Anne McClure artwork featured

You're Invited

By Al Joyal

(Updated: Friday, April 18, 2008, 9:01 PM)

Local art

Now showing at the United Security Bank, in Oakhurst, are the paintings of Anne McClure. Sometime around the age of 7, McClure was introduced to pastels by a British sailor friend of her grandfather's, who would spend time with the family in Yonkers each time his ship docked in New York harbor. Knowing that little Anne loved to draw, the sailor started bringing art supplies from England for the child.

After winning several scholarships, she chose the Fashion Institute of Technology and Design in New York City for an education in clothing design. Upon graduation, she entered the coat and suit field and continued doing paintings for herself and clients in watercolors and oils.

It wasn't until about 25 years ago that she remembered how much fun she had with pastels and started using them again, honing her skills with workshops from several well-known pastelists.

McClure is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, the Pastel Society of the West Coast and the Alliance of California Artists. She has been published in Best of Pastels, International Pastel Artist and the Pastel Journal. Her work may also be seen at her studio gallery. Her work is for sale, and she can be contacted at (559) 683-0451, or e-mailing ca-mcclure@sti.net.

Earth Day art

Sunday, April 27 is Earth Day. Volunteers from the North Fork community chose this year's theme as "Building Community through Reverence for the Earth and All Life."

This is an opportunity to show art, if you are an artist or enjoy art. Any artists interested in displaying their art in the new Indian Building during Earth Day festivities can call Joanne Freemire at (559) 877-4911.

Join the Jitterbug Project

The last series of this season begins Tuesday, April 22. Offered through the Yosemite High School Adult Education, Introduction To Swing And Other Social Dances is a series of six classes that focus on East Coast Swing, also known as the jitterbug. Lori Landrin has been teaching this class for almost three years. She just concluded a series in North Fork and is teaching classes in both Mariposa near the fairgrounds and in El Portal.

The fifth graders in Mrs. Clark's class at Oakhurst Elementary School participated in a jitterbug series, and have already performed twice. This is a great class for all ages.

For more information call Lori at (559) 658-8541, or e-mail mountaindancer@sti.net. To register for the teen/adult class, call Lawnna Porter (559) 683-8801 Ext: 303. Or you can register at the first class held in Oakhurst at the Oakhurst Elementary School Cafeteria. Level I - 6 p.m. and Level II - 7 p.m. Also, it's time to get ready for this month's Oakhurst Community Ballroom Dance, on Sunday April 26, at the Oakhurst Community Center, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Yosemite Lakes Park's art and garden show

On Saturday May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can enjoy a tour of five outstanding gardens for $8. Start by purchasing tickets at the YLP Clubhouse for the tour. Tickets will be on sale the day of the tour from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Some of the features of the tour are a koi pond and a handicap accessible exercise pool. For more information call Marie at (559) 641-7569.