The traveling exhibit “AnimalScapes of the Sierra Foothills” arrives February 17 at the Hotel Sutter in the Banquet Room for one month. The public is invited to come by (open daily) and see the 55 original pieces of juried art and poetry created by artists in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties that explore the diverse animal world found in the Sierra foothills. Most of the works are for sale; some are already sold.  

The Opening Reception in Sutter Creek at 50 Main St. will be on Saturday, February 20, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.  Besides enjoying live music by singer/songwriter Jill Warren, guests will observe several live feathered friends including owls and hawks brought to the event by TriCounty Wildlife from its “Saving Wildlife Saves Us” educational program, spokespersons from California Dept. Fish and Wildlife, and the Performing Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) will also be on hand. The event is free and open to the public. 

The landmark “AnimalScapes” project was created through a “Creative California Communities” grant from the California Arts Council and is a collaboration of the Calaveras Arts Council, the lead agency, with AmadorArts and the Tuolumne County Arts Alliance. A similar project last year was “River Reflections” when AmadorArts was the lead agency.

A 2017 commemorative Wall Calendar is being produced that features all of the “AnimalScapes” art and poetry and can be pre-ordered at the show.  After its run in Sutter Creek until March 13, the exhibit will be packed up and moved to Tuolumne County where it can be viewed from March 15 to April 3, with the opening reception on March 19 in the Black Oak Casino Hotel lobby in the town of Tuolumne.

Information and photo courtesy of Amador County Arts Council.