MEDIA RELEASE from AmadorArts
EVENT DATE: Saturday, November 10, 2012  4:30 – 8:00 pm
LOCATION:  Main Street and the Auditorium (18 Main St.) of Sutter Creek in Amador County (Gold Country, aka Mother Lode)

Thirty Amador wineries have donated to the Winefest silent auction in the auditorium.	Art created and donated by Amador County’s finest artists is always a favorite part of the Winefest silent auction	Those attending the Winefest help keep the arts alive in local schools

Annual Winefest November 10 in Sutter Creek’s Shops and Auditorium

The 15th annual Winefest in Sutter Creek, sponsored by AmadorArts, offers new features for guests to enjoy while they partake in the popular walk-about wine-tasting event. On Saturday, November 10, from 4:30 to 8:00 pm, plan to visit first the Sutter Creek Auditorium and then, the town’s historic Main Street shops to taste 25 Amador wines and nibble appetizers. Return to the Auditorium for the Winefest Grand Finale, which will present live music, desserts and dessert wines, a fabulous Silent Auction of wine, art, event packages, and the Mystery Wine Grab.

Can’t find the Sutter Creek Auditorium at 18 Main at 4:30 pm to check in? Look for the decorated entrance which will make guests feel like celebrities at the Oscars.  Once inside, many stations will be open to pick up your Winefest 2012 Map wristband, and commemorative wine glass. Take a look at the many enticing silent auction items and start bidding. Then begin your journey walking up and down the three blocks of historic Main Street visiting 25 shops which each will be offering tastings of a different fine Amador County winery.  

Your ticket includes your return to the auditorium about 6:45 pm where live music by the Tri-Tone Subs - Barry Duncan and Joe Bellamy - will beckon you inside to indulge in desserts by Taste Restaurant, Andrae’s Bakery, The Chocolate Lady, and by Ingrid Fraser Elegant Cakes and Fine Desserts. Tastings of dessert wines will be available from Karmere, Spinetta, and Sonora Port Works.  Finalize your bids in the silent auction, which will include wine from over 30 wineries and art by many of Amador County’s most talented artists, Howard Rees, Kam Merzlak, Julie Trail, Sharon Galligan, to name just a few. Other auction items will be special packages such as visits in Sacramento, Volcano, Tahoe, a private band performance, an elegant cocktail party for 20 in a unique home setting, theatre tickets, and much more.  

New this year in the auditorium will be the Mystery Wine Grab. All wines will have a retail value of at least $20, with many valued at more. The bottles will be hidden in plain white bags; you pick one, pay $20, and take it home.

Advance tickets are $25 each (purchase on-line here), or $30 the day of the event at the auditorium starting at 4:30 pm. By using a credit card through www.amadorarts.org your tickets can be printed at home to save time at the auditorium’s check-in. Or, there also will be Will Call or ticket purchasing in the auditorium.  These locations are selling tickets now: in Sutter Creek at the Sutter Creek Wine Tasting Shop; in Ione at Clark’s Corner; in Pine Grove at Up Country Hardware; in Jackson at the Amador Chamber of Commerce, 115 Main St.; and in Plymouth, at Dr. Curry’s dental office.

Your support of the 15th annual Winefest provides much-needed funds for arts in education in local schools. AmadorArts is a non-profit organization that has been serving the county for 30 years. Visit www.amadorarts.org or phone 209-223-9038.  

Release written by Penny West 209-293-7211  west@volcano.net

Stella Stevens work will be featured at Gallery 10

This intricate paper collage called Stepping-In Mandala by Douglas DeVivo can been seen at the Fine Eye Gallery during the First Saturday Art Trek and throughout September

Jewelry by Delias will be at the Petroglyphe Gallery in Mokelumne Hill

Example of the featured artist who will be at Hanford St. Gallery for a reception on September 1 and throughout the month

MEDIA RELEASE  from AmadorArts and 1st Saturday Art Trek

EVENT DATE: Sat. Sept 1, from 1:00 – 7:00 pm

LOCATIONS:  Nine galleries in Jackson, Sutter Creek, Amador City, and Mokelumne Hill

Take a Trip on the Art Trek
Amador 1st Saturday Art Trek is on September 1st

The next Amador 1st Saturday Art Trek will be September 1, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm at nine galleries in Amador County and the north part of Calaveras.  Take a trek and see what each gallery is currently featuring. It might be an artist's reception, cookies and punch, wine and cheese, music, or simply staying open for an extra hour or two on this 1st Saturday evening.  You’ll always have fun seeing what kind of art these galleries have selected to exhibit for the month and meeting others, like artists and art lovers.

