First Ever Annual Arts Sonoma Festival '10!

So, we all woke up really early after hardly sleeping and schlepped  our work to the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.  Skipping breakfast did not dampen Hanya's spirits, but did drive our vegetarian to the Lay's Potato Chips because, seriously, there was no food in sight.  Mine was measured, weighed, and hidden!

Hanya is a Landscape Artist.  Her connection to the land infuses her work with color, motion, atmosphere and depth.  In her work the landscape shimmers with emotion and passion.

Laura Paine Carr's corner, not quite how it settled, but getting there.  I was able to use both sides of my space and still create a welcoming little corner.

Set-up in the Atrium:  artists have a way with space!  They bustle and concentrate,  work hard, fret, fuss, and cheer one another on to the finished booth.  Of course quite a lot of visiting gets to happen as well.

This event was the first of its kind in Sonoma County.  Counties on all sides of us have had art festivals for decades.  Of course, Sonoma has focused on wine; "Wine Country!"  Meanwhile there are artists, writers and musicians everywhere.  Seriously.  Everywhere.  It is quite amazing, really.

I might add:  our corner of the world is beyond amazing.  We are so blessed.

Pamela Heck is a very eclectic artist.  Her gourds invite the viewer into the realm of the fantastic, peopled with mermaids, fairies, and dreams.  This gourd is of deeper hue than I was able to capture.  Her gourds also bring the sacred to life.

Pamela's paintings are deepening into her own style of Realism.  This is one of a series which depicts her sons.

Believe it or not, but this is a gourd.  She is not only captivating, but regal, mysterious.  Gives one pause.

Ruth Cardin's beaded jewelry leaves one breathless.   Her pieces are meant for Royalty, that's what I have to say about that.  Can you imagine?

Want to know something wonderful?  She is making me one!  

Here she is, Beautiful Woman, wearing the very first beaded necklace that she ever created!

You MUST enlarge this photo and enjoy the work, design, aesthetic, and all the faces!

I do not personally know this artist, but I want to!  Her name is Laurel Begley, and I am going Christmas shopping at her place.  

Can you imagine a cup of tea with a cookie, holding this small cup and saucer in your hands?  Perfection.  Even better, imagine two of them, and sharing tea with a friend, or Little Person!

Two girls came to Hanya's booth and were intrigued with her palette.  She taught them how to hold it, balancing it on the fore arm stabilizing with the thumb.  It isn't easy!

Outside the door from my booth stands this sculpture, Osprey and young with a salmon.  By afternoon the sun splashed golden all over it, the cast bronze came alive.

Artists are learning to market their work.  Of course, many are already into this aspect of their art.  I will correct that statement:  I am learning to market my work.  This event was a good one,  showcasing artists in our area.  As events go, it was rather impromtu, but so much good stuff came together, impressing those who did attend.  In our area, at this time of year, one can go from town to town, and take in festivals, farmer's markets, concerts.  Arts Sonoma Festival will be one to watch grow, and even better, one in which to participate.

Fun.  And I sold a painting!  It is going to a loving, spiritual, generous home.  In Love. 

Thank you, Gail.

xoxoLC