Tri-county art show paints the town April 26

You're Invited

By Al Joyal

(Updated: Friday, April 11, 2008, 10:04 PM)

Master carver part of Sierra Art Hop

Enjoy the many artists of the Sierra Art Hop this month, including master carver Jeff Wardwell at the Stavast/Studio Gallery and quilter Sheila Bruner at Willow Bridge Books in Oakhurst.

The Stavast Studio/Gallery in Gallery Row, Oakhurst will host a two-day special reception Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. for Wardwell, who will be carving a half life-size bald eagle.

"Throughout every stage of the carving process the subject becomes more and more lifelike as it takes on its own personality," Wardwell said. "The subjects that I carve are based on my life as a sportsman and master falconer. My greatest reward is the personal connection and emotional responses from those who view my sculptures."

He will also have his guitar on hand to entertain us with his own compositions during the event. Also on exhibit are a few of his other award-winning wildlife carvings.

The featured artist for the Sierra Art Hop at Willow Bridge Books in Oakhurst is quilter Sheila Bruner. Bruner will be at the bookstore Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a presentation at 2 p.m.

About 20 years ago Bruner discovered her lifelong passion for sewing turned more specifically to quilting and began to hand quilt all her work. Then she discovered and mastered sewing machine quilting for finishing quilts. The time saved has allowed her to expand on her own quilted creations and also has helped others in finishing theirs.

A number of her works are on display at Willow Bridge Books and are available for purchase. Her work has been featured in Quilt Magazine Summer and Miniature Quilt Ideas. She is also a member of six quilt-related associations.

In addition, she has won recognition at fairs and contests and was juried in to the prestigious Road to California Quilt Show.

The SAH is always on the second Saturday of each month, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features an art reception at most of the local art galleries and other places that feature local original art. For more information, call (559) 692-2665.

Plein aire painting set

Plein aire painting will be featured at the Coarsegold Historic Museum.

Coarsegold Historic Museum officials want to invite all interested artists, photographers and their western-dressed models to attend April 25 and May 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Interested guests should bring a lunch and enjoy a break under the trees of the historic park.

This is also a unique opportunity to visit and see the local museum, as all the buildings will be open.

Tri-county art show

Yosemite Western Artists' annual tri-county art show opens at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at Gallery Row's Stellar Gallery in Oakhurst.

Expect to see the spectrum of artwork, including oil and watercolor painting, pastel, fiber, sculpture, mixed media, digital art and photography in both black and white and color. Artists receiving awards will be recognized at an artists' reception at the Stellar Gallery, hosted with the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce Mixer from 4 to 8 p.m. on the opening day of the show.

Come and meet the artists and view some terrific original artwork. This is the largest and best show in Central California, in my opinion.

The show will only be open for one week, with many art pieces sold at great prices in the first couple of days. The gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Saturday, May 3.

Poetry muse

Are you a muse for poetry? April is poetry month and what better month for poetry then spring?

The local poet group meets Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Positive Living Center in Oakhurst. They often have a weekly assignment, to help and inspire original writings.

The assignment for next week is to write about your own muse.

Mike helps the poetry group by sending out information. He sent me this poem.

Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.

There is no happiness like mine.

I have been eating poetry.

--from "Eating Poetry" by Mark Strand

Three Sisters reception

The Three Sisters Restaurant will be making a toast to the art of food, wine and art Sunday, April 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. Meet artist Sue Hasty, talk with wine makers and sample work from Butterfly Creek and of course dine or snack with the owner/chef of the Three Sisters in Oakhurst. For more information, call (559) 642-2253 or visit us online at www.threesisterscafe.com.