Debbie Croft: Open studios lure art lovers to Sierra foothills
Visitors to the Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour are continually amazed by the hand-crafted beauty of regional artistry. Not only that, local artists create their best work surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of the mountains, forests, canyons, granite cliffs, meadows, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife.
Next weekend marks the 12th year of the tour. Oakhurst artist and gallery owner Jon Bock serves as president of SAT.
According to Bock, “The central Sierra has always attracted artists. Poets, writers, painters and photographers have been drawn to the majestic landscapes and natural wonders of the region for nearly 200 years. Today, perhaps more than ever, artists are drawn to the area to find their muse, and many have made the Yosemite foothills their home.”
Twelve years ago, Bock and other artists realized the value of this cultural treasure, and wondered how they could share it with others. It wasn’t long before Sierra Art Trails was born. “Our annual Open Studio Tour provides the opportunity to meet the artists in person,” Bock said.
While stepping inside studios and galleries, visitors are able to ask questions, view demonstrations and observe the creative process at work.
“You may enter a studio and find a watercolorist demonstrating a technique, watch a woodworker turning a bowl or see a ceramic artist working with clay,” he said. “The show also offers a unique opportunity to purchase original fine arts and crafts directly from the people who create them.”
More than 100 artists will participate representing a wide variety of media, including acrylic ceramics, digital, drawing, fiber, fine craft, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, mosaic, oil, paper and mixed textures, pastel, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and woodworking.
Some examples:
“It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with veteran artists, to learn from them and watch them refine their craft, and to welcome new artists to our area,” Bock said.
Six sponsored art students are part of the tour, as well. Through a mentoring program, young artists are guided in the study of their craft and challenged to grow in their ability. Ages range from 9 years through high school.
Each year one piece of artwork is chosen for the cover of the SAT catalog.
This year the honor went to “Morning Light at Fine Gold Creek,” a pastel by Ginny Burdick. The landscape depicts the stillness of an early morning, awakening in the mirrored image of liquid glass, refreshingly cool sunlight and silvery shadows.
The catalog serves as a ticket for two. The price is $18, and is good for the entire weekend. A brief description of each artist is included, along with one or more photos of the artists’ works. Maps, detailed directions and more are also found within its pages.
Madera County studios are located in Yosemite Lakes Park, Coarsegold, Oakhurst and Ahwahnee. Studios in Mariposa County include those in Midpines and Lush Meadows areas.
Videos are available for viewing at the Sierra Art Trails Facebook page. For more information, visit www.sierraarttrails.org, or call (559) 658-8844.
“I think one of the most important secrets of our success is the strength of many people working toward a shared vision,” Bock said. “It is an even greater pleasure to have the opportunity to share our thriving art community with the public.”
This story was originally published September 28, 2014 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Open studios lure art lovers to Sierra foothills."