Those visiting the Fine Eye Gallery in Sutter Creek will experience the first day of the month long-exhibit of Mandalas – Paintings with Paper- by mixed media artist, Douglas DeVivo, an award winning artist and native of California who has exhibited his work from the Bay Area all the way to Taipei, China.  Trained as a designer but a spirited artist at heart, DeVivo creates intricate collages, weaving together layer upon lacy layer of personal history, found materials and old, illustrated technology. In concert with DeVivo’s collages, the Fine Eye will also feature the stately vessels of Fresno potter, Craig Easter. His work, which he creates from locally sourced clay and wood ash, is an expression of the colors and textures of exposed earth of both the Sierra and the San Joaquin Valley.
 Little City Studio & Gallery in Amador City is now featuring beautiful stoneware pottery by local artist Joyce Theurkauf.  New quilted pieces by local artist Maureen Teel will be on exhibit and for sale, besides the gallery’s other colorful and textural works including fabric art and clothing, original paintings, collage, weaving and jewelry.

At the Hanford Street Gallery in Sutter Creek there will be an artist’s reception for Polish born and educated Zbigniew Kozikowski who is exhibiting a series of cityscapes.  His works demonstrate a use of acrylic, oil, watercolor and various texturizing elements to create an integration of abstract forms with the beauty of nature and light. The artist, who now lives in the Sacramento area, found his original inspiration in the cubist tradition of Picasso and Braque and his paintings reflect a constant pushing of the usual boundaries in terms of materials, methods, color and subject. 

Petroglyphe Gallery in Mokelumne Hill  for September will be featuring the works of jewelry artist Delias, whose inspiration stems from the cold hard lines of modern architecture as well as the soft shapes found in nature. With an emphasis on texture, she combines cast elements with hand fabrication to bring her work in sterling silver to life. Her jewelry may include blue topaz, garnet, labradorite, moonstone, turquoise and granulated silver.

Gallery 10 in Sutter Creek is having a reception for its September featured artists, Stella Stevens and Marie Martz-Mort. Stevens paints extremely realistic watercolors of wildlife that have brought her nationwide attention. Her images have been used by the U.S. Dept. of the Interior and the California Dept. of Fish and Game, to name just two among many prestigious commissions. Her work is in collections throughout the U.S.  Martz-Mort excels at the jewelry making process, from the first idea to sketches of the finished design, the actual construction or carving of a wax for casting of the piece, to the final touches of setting the gemstones and polishing. She utilizes interesting combinations of gemstones, like natural spinel, fancy colored garnets, chrome diopside, natural zircons, gold in quartz, moss agates, fossilized dinosaur bone, natural pearls and fire agate.

Sutter Creek Gallery will be featuring, starting September 1, work by Laurie Williams. She uses animal subject matter in acrylic, watercolor, and sculpture in paper mache and ceramic.

Be sure to make the Art Trek to all the participating galleries. Remember, “More art in your life makes you feel better.”  This is an opportunity to entertain the entire family and get a solid dose of art at the same time.  Mark your calendars now for the future 1st Saturday Art Treks.  For info on this and lots of other arts-related info, visit www.amadorarts.org

Art Trek maps available at these participating galleries:  

Add Art provides fine art framing services and displays the work of John Johannsen who first showcased his vibrant canvases in a one-man show at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.  20 Main St., Jackson, CA 95642

Chaos glassworks produces blown glass vases, bowls, plates, pumpkins, lighting, lamp-worked beads, paperweights, sculpture, and jewelry, as well as ceramic sculpture. 121A Hanford St, Sutter Creek, CA 95685

