OAKHURST – Celebrating artists and artisans, fostering art education, bringing locals and visitors together for a weekend experience unlike any other in the region: these are the days of Sierra Art Trails open studio tour.
Now in its 13th year, Sierra Art Trails (SAT) is set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2, 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With more than 100 artists participating from myriad locations around the foothills, it’s shaping up to be a perfect weekend for all concerned.
Browse the special section in SNO devoted to 2015 Sierra Art Trails.
This much-anticipated, self-guided tour draws hundreds of happy people to the mountain area each year, to see local artists and art featured in homes, studios and galleries in eastern Madera and Mariposa counties.
For $18, visitors receive a special catalog, which is their “Ticket for Two” for the event. It includes a list of participating artists, photographs of their work, and maps to direct visitors to the locations they choose, at a pace they pick.
Visitors will be treated to demonstrations, and works of art will be for sale. Catalogs are available at online and on Gallery Row in Oakhurst, as well as other participating locations you can find by clicking the links.
This year’s catalog cover features the work of artist Susan Manter Bolen, the inspired “Heart of the Forest,” a lush creation from the largely self-taught painter whose work is shown year-round at Williams Gallery West on Gallery Row in Oakhurst.
Everyone with a catalog is invited behind the scenes during SAT to get up close and personal with fine art and fine crafts in the making, and to connect with the artists and artisans who create the work, which includes painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, fiber arts, woodcarving, glass and jewelry.
Artist Jonathan “Jon” Bock is owner/operator of Williams Gallery West and one of the founders of Sierra Art Trails, a nonprofit corporation run by volunteers.
“I love the feeling that there are hundreds of people scattered throughout the area working toward a common goal to make the show a success,” Bock says.
“Planning ahead is important to getting the most out of your Sierra Art Trails weekend,” say organizers. “If you plan to stay overnight, book your reservations early.”
It’s recommended by afficianados that art-lovers visit the Preview Exhibit at Stellar Gallery in Oakhurst. The exhibit opens a month before the show, on Saturday, Sept. 5 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 4. The opening Gala Reception is on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 4 – 9 p.m.
The Sierra Art Trails committee for 2015 consists of Jonathan Bock, Michael J. Costa, Franka Mlikota Gabler, Gloria Garland, Anne Grandy, Carolyn Hartling, Charlotte and David Hoffman, Kris Kessey, Carol Kovach, Kathy Marks, Cathy McCrery-Cordle, Steve Montalto, Saralynn Nusbaum, Brian Ross, Norma Rogers, and Michelle Sonoqui Gillette.
Mark your calendar for the first weekend of October, plan ahead, and take advantage of the tremendous talent we have in the foothills.
For information on special activities during Sierra Art Trails weekend, including demonstrations, special presentations, musical performances and more, visit the website. You can also follow Sierra Art Trails on Facebook.
