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El Dorado Hills Art & Wine Affaire

Apr 30, 2009 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

For anyone who enjoys fine art and fine wine, congratulations. This is your Mecca. Now in its sixth year, the El Dorado Hills Art & Wine Affaire brings more than 100 artists from all over the nation to Town Center to showcase their work, ranging from oils and acrylics to mixed media, bronzes, sculptures and jewelry. Sprinkle in some of El Dorado Hills’ finest wineries and you’ve got two full days of great entertainment that rivals anything you’ll find in Sausalito or Santa Barbara.  “This is truly a fine art show,” says Dave Williams, owner of Hang It Up Gallery and founder of the event. “We’re going to have a great selection of art and artists from around the state and around the country.”Some of the featured art and artists include Delia Bradford, who’s very well known for her impressionist landscape and floral paintings, the wonderful glass art of Tim Lazer, and the acrylic works of Dennis Nagatani. To accompany the art, 20 wineries from the El Dorado Hills region will be on-site offering tastings, all against a backdrop of live music and theater performances throughout the weekend.  This year, the Affaire happens to coincide with Mother’s Day weekend, May 9-10. Mom and family can easily make a day of it by combining the Affaire with strolls through Town Center’s various shops, stopping for lunch at one of the restaurants, and even catching a movie. More than 15,000 people are expected to visit the Affaire, which has enjoyed growing attendance and popularity with each successive year.  “This whole idea started when one of my artists suggested Town Center would be a great place for an art show,” Williams says. “So I developed a business plan, presented it to the Mansour Company, and got the ‘okay’ to move forward with it.”That first year, the event drew about 1,500. It was originally designed to be a fundraiser for the El Dorado Hills Optimist Club, but as it grew in popularity in subsequent years, it attracted attention. The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce became a partner in promoting and producing the event in year three, and two years later the El Dorado Hills Arts Council officially got involved.  “We see the Affaire as a great way to showcase our community,” says Debbie Manning, executive director of the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce. “With so many visitors coming from all over northern California, we’re hoping they’ll discover the charm of El Dorado Hills and want to come back.”Admission to the Affaire is free, although there is a cost for the wine tasting. Specifically, 20 dollars enables you to sample any or all of the featured wines, and net proceeds from the event benefit the Arts in Education programs of the El Dorado Arts Council, the Friends of Youth programs of the El Dorado Hills Optimist Club and the El Dorado Hills community outreach programs of the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce. <hr>For more information about this event, log on to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.eldoradohillsartaffaire.com">eldoradohillsartaffaire.com</a>.

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Precious Metals

Apr 30, 2009 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

Most artists can’t dress up their wardrobe with their creations, but El Dorado Hills jewelry artist Lorrene Baum-Davis can, and does, and calls her work a walking business card. Davis worked in the banking industry in Placerville for over 12 years, during which time she played with all art forms. Davis was trained as a goldsmith at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. After graduating, she opened the New Beginnings Gallery of Jewelry and Fine Art with her husband, Philip, in El Dorado Hills. The business was successful for 11 years, but in 2000 the Davis’ decided to close shop. “The money was good but I knew that if we were to grow, I needed more business acumen,” she says. “Money versus art – I chose art and I’ve never looked back.”Davis then became a full-time jewelry designer, teacher and graphic artist. She decided to try a new medium after reading an article in a trade magazine. The article said that pure precious metals (gold and silver) were made into a fine powder dust, added to water and an organic material to become malleable. She says she was hooked because the clay responds similarly to porcelain clay in workability, and because ceramic clay was her passion as a child and young adult, this was “the best of all possible worlds.” Davis fell in love with the polymers and metal clays in the ‘90s and immersed herself in these mediums. Eventually, she began teaching metal clay and polymer clay artistic techniques. Davis uses her ceramic skills by hand-building and pushing the silver metal clay into a mold, or forming it on a potter’s wheel. Once the item is dry, she spends 80 percent of her time sanding, filing, drilling, adding more clay, setting stones into the material, and then smoothing the high polish areas with special tools. At that point, she fires it in her kiln or with a handheld torch. Davis utilizes several finishing techniques, resulting in one-of-a-kind piece made from pure precious metals.“The metal clay is forgiving and exciting, and it is something I love to teach,” Davis says. “When my students see the finished work that they have created, their ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ pay me big emotional joy.” Davis teaches monthly workshops at the Placerville Sierra Foothills Studio. She is also on the faculty of the Revere Academy as one of their metal clay instructors. Davis is one of seven Master Instructors in Art Clay Silver in the U.S., and travels to teach both metal clay and polymer clay workshops. In 2007, she published a book titled, Setting Gemstones in Metal Clay. As if that wasn’t enough, Davis hosts open studios once a month.For more information about the artist, visit lorrenedavisdesigns.com. To reach Lorrene Baum-Davis, call 530-391-1969 or email [email protected].