Fine Eye Gallery lets you revel in your style and indulge yourself with enticing delights, inspiration and imagination making the common extraordinary. 71 Main St., Sutter Creek, CA 95685

Gallery 10 was established in 1995 and is housed in an historic former saloon and bordello. Today it is a popular and well-visited site for both local residents and visitors. 15 Eureka St., Sutter Creek, CA 95685

Hanford St. Gallery presents local, regional and occasionally international artists working in a wide range of mediums and styles.  Opening a new show monthly as part of 1st Saturday.   291 Hanford St., Sutter Creek, CA 95685

Little City Studio & Gallery  with all local artists - both fine art and accessories -  you are sure to find something to delight.  14180 Main St., Amador City, CA 95601.

Petroglyphe Gallery features original contemporary works of art in oil, acrylic, watercolor, glass, ceramic and jewelry.  Also on display, are limited edition bronze sculptures and copper plate etching prints. 8317 Main St.,  Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245

Sutter Creek Gallery is a community oriented co-op presenting works of 24 local artists plus special presentations such as a rotating display from the ARC, "a non-profit organization serving people with developmental disabilities."  Works cover a wide range; paintings in all mediums; textiles; sculpture; woodwork; and water features; an extensive collection of cards.  See the selection of art by local children.  35 Main St., Sutter Creek, CA 95685

Valley View Interiors brings a discriminating taste in carefully chosen works of fine art.  A strong eye for detail and a smart sense of style create a welcoming retreat.  48 Main St., Sutter Creek, CA 95685.

Black Irish Band Heads to Pioneer for free T.G.I.F. Concert August 3

MEDIA RELEASE  from AmadorArts and  1st Saturday Art Trek
EVENT DATE: Sat. August 4, from 1:00 – 7:00 pm
LOCATIONS:  Nine galleries in Jackson, Sutter Creek, Amador City, and Mokelumne Hill

CAPTIONS:  1.) Bear Stare, is by artist Pam Findleton, who will be featured at Petroglyphe Gallery during the August 4th Art Trek. 2.) One of the 11 images by James Groleau that can be seen at Hanford St. Gallery. 3.) You can always find one-of-a-kind glass art, like this light, in Chaos Glassworks.

Take a Trip on the Art Trek
Amador 1st Saturday Art Trek is on August 4th

The next Amador 1st Saturday Art Trek will be August 4, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm at nine galleries in Amador County and the north part of Calaveras.  Take a trek and see what each gallery is currently featuring. It might be an artist's reception, cookies and punch, wine and cheese, music, or simply staying open for an extra hour or two on this 1st Saturday evening.  You’ll always have fun seeing what kind of art these galleries have selected to exhibit for the month and meeting others, like artists and art lovers.
A showing of powerful mezzotints by San Francisco artist James Groleau will be highlighted at an Amador 1st Saturday Art trek reception on August 4th from 4 - 7pm at the Hanford St. Gallery in Sutter Creek. The 11 images that make up the body of work titled "Gates of Rochefort" are not editioned prints, but one-of-a-kind pieces.  Depictions of various French architectural elements were first rendered in mezzotint, then cut up and sewn together to form two-dimensional structures. The structures were then hand-stitched onto property deeds from Rochefort, France. Materials include mezzotint, thread, glue, charcoal and antique deeds dating to 1836. Groleau taught himself this most difficult printmaking technique and has become a modern master at it. He is the recipient of numerous awards, grants, and fellowships, and his work in the collections of National Museum of Fine Art, Antwerp, Belgium; the Oakland Museum; Cleveland Museum, and in many others.
At Chaos Glassworks in Sutter Creek, view the exhibit of photographs by life-long Amador County photographer Larry Angier, featuring select black and white and color photographs of Amador County and the west.  His work has won awards internationally including Silver and Bronze awards in the 2012 Epson International Panorama Competition. Additionally, his work was juried into the California Works exhibition at the 2012 California State Fair. The Amador Council of Tourism uses Angier's work in their travel planners and on their website.

