Rio Nido is a hotbed of artistic talent, and cute dogs

This month we are featuring neighbor Patty Bailey as Rio Nido's up and coming artist.

Patty sells wood signs with local themes (Rio Nido, River Time, Russian