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Dean-o-Holics

Apr 30, 2009 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.; everyone has loved at least one of them, and together they were unstoppable. Throw in a little Liberace and Nat King Cole, however, with a sprinkle of Tom Jones, and then you have the Dean-o-Holics.  Named as the best “Frank Sinatra band” and the best “Dean Martin Tribute band” for two consecutive years, the Dean-o-Holics are a live homage to the days of martinis, lounge performances, and living the good life. And it’s the “real deal,” according to the band’s leader.“You won’t find any karaoke or iPods at this show, and this is much more than a regurgitation of something from the 60s,” says Bob Caudle, a.k.a. Dean Martin. “We become the characters; we interact with the crowd and throw in a lot of shtick with a modern twist. We answer the question of what these guys would talk and joke about today if they were still alive.”Caudle is joined onstage by fellow locals Mike Martis as Frank Sinatra, Andre Williams as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Nat King Cole, and John Wilder, who’s a dead ringer for Liberace. Marlene Ward and Liz Nunn, as the gold-digging Marilyn Martini and Jessica R. Abbit, round out the singers. They’re usually backed up by a live “lil’ Big Band” with a baby grand piano, upright bass, sax and drums, but for some shows they’ll bring in a full 17-piece orchestra comprised of some of the top musicians in the country.    The caliber of talent I get to perform with is pretty humbling,” Martis says, who grew up singing Sinatra with his father. “Bob does a phenomenal Dean Martin, and Andre (who also sings with MC Hammer) is the consummate professional. He really is one of those guys who could sing the phone book and it would sound amazing.”Together, they travel all over the country putting on a show unlike anything you’re likely to find anywhere.  They’re even regulars in Frank’s very own “Sinatra Showroom” at the original Cal-Neva Resort. Perhaps the only real difference between these guys and the original Rat Pack is that they can still be bought.  They do customized packages, featuring everything from one performer to the whole troupe, for everything from vintage parties to weddings, birthdays, Italian festivals, and casino nights to straight-laced, black-tie affairs.  “What I’m always amazed at is just how much love is still out there for this special era out of America’s song book,” Caudle says. “We get standing ovations from every gig, whether it’s a wedding for a couple of 20-somethings or a 50th anniversary.”“When you come to a show, you’ll definitely experience a performance and hear music that you don’t get to hear anywhere else in town,” Martis says.For more information about Dean-o-Holics and their upcoming performances, visit dean-o-holics.com.

