical events, ceremonies, car shows, or any event that requires amplified sound. Williams has provided sound services for numerous Lassen County shows and activities. Williams also plays guitar in “Forgery” a local classic rock band that will be playing as the support band for this year’s Country Showdown at the Lassen County Fair.
Williams donates many of his guitars to various local charities and events. Among them are the Lassen High Sober Graduation, for which Williams has donated three of his custom built guitars, Johnstonville Elementary School for use in music class, and Susanville Sunrise Rotary Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. Williams and his wife Michelle have also donated time and equipment from their sound and stage business to many local events.
Susanville Symphony
by Jan Cox
One of the most popular offerings by the Susanville Symphony is the upcoming Pops Concert. The works slated for this concert include Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Theme from James Bond, Les Miserables, and Victor’s Tale among others.
This concert, conducted by Maestro Benjamin Wade, will be the finale to the Susanville Symphony’s seventh season. Each year the symphony offers five concerts throughout the school year beginning in October and ending in June.
This presentation will be held on Friday evening, June 11, at 7pm and on Sunday afternoon, June 13, at 2:30pm at the Susanville Assembly of God Church at 473-465 N. Richmond Rd, Susanville.
Tickets are available at Leslie’s Jewelry, 700 Main St. Susanville, 530-257-2920 or “as available” at concert. Reserved seats, $25; non-reserved, $20; season tickets for 5 performances, $90.
COLLINS PINE MUSEUM Chester, CA
The Collins Pine Museum was opened to the public in May of 2007. The building was constructed to look like the old sawmill that was operated by Collins Pine Company in Chester from 1943 until 2001. The post and beam construction inside provides an aesthetic space where the different species of wood grown in this area are featured. The mission of the Collins Pine Museum is to educate people about Lumbering, Forestry and Principles of Sustainability. The building contains exhibits on Lumber Grades, Forest Stands, Old Photos and Implements, Branch and Cone Identification, Saw Milling, Lumber Drying, Co-generation, Sustainability and Information on How Forest Operations Fit Into the Carbon Cycle. There is a small theater room set up so that when people enter, a documentary starts playing on sustainable forestry. A TV screen in the main part of the building can be activated to show a silent video of the sawmill operation. There is an interactive panel on wood species identification, a push-button audio unit with workers voices and a bookcase with books on Local Lumber Companies, Forestry, Logging, and Environmental History. There is also an outdoor display of trucks and equipment that was used by Collins in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, and a 400-year-old Sugar Pine cross section with dates in American history going back to the Jamestown Colony.
There is no admission fee and the Museum is open from mid-May until mid-October, Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Collins Pine Company has been recognized by environmental organizations for their management of the Collins Almanor Forest since 1941. In 1993, these 90,000 acres were the first industrial forest to be environmentally certified according to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council. The old mill in Chester was replaced by a new state-of-the-art sawmill in 2002, which continues to operate West of the Museum.
A & E 5/10
Chester Community Chorus Spring Concert
Be sure and mark May 14, 15, or 16 on your calendar for a night of toe tapping tunes sung by the Chester Community Chorus. Gifted singers and musicians of all ages will perform many favorite pieces, both well remembered oldies and more recent greats. From “Mama Mia” and “La Bamba, to “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” “Rock Around the Clock,” to “I’ll Be There” –a song once popularized by Michael Jackson–and “Singin’ In the Rain”, there seems to be something for everyone in this concert called “Anything Goes.”
Talented director, Elsie Wesley reports that Josh Huddleston and Dawnette Dryer will be performing a duet by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli and a new mixed quartet will be debuting along with the full chorus, NEWGEN (the young people), the Kindred Spirits, and the Chorale.
The concert will be held at the Community Methodist Church on Highway 36 and Glenwood Dr. in Chester. Performances begin at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, May 14 and 15 and a matinee will be held at 3 pm in Sunday, May 16. If you are a patron or if this is your first time to hear the chorus, you are in for a treat. Come early to assure a great seat for a night of favorites.
