Debbie Croft: Autumn’s offerings in the foothills

Autumn has officially arrived, and the Sierra mountain communities have much to offer this time of year.

The annual Sierra Art Trails Yosemite Foothills Open Studio Tour takes place next weekend. This unique event offers visitors an opportunity to meet artists and artisans where they create.

Ceramic artists, woodworkers, watercolorists and others will demonstrate the creative process behind their work. Watch and learn, ask questions, discover beauty in a new light.

From Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4, studio doors will be open in the communities of eastern Madera and Mariposa counties.

Your ticket is the full-color catalog with artists’ bios and maps, to guide you along the trail. Catalogs may be purchased at the Merced Multicultural Art Center, the Arts Councils of Madera and Mariposa Counties, the Visitors Centers in Oakhurst and Mariposa, and at local art galleries and stores. Go to www.sierraarttrails.org, or call 559-658-8844 for details.

Dozens of volunteers are working this week on Yosemite’s yearly face-lift. Through Sunday, Oct. 27, the public is invited to clean up the valley and river canyon after the busy summer season. Each year thousands of pounds of trash and debris are collected during the thousands of volunteer hours donated in this effort.

National Public Lands Day is Saturday, Sept. 26, and park entrance fees are waived. There’s still time to join the fun. For scheduling and location information, go to the Yosemite Climbing Association website at www.facebook.com/pages/Yosemite-Facelift/120770414636649.

Cleanup work is also being done in preparation for the 125th anniversary celebration of the establishment of Yosemite as a national park. On Thursday, Oct. 1, the park staff invites you to join them in honoring this historic occasion.

Hundreds of Central Valley school students and Yosemite’s famous Mounted Patrol will attend, as well as John Muir, portrayed by Lee Stetson. Presentations will be given by federal, state and local elected officials.

Bring a small Yosemite token to place in the community time capsule, and enjoy a piece of anniversary cake.

The event will be held at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center from 11 a.m. to noon. For details, go to www.nps.gov/featurecontent/yose/anniversary/index.html.

Submissions are being accepted for the Gateway Expressions Student Art and Poetry Contest. This contest recognizes our young people’s creativity within the Yosemite region. All students in grades K-12 who attend school or youth programs in the school districts of Yosemite National Park, Sonora, Bishop and Mammoth are invited to participate. The deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Original artwork and poetry should reflect Yosemite’s natural or cultural history. Subject matter can include wildlife, plants, landscape or iconic features, seasons, conservation, Yosemite’s legacy or the formation of the National Park Service.

Selected works will be featured at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley. A special awards ceremony will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at the gallery at noon.

For contest guidelines and entry forms, call (209) 375-9503 or email yose_education@nps.gov.

Historic Columbia State Park’s Harvest Festifall will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct.10-11.

Leslie Davis, with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said more than 50 vendor booths will be set up in the park, and artisans in period costume will offer handmade crafts and baked goods for sale.

Stroll along the shady streets of Columbia during this free old-fashioned event. Local musicians will perform, and many children’s activities are planned. Vendors will give demonstrations, including members of the Mother Lode Weavers and Spinners Guild. For more information, call 209-536-1672 or go to www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

The Mariposa County Arts Council is asking local veterans to participate in an exhibition focusing on the experiences and stories of those who have served in the United States military.

Cara Goger, MCAC executive director, said: “The Arts Council would like to honor local veterans by creating artistic renderings of boots, helmets and uniforms worn during their military service. These images will be included in a larger exhibition of artwork titled ‘In Uniform.’ ”

The exhibit will debut at MCAC’s Treetop Gallery on Saturday, Nov. 7. Goger provides more info at www.mariposaartscouncil.org.

And in my neighborhood on the first Sunday in October, the Hornitos Patrons Club hosts its annual Flea Market. Come early and browse through the park and plaza area in search of one-of-a-kind items. The event starts at 7 a.m., and food and beverage vendors will be on site. It’s one of the few times a year when the human population outnumbers the critters. Hope to see you!

This story was originally published September 25, 2015 at 3:09 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Autumn’s offerings in the foothills."