 Little City Studio & Gallery in Amador City is now featuring beautiful stoneware pottery by local artist Joyce Theurkauf.  August is a little uncertain for the owner / artist Carol Sethre. She advises calling first, 209-267-9257.

Featured Artist at Sutter Creek Gallery in August is Melissa Doyel, a watercolorist from Fiddletown. This  artist Co-Op gallery will be open in her honor on this 1st Saturday Art Trek 1:00 until 7:00 pm.   Come by and meet the artist.  Melissa Doyel has drawn or painted most of her life.  Not formally trained, but with a love of watercolor, she’s been focused on the medium since moving to Amador four years ago.   She’s learned technique and how to explore new ideas from several local teachers and artists. Doyel  has received multiple 1st & 2nd place awards in the Amador County Fair each year and won Best Of Show for her watercolor portrait “ Tyler” in 2011.  The Sutter Creek Gallery hosts several different mediums of art including watercolor, oils, textiles, photograhy, sculpture & more.  
Petroglyphe Gallery in Mokelumne Hill  will be featuring the works of Pamela Findleton, an artist who exposes the often overlooked divinity of life’s everyday movements. Using a variety of vibrant, animate colors she lures her viewer into a world of surreal fluidity and spirituality. She says, “Color and light tell a story in every moment of our lives. It’s a story that I try to make visible on canvas.”
Fine Eye Gallery will continue to feature artisans Ugone & Thomas. These  incomparable designers pioneered an affordable giclee process that maintains the unique, luminous look and feel of their signature lampshades.   You can see the works of Janna Ugone and Justin Thomas and their full line of giclee lamps and home accessories as well as custom-order their original hand painted lighting.

Be sure to make the Art Trek to all the participating galleries. Remember, “More art in your life makes you feel better.”  This is an opportunity to entertain the entire family and get a solid dose of art at the same time.  Mark your calendars now for the future 1st Saturday Art Treks.  For info on this and lots of other arts-related info, visit www.amadorarts.org

Art Trek maps available at these participating galleries:  

Add Art provides fine art framing services and displays the work of John Johannsen who first showcased his vibrant canvases in a one-man show at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.  20 Main St., Jackson, CA 95642

TGIF July 20:  Feather River to Perform in Sutter Creek

The Feather River Band will return to Amador when the green grass and babbling waters of Minnie Provis Park in Sutter Creek beckons picnickers for another enjoyable evening.  The free music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring your own dinners, beverages, and items to sit on.

Rodger Faddis and Danny McCauley comprise Feather River and their music reflects their fondness of the country western style with a western swing flavor.  They met in a work environment and quickly discovered they both had a love of the same kind of music. Faddis plays rhythm guitar and provides vocals, while McCauley plays pedal steel guitar leads and sings backup.  Audiences love the easy, smooth and upbeat sound. They’ve played at many local events, including at the Italian Picnic Grounds, Teresa’s Place, BG’s Lounge, Dandelion Days, Blue Mountain Event Center, private parties and other events.

From old Highway 49 in Sutter Creek, turn onto Church Street to find the park, a half block down on the left. 

There will not be a T.G.I.F concert on July 27 because the Amador County Fair in Plymouth will be going on in full swing with its theme of “Barn in the USA.”  Be sure to attend; there’s lots of music and other fun things to do and see, like the Friday night Wine Tasting for an additional fee, the Professional Art & Photography Exhibit, and the window that spotlights activities of AmadorArts.  

T.G.I.F. on July 13 - Find Out What Makes Two Tone Steiny A Music Winner

Two-Tone Steiny and his band will perform a sharp, well-rehearsed mix of gritty Chicago-style, harmonica-driven Blues and West Coast Swing at the Volcano Amphitheatre on Friday, July 13. Starting at 6:00 pm Mark “Steiny” Steinmetz will step to the mic and start the music that made him winner of the Sacramento Blues Society  IBC Contest and a nominee for a Sammie Award.  Spots on the cool, grassy terraces of the amphitheatre fill up fast, so get there early with your picnics and low-back chairs. 