To be put into a box–A & E 5/10
May will be the last Words and Music of the Season. Open Mic follows the featured artists. A $3 cover charge defrays cost of the artists.
Featured artists include:
Doug Sheehy at Morning Thunder Cafe
557 Lawrence in Quincy, May 13, 7:15pm
The Coyotes at The Feather River Community Center
216 Commercial Street, Portola, May 21, 7pm
Joe Tomaselli and Friends at the Coffee Station
192 Main St., Chester, May 20, 7pm
A & E 5/10
by Jan Cox
Who is Black Bart, you ask? Well, on May 2, in Quincy you will learn the story of a gentleman thief from San Francisco, named Charles C. Boles, who led a double life as Black Bart, the man who robbed stagecoaches between 1877 and 1883. During that time he is known to have been active in this area and the Quincy museum has on display a Wells Fargo Box recovered from one of his hold-ups.
Old west historians and re-enactors, Lee Dummel and Keith Morris from The Law Dawgs and Pistoleros of the Olde West, portray stagecoach highwayman, Black Bart and his nemesis, Wells Fargo Chief Detective, James Hume in the recounting of this thief’s interesting life.
This special fund-raising afternoon with Black Bart and James Hume will take place on the lawn of the Variel home just behind the Museum at 500 Jackson St., Quincy, from 2 – 4 PM on Sunday, May 2, 2010. A $5.00 per person donation is requested. Refreshments will be served. (in case of rain the event will be held at the Veteran’s Hall on Lawrence Street in Quincy)
For further information contact Scott J. Lawson, Director of Plumas Co Museum, (530) 283-6320.
Deb Groesser–Artist, Teacher and Blue Goose Gallery Owner
by Jan Cox
In the small mountain town of Chester, CA you will find a stunning gallery called the Blue Goose Fine Art Gallery. The atmosphere of the gallery is peaceful, friendly and rich with beauty. Just stepping through the doors brings a sense of joy and excitement and will soon dissipate any stress you may have been feeling.
The gallery holds a wealth of wonderful artwork from area artists and those far away. You will find originals from Adele Earnshaw, Joe Garcia, Arleta Pech, Janene Grende and many others. From a recent winter trip, she returned with an array of beautiful jewelry, wooden inlaid boxes, glass art bowls, cards, and much more. The gallery also offers professional custom framing, with over 35 years experience. A perfect place to purchase that special gift.
As an artist, watercolor is the favorite medium of Deb Groesser (pronounced Grazier), and glowing light, landscapes and wildlife are the inspiration that ignites her passion to create art. Deb says this about her chosen medium. “There is a spontaneity and freshness with watercolor that you just can’t get with any other medium….You paint and splash water and color, you imagine and play, you contemplate and study, you experiment and try new techniques…and then you see what kind of wonderful surprises you have when you’re done!” You will find examples of her beautiful work throughout the gallery.
She loves teaching and sharing her love of watercolor. Through a positive teaching style, she is able to inspire her students to gain a new awareness of their world, a deeper appreciation of art and best of all a realization of their own abilities. Check at the gallery for class times and dates.
She also loves playing golf and that accounts for those great new Rock Putters you will find in the gallery that just might really improve your game! Come in and try them out!
Blue Goose Fine Art Gallery at 607 Main, is open from 10am til 5pm Monday through Saturday. Summer hours will include Sundays. Call 530-258-2600.
Deb Groesser with Spring flowers painting
Blue Goose Fine Art Gallery
The Blue Goose Gallery
Artwork at the Gallery
Walls of Art at Gallery
(and Olde Time Western Music) – March 19 & 20, 2010
The tiny town of Vinton welcomes performers including poet/singer/
songwriter/musician T.J. Casey known as pure cowboy. His poetry and
music are reflections of his life on the land. Singer/musician/
songwriter Belinda Gail, along with J.D. Seibert, considered one of cowboy
poetry’s premier youthful talents, will also perform.
