Debbie Croft: Arts, athletics, charity, culture and more this month

Artistry, charity, culture and sports come together this month in a few of our foothills communities. One or more of the following events are sure to pique your interest:

A small stipend will be provided, enabling artists to create artwork depicting the area. In return, artists are asked to donate a piece of artwork and conduct a public workshop.

Details about the program, plus an application and registration instructions are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stanislaus/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3791949. Contact Interpretive Specialist Marie Malo at (209) 965-3434, ext. 5345, or at mgmalo@fs.fed.us.

The ski challenge is open to all ages and skill levels, for individuals and teams. Preregistration is recommended, but sign-ups will also be held during the day. Proceeds will go to Tuolumne County’s Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at www.dodgeridge.com/mountain-info/events-activities or by calling (209) 536-0970.

Patti Sue Ogletree, Marilou Ellis and Sally Punte will provide instruction.

This workshop will be held at the Don Pedro Elementary School, 2411 Hidalgo Road. Preregistration is encouraged. Call (209) 966-2417 during normal business hours or visit cemariposa.ucanr.edu and click on Master Gardener Program, then click on Public Workshops for the Home Gardener.

The Tri-City Bulldogs with Trans Valley Youth Football League suffered a loss of equipment during a recent theft. On Saturday, a tri-tip and rigatoni dinner fundraiser will be held in Planada. The drive-through dinner will be at 205 Fremont St. from 1 to 5 p.m. The $10 per-plate price will help the Bulldogs replace their much-needed athletic equipment.

The season starts in mid-May and lasts through the beginning of October. A spring discount is available on trips scheduled before April 1. Visit www.lastingadventures.com for activity descriptions, a calendar of events and photos. Or call (800) 513-8651 for more information.

Some of the artwork was completed on location during the 1980s when Karnahan lived in Ireland, where he taught landscape painting to residents there. His particular style of plein-air techniques were developed because of sudden changes in the weather.

A meet-and-greet artist reception will take place Saturday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the gallery, 140 S. Washington St. The gallery is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For details call (209) 533-4455.

This story was originally published March 6, 2014 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Arts, athletics, charity, culture and more this month."