Art, Wine and Community Come Together at August Oakhurst Art Hop

For one evening each month, downtown Oakhurst becomes less about shopping and errands and more about slowing down, meeting neighbors and celebrating the area’s creative community.

That tradition continues Thursday, Aug. 20, when the Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop returns from 5 to 8 p.m., bringing together local artists, wineries, musicians, food vendors and businesses throughout town.

Now in its seasonal run from May through October, the monthly event has grown into more than an art walk. Organizers say it offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to discover local artists, support mountain businesses and experience Oakhurst in a different way.

Seven locations throughout town will host artists and vendors during the evening, with the free Oakhurst Trolley providing transportation between stops. Guests are also welcome to create their own route using the event map, spending as much—or as little—time at each location as they choose.

One of the evening’s biggest draws is the chance to meet the artists themselves. Rather than simply viewing artwork on gallery walls, visitors can talk directly with the people who created it, ask questions about their techniques and hear the stories behind their work.

Artists scheduled to participate include Nina Anctil, Erin Alstrom Cook, Don Davis, Carolyn De Anda, Autumn Willison Ensign, Linda Heitkamp, Jim Heitkamp, Carolie Jensen, Julia Lee, Gina Mims, Jennifer Moss, John Richard Minney, Andrew Regner, Laurie Rose Harry, Kurt Starkey, Dorella Troup and Katie Wing.

Wine tasting remains an optional part of the evening. Guests who wish to participate can purchase an official Art & Wine Hop keepsake tasting glass for $20 at participating locations. Returning visitors may bring their existing glass and purchase a tasting wristband for $10.

Participating wineries for August include Hearst Ranch Winery, Arbuckle Ridge Winery, Fresno State Winery, Highway 12 Winery, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard, Papagni Winery and Crū, along with a cocktail tasting from Oakhurst Spirits Distillery. Organizers note that this year’s exceptionally early grape harvest could result in last-minute changes to winery participation.

For those coming primarily for the atmosphere, no tasting ticket is required. Visitors are welcome to browse artwork, ride the trolley, enjoy live demonstrations, visit participating businesses and grab dinner from one of several local food vendors.

Food options for the evening include My Country Kitchen, L&J Mexican, Tater Jo’s, The Green Machine, Clash and Sierra Ranch Chili.

The evening doesn’t end when Art Hop concludes at 8 p.m. Country musician Allen Byus will perform at Yosemite Wine Tails from 8:30 to 10 p.m. as part of the Art & Wine Hop Concert Series. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Organizers are also looking ahead to October’s final Art Hop of the season, which will introduce a new Christmas Market designed to expand the event beyond traditional art exhibits. The market will feature artists, makers, crafters and artisan vendors offering handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, jewelry, specialty foods, home goods and other unique items.

“We’re excited to introduce the Christmas Market and bring even more artists and makers into Art Hop,” said Colette Goga, owner of Yosemite Wine Tails and co-founder of Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop. “We want it to be a fun way to kick off the holiday shopping season, find unique gifts and support the talented people in our community.”

Artists, makers and vendors interested in participating in the October Christmas Market may contact Goga at Yosemite Wine Tails by calling 559-676-9296.

Additional information, including event maps, participating locations and tasting tickets, is available at OakhurstArtHop.com.