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Sierra Glassworks

Mar 31, 2009 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

As one of the few stained glass shops in northern California, Sierra Glassworks certainly fills an important niche in the art and home décor community. Husband and wife team Bill and Rose Leger opened Sierra Glassworks in Placerville more than 20 years ago, and with their one-of-a-kind stained glass art, created primarily for homes, their business has been going strong since day one. “It started out as a hobby for about five years, and then we decided to open up a shop in 1977,” says Bill, who does most of the designing and creating at the shop, though from time to time he also has employees whom assist in creating the pieces. Seekers of unique, stained glass pieces need look no further than Sierra Glassworks. The Legers create custom pieces of all shapes, designs and sizes for their customers. Cabinet windows? Yes. Entry ways? No problem. Just tell Bill what you want. “There aren’t a lot of stained glass shops around, so when people see us or hear about us, they usually know right away that they want something,” says Rose. “We can make a window to fit just about any location...whatever kind of style customers want, we’ll do.”Over the years, the Legers have seen several trends come and go and they’ve made everything from hummingbirds to frogs to florals and dozens of designs in between. Bill says that designs incorporating grapes are popular in homes with a wine country style. One customer wanted a window that replicated his prized private airplane. Recently, Bill completed an entryway for a home in Bodega Bay that overlooks the ocean; the entry way now features two grand six-feet x two-foot windows depicting whales underwater, made with glass clear enough to see through to the sea. Bill goes on to say that he does prefer making some designs over others. “Styles change over the years. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, people wanted color. Nowadays I do a lot of bevels, clears, and a lot in art deco style. I really enjoy creating pieces in the arts and crafts style (a design theme that incorporates straight lines and lots of bevels); that’s always fun,” he says. Customers don’t necessarily have to order custom pieces, however. Right now, the Legers have about 20 windows on display in their shop. Custom pieces can take approximately four weeks to design and complete, according to Rose. Many windows are made to easily slide over existing glass windows.If you’re in the market for stained glass or are just curious about the art, perhaps you can pay a visit to Sierra Glassworks. They have photographs of their work and several pieces for viewing, and Bill says that when people see the work in person it helps them realize what they might want. Considering that the Legers have created 2,500 pieces over the past 22 years, they have certainly made a mark in many local homes.<hr>For more information about Sierra Glass Works, check out <a target="_blank" href=:http://wwww.sierraglassworks.com">sierraglassworks.com</a>, call 530-626-0368 or visit the store at 674 Main Street, Placerville.

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Rock Generation

Mar 31, 2009 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

Rock Generation’s director, Susan Holt Fletcher, known as “Fletch,” understands what it is like to lack self-confidence. As a child, she suffered with a stuttering problem. Her parents enrolled her at a song, dance and theater studio and she was able to overcome her speech challenges. “Performing on stage helped build my confidence,” Fletch says, “I credit the encouragement I received to help end my stuttering.” Instilling self confidence in children has become Fletch’s life. She first worked with the international organization Sunshine Generation. The well-known group focused on growing the ranks and allowing hundreds of kids to join. In 2006, she decided to break away to form Rock Generation. The new group maintained the emphasis of helping kids grow through live performance; however, Fletch wanted to keep a limited number of performers so that no one would get lost in the crowd. “It is important that the casts are small,” she says, “so coaches and children can get to know and trust each other.” Rock Generation is comprised of 25 children, all 3-14 years old, and two coaches. “It is all about the kids,” Fletch explains. “Every child has talent and we just bring it out.” The group performs in safe venues where the children and the shows are appreciated. Each show is structured to help bring out the performer’s strengths. Songs and skits are selected to go along with each child’s age and ability. The children love performing at local retirement homes. “It is a win-win for everyone,” Fletch says. “The residents love the entertainment and the kids love the appreciation and enthusiasm.” All the songs they perform are uplifting and have empowering themes. One of them is a Disney Camp Rock hit “This Is Me” with lyrics  that strike a cord with performers – I’ve always been the kind of girl that hid my face...So afraid to tell the world what I’ve got to say...This is real. This is me. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, now gonna let the light shine on me.Eleven-year-old Amanda Ramos, a three-year veteran of Rock Generation, loves being involved. This Sutter Middle School sixth grader used to be a very shy kid. “I do a lot of stuff now I didn’t do before,” Ramos says. “I have so much more confidence.” She is also grateful that the group has a “no have-to’s” policy. If a child is not up to performing, they are not forced to participate. “My reward is watching my performers shine,” Fletch reflects. “It still touches my heart when that familiar look of triumph lights up a child’s face for the first time. Who could ask for more than that?”With the help of Rock Generation, each child gets their moment to star and shine. And, the feeling of success can never be taken away. What a great way to send kids out into the world!

