ART Trails Sampler - Joy Ride to Artists Studios - 2017
By Ramona and Jim Kelly
Because I’m a writer and an artist, my husband, Jim, roped me into helping him with a project for Vesta. As I waded into this endeavor, I asked Jim if I could talk directly to the artist, mano a mano if you will. Jim never says no to me.
So I hope you tag along for the ride through Art Trails this year and keep in mind, the Gazette gives you a Sonoma Sampler to enjoy as well as the complete list of 2017 Art Trails participants, by town, on their website.here is an UPDATED MAP since some studios cannot be accessed: http://sonomacountyarttrails.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/map-update-10_20_17.pdf Buckle up, Jim, and try to behave.
Every fall, the Sebastopol Center for the Arts produces ART Trails, an opportunity for people to visit artists in their studios throughout Sonoma County. A full-color catalog with maps provides a guide to finding artists in all mediums, many of whom you would not know otherwise. All artists included on the trail have been chosen through a juried process. For information on this exceptional experience, and to see works of artists on display in pre-Art Trails shows, visit the Sebastopol Center for the Arts webpage at sebarts.org. For online information about artists who are participating this year, visit: sonomacountyarttrails.org. Studios which will be open to the public 10am to 5pm on October 21 – 22, and October 28-29, 2017- delayed because of fires this year.
COTATI
David Henderson Studio Number: 127 Art and functional ceramics Showing at: 8890 Cypress Ave., Cotati, CA 94931 707) 293-0735, davidh94931@gmail.com instagram.com/davidhendersonceramics From sake cups to teapots, you have a wide array of enchanting ceramics, David. Although Cotati only has two artists in Art Trails this year, you and Barbara below would have been chosen even if they had twenty. Deftly blending art and craft, your works evoke a sense of longing and appreciation. Scrolling through photos of your work takes me back to my childhood when I was first discovering the world of art. As a potter, myself, I can feel what your fingerprints felt as you wove your genius into art. A soft movement one way and answering strength in opposition.
Barbara Tocher Studio Number: 126 Functional, sculptural, ceramic jewelry Showing at: 390 W. Cotati Ave., Cotati, CA 94931 (707) 992-0747, barb@tocher.net tocher.net Blending African and Middle Eastern tones with new-world tastes, your jewelry, Barbara, evokes the feeling of planets strung together. Your ceramics also bring the scope of genius into play with a seeming ability to think, not just outside the box but out of the Universe as well. My husband, Jim, tells me I can never visit your studio.
FORESTVILLE
Joel Bennett Pit fired vessels, drums, wall pieces, sculptures Studio Number: 88 Showing at: 7531 Mirabel Rd., Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 887-1631, Jclayart@sbcglobal.net Joelbennett.org Scrolling through your ceramics, Joel, I felt like I was looking at images in the clouds. Your creations evoke feelings of ancient Mesopotamia and the pottery found there.
Lorraine Chapman Silk painting and mixed media Studio Number: 89 Showing at: 8046 Corso Dr., Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 887-2482, lcstudio@sonic.net lorrainechapmanart.com The colors of your silk paintings, Lorainne, give a cheerful balance to your work. With batik-like effect, these colors radiate vivid sensations. “Enter this world and enjoy my beauty,” your art seems to say.
Nancy H Dempster Painting: In the moment abstract works Studio Number: 90 Showing at: 6730 First St. , Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 820-5005, nancyhd@juno.com nancyhdempster.com From visions of Dante’s Inferno to a child riding a burning horse, I think you, Nancy, attack abstract art with a commanding, powerful brush. While some of your work inspires a feeling of nihilism, other pieces ease my mind with flights of whimsy. The kindness in your art, reflects the pain all of us go through.
Jane Fusek Digital Art: Photo-art printed on aluminum or acrylic Studio Number: 84 Showing at: 5623 Fallen Apple Ln., Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 273-2656, jane.fusek@earthlink.net janefusek.com Jane, like buttered popcorn, I couldn’t have just one of your pieces. I would need an entire wall adorned with your work to show the breath of such talent. Your praying sculptures give me insight into a sense of devotion to the sentient creatures all around us while your collages dance.
Gerald Huth Collages, construction/painting; collage/sculpture Studio Number: 87 Showing at: 5895 Anderson Rd., Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 887-9540,studio@geraldhuthart.com geraldhuthart.com While Jim, feels a sense of Picassoesque inspiration in your work, Gerald, I think sometimes he’s mistaken. Picasso doesn’t hold my attention the way you create for us a dream-like state. Picasso is dark even when his canvas is well lit and your art, on the other hand, increases my sense of well-being.