The event includes on Friday, March 19th, a corned beef and cabbage
dinner, served from 5-7p.m. followed by the evening show beginning at
7:30. On Saturday, March 20th a matinee show will be held at 1 p.m.
followed by a delicious home cooked roast beef dinner served from
4-7. The evening show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Shows and dinners take place at the Sierra Valley Grange Hall, 92202 Hwy 70, Vinton, CA. Show admission is $18 for adults and $6 for kids.
Dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for kids. For more information
contact Betty Ramelli, at 530-993-4692 or email: bramelli@gotsky.com.
by Jan Cox
Prepare for St. Patrick’s Day with dinner and a mystery! On March 16, at the Quincy Veterans Hall, the Association of Concerned Theater Goers (ACT) will begin an evening of fun with hors d’ oeuvres, wine and beer at 6:00pm. This will be followed by a delicious meal at 7 pm served up by Chef Sean Conry of Longboards Restaurant. Before and after the meal, an Irish mystery entitled “Eat, Drink and be Murdered” will keep your mind turning and your table in suspense. During dessert, playgoers may purchase clues for $1 each from the players to help solve the mystery. The first table to do so wins the prize.
ACT came into being to help fund drama at Quincy High School. They now pay the stipend of the Assistant Drama Coach and also offer scholarships for seniors. All proceeds will benefit ACT.
Tickets are $30 apiece or a group may purchase a table for ten for $300. Why not bring all your friends to the Quincy Veterans Hall at 274 Lawrence St. and have a night of fun, laughter and intrigue? Tickets may be purchased at Epilog Books, and Plumas Arts Office or call Cherry Shipp at 283-6510 or 283-3903.
by Jan Cox
Throughout this mountain valley area there are many outstanding artists and photographers. This month I had the privilege of visiting with Pam Trebes, Photographer, in her studio at 3215 Hill Crest Drive at the Hamilton Branch, Lake Almanor.
This year, Pam is celebrating 10 years as a photographer. Starting with a 1.3 megapixel camera in 1999, she has come a long way! Trebes is active in all parts of the photographic process. She is a freelance photographer for events and scenics, does photo restoration, image capture, and graphic design.
Not only does her studio contain a gallery of her own framed photos, but she also has a large print center where she can make giclee’ prints from artists originals on whatever paper is desired. This center will print up to 24″ X 100′. She is also able to print amazing signs on indoor/outdoor self adhesive vinyl! Pam can scan 35 mm slides or negatives, convert VCR tapes to DVD movies, scan hard copy images, download most disks, and photograph objects on a new green screen in her studio.
One of the more exciting projects she has going at the present is the creation and publishing of a beautiful photographic book encompassing Lassen, Plumas and Tehema Counties.
This prolific photographer may be found not only at her studio, but also at Art Around the Lake, Plumas Sierra County Fair, Almanor Art Show, Second Fridays in Chester, and is now proudly showing at The Blue Goose Fine Art Gallery at 607 Main in Chester. Watch for Pam Trebes 2010 Open Studio’s, check her out at www.PamTrebesPhotography.com or call 530-596-4166 for more information.
Pam Trebes with Photo Book
by Jan Cox
Put on your dancing shoes and let The Blazers set your feet tapping on March 6 at the Quincy Vets Hall. Ruben Guaderrama and Manuel Gonzales have played together since high school and are known as the “heart and soul” of this group. The Blazers present a unique blend of North American musical styles including blues, surf-rock, country and several Mexican styles of very danceable music. Under the Little Dog label, their critically acclaimed album, “17 Jewels,” is often described as their “crowning achievement while their newest album, “Dreaming a Dream,” is described as “a down-and-dirty masterpiece which defies anyone to keep their feet still.” Admission for this March 6 event is $15 for the general public; $10 for Plumas Arts members, pre-sale only. Doors open at 7:30pm. Show begins, 8:00pm. Call 283-3402 or contact plumasarts.org for tickets and information. This show is made possible by funding from the John Irving Foundation.
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