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Robin Tomlinson

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

In a world of galleries, museums, and art in public places, the average person is exposed to plenty of art. But it’s not every day that such exposure moves someone so deeply that they decide to become an artist themselves. Robin Tomlinson, a Placerville artist, did just that. Four years ago, Tomlinson visited the Navy Pier in Chicago, where over 200 stained glass pieces from all over the world are on display. “The pieces are enormous and beautiful and breathtaking, and when I saw them, I wept,” says Tomlinson.Upon her return home, Tomlinson knew she wanted to devote her time to learning and creating art. At first, art was therapeutic for her, but it quickly evolved into something more. “When family and friends began to see what I’d made and asked me to create pieces for them, I thought maybe there was potential for me to make a profession of it,” she says. “I thought that if I could love what I do and make money doing it, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”Tomlinson’s pieces exhibit skills of a veteran artist as opposed to a woman who is new to the art scene. New though she may be, Tomlinson’s work, also known as “Pieces of Ra Ra,” is capturing some major attention. In fact, she recently sold custom pieces to Red Hawk Casino to display in its High Stakes room. Her art will be permanently featured as part of Red Hawk’s décor. Tomlinson’s art can also be seen and purchased at Artist Edge Gallery, Sacramento (beginning in April); Mia Sorella, El Dorado Hills; and Rocky’s Art Gallery, Placerville. She not only sells her art, but donates 5-10 pieces per year to organizations such as the SPCA, the Lymphoid and Leukemia Foundation, and the El Dorado County Fair. Fun, yes. But easy? Certainly not. Tomlinson reveals a time-consuming, intricate creation process. All her pieces are mixed medium, and she hand cuts glass, rope and other materials for each piece. Her first step is to cover her canvas in clay, which takes 24 to 48 hours to dry. She then must paint the clay, and wait 24 to 72 hours for it to dry again. Next, she lays each tiny piece of rope, glass or beads into her desired design. Finally, she covers the whole canvas with an acrylic material, which can take up to 24 hours to dry. She blow dries the acrylic to smooth out thousands of tiny bubbles, and if her canvases get even the tiniest particle of dust on them while they’re drying, they will be ruined.“It takes a very long time to create each piece. I always have ideas and I just want to create, but I won’t start a new project until I’ve finished the previous one,” she says. Despite the long process, however, Tomlinson is thoroughly enjoying her newfound passion as evidenced when she says, “I’m having a great time. If I could do this for the next 30 years, I’d be in heaven.”