Steinmetz has been heavily influenced by both traditional and contemporary Blues legends, recording and performing all his own original material. He’s fast becoming recognized as a charismatic showman whose trademark harp playing, vocals, and songwriting deliver a powerful dose of deep bluesy musical arrangements. Having performed and recorded with Blues greats such as Rick Estrin, Kid Andersen, Red Archibald, Butch Cousins and others, “Steiny” has produced two CDs of his own showcasing his unique style. Joining him will be Chris Christenson on guitar and vocals, Paul Viera on bass guitar, and Sonny Delarosa on drums. Together, they produce a sound that’s injected with the kind of soul that can only be gleaned by a fool in love, a broken heart, and a love gone bad. The music and the lyrics are powerful and the message is comforting.

MEDIA RELEASE  from AmadorArts – T.G.I.F. Free Summer Concerts

EVENT DATE: Friday, July 6, 2012   6:00 pm to dusk

LOCATION: Ione, Castle Oaks, Golf Club

CAPTION: The Amador County Concert Band strikes a goofy pose to show they like to have fun too.

Lots of Sound to Be Heard at T.G.I.F. Concert July 6

Patriotic and familiar American tunes will be presented by the 40-plus member Amador County Concert Band, under the direction of Steve Chambers and Irv Gidding, at the weekly free T.G.I. F. concert on July 6. Starting at 6:00 pm at the Castle Oaks Golf Club in Ione, the band will surely get your toes tapping. AmadorArts is the presenter of these concerts and reminds folks to bring your chairs and picnics, but not outside beverages to this performance. Food and drinks will be available at the Clubhouse.
The Amador County Concert Band proudly represented Northern California in June, 2010, when it was selected to perform in Washington D.C. for the National Community Concert Band Sousa Festival, a salute to the legendary march king, John Philip Sousa. At that time the band was under musical director Ernie Kapphahn, who established the band in 2001. After the Washington honor, the band gained very high recognition for its performance and afterwards, it gained many new members, some traveling from as far away as Sonora and Placerville.
They’ve also performed in Rancho Cordova, Golden Gate Park, and many other locations, presenting five concerts per year. They strive to perform a varied mix of musical styles and advocate for the importance of music in one’s life. Providing opportunities for local youth to grow and perform is equally vital.  They are an active member of the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association.

From downtown Ione, drive west on Highway 104. Turn left onto Castle Oaks Drive and head for the Clubhouse. The next T.G.I.F. free concert will be July 13 at the Volcano Amphitheatre featuring the blues of Two Tone Steiny. For more info, visit www.amadorarts.org. 

MEDIA RELEASE from AmadorArts – T.G.I.F Free Summer Music Series

EVENT DATE: Friday, June 29, 2012, from 6:00 pm to Dusk

LOCATION:  Detert Park, Jackson 

CAPTION: The Groove Union is sure to please during T.G.I.F. free concert in Detert Park, Jackson

The Groove Union Will Provide Hot Tunes at Cool, Shady Detert Park

AmadorArts’ free T.G.I.F. summer concerts move to Detert Park, next to the public swimming pool on Highway 49, in Jackson on Friday, June 29, from 6:00 pm to dusk.  The park, with its ancient shade trees, will be the perfect spot to enjoy The Groove Union, a four piece local dance band, with a total of over a hundred years experience between the band members collectively. Bring your picnics and lawn chairs.

The Groove Union performs motown, rock-n-roll, R&B, blues and funk cover tunes from the 1950s up to today. Their repertoire is diverse and eclectic and is why they’ve been asked to perform all over the Amador, Calaveras, and Sacramento areas, from clubs and weddings to the California State Fair. Founded by local guitarist and vocalist Matt Grimes, of Ione, the band also features Richie Defozio on drums, Clinton Ransome on bass, and Barry Duncan on saxophone.

To reach Jackson’s Detert Park, drive on Highway 49 and near the library, turn into the ballfields entrance. Free parking is above the park. The next TGIF  free concert will be Friday, July 6 featuring the 30+ member Amador County Concert Band at Castle Oaks Golf Club in Ione, where picnics will be welcomed, but not outside beverages. Visit www.amadorarts.org for more information.