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Jim Marxen

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Some artists require an elaborate studio with large windows for natural light. They require quietness and a space where they can create without being bothered or distracted. They have no sympathy for the common folk and demand to be treated as royalty. Not so with Folsom artist Jim Marxen. His studio is one-half of a parking space in his home’s three – car garage. He, his talent, easel and paints share the tiny space with a bicycle and the lawn mower. He started painting 35 years ago in junior high school with watercolors and later graduated to acrylics. But, he gave up painting for a while due to his busy family life and heavy work schedule, but after moving to Folsom from Southern California 20 years ago, he picked up the brush and canvas again. “I paint after work and on weekends,” Marxen explains. “It’s my second full-time job.”His colorful urban landscapes and figures nearly jump off of the canvas with rich vibrant hues. “My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Korts, loved my drawings,” he says. “She inspired me to use lots of color in my work.” This use of color is reflected in all of Marxen’s work. One of his favorite subjects is the coast, specifically Monterey, Santa Cruz and Mendocino. “There is a painting everywhere,” Marxen says. “The coast has wonderful colors and angles.” His wife Leslie, a teacher at Folsom Hills Elementary, sacrifices her Sunday afternoons and most evenings so that he can paint. “I grade papers,” she says, “or watch my favorite TV shows.” Their five-year-old dog Sadie, the couple’s adorable little black Schnoodle, hangs out and keeps Marxen company while he paints.Marxen has been showing his work at various galleries around the area, and with a show this month at Sacramento’s Blue Moon Gallery – he needs lots of pieces. “I paint as much as possible,” he admits. “I push myself to keep my skills sharp.” He loves creating colorful canvases and works hard so that each one meets his high standards. He is his own toughest critic and knows what works for him and makes him happy. He also understands that painting is solitary and sometimes hard work. “Creating a painting is not a community thing,” Marxen states. “When it comes down to it, it’s you and the canvas...a battle to see who will win.”One of Marxen’s biggest fans is local attorney Jennifer Shaw. She has purchased a number of his paintings and follows his career closely. “His work is very innovative,” Shaw says. “I just love his use of color.” One of her favorites is Going Home, a painting depicting a section of the freeways in Los Angeles. It hangs prominently in her living room. Shaw is always delighted when her guests are immediately drawn to the painting. “It takes talent,” she explains, “someone with genuine inspiration, to make a freeway look interesting!”•For more information on Marxen’s work, check out marxenart.com or visit the Blue Moon Gallery at 2353 Albatross Way, Sacramento.

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Fine Art, Fine Folks

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

What comes into some people’s minds when they hear Sun City? Do they imagine elderly men in brightly colored shirts riding in golf carts? Or is it a vision of blue haired ladies wearing lace collars playing bridge? Well think again! If you want to meet people who prove that the saying “50 is the new 30” is true...just hang out with members of The Artists of Timber Creek. “We’re not a bunch of old fogies slapping paint on canvas,” Bobbie Powell, the group’s publicist says. “We are professional artists bringing every media style to life.” More than a decade ago, the Artists of Timber Creek began as the Sun City Art Club with 20 members. It has since grown to 150 members whom join together to learn about art, display their work, and sell art. The group’s talent and experience range from newly interested hobbyists to art professionals with lifelong careers in the field. They all work in concert for the betterment of their art studio and each other’s talent. Several artists offer classes throughout the year and share their specific knowledge for creating landscapes, portraits, still life and more. The studio, located in the elegant Timber Lodge of Roseville’s Sun City, is transformed into a gallery on the first Saturday of every month. These “first Saturday” receptions feature a specific theme or individual artist, and are open to the public. It is the perfect occasion to meet and mingle with local artists, enjoy a glass of wine and see great art. The artists also host their Annual Art Show each spring. Now in its 14th year, the show takes over Sun City’s Ballroom and fills it to the rafters with more than 300 paintings and works of art. The show also includes live music, a wine bar, and opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their work. This year jewelry, greeting cards, and stationary will be available for sale. As in past years, they will also raffle several original pieces. “This show is a collaborative effort and everyone has a part to play,” Dennis Carr, Chairman of the 2009 show says. “It’s a lot of work and a lot of fun.” The group also believes in bringing art into local schools. All proceeds from the raffle, along with a percentage of the art sales, will help to educate kids on the importance of art. “We have been able to raise about $1,200 each year,” Powell says. “It is important to us that we contribute time and money to children’s art education.” William Fatlowitz of Art Talks, located in Roseville, does framing for trade and commercial artists. He has been framing the work created by several of the Timber Creek artists for years, and says that he is quite impressed by the quality of their work. “The work of these artists is very good,” Fatlowitz says. “These pieces hold up next to professional art pieces.”Artists of Timber Creek’s Annual Art Show takes place on Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sun City Roseville Ballroom. Join the fun and see the art, you won’t be disappointed. For more information, call 916-774-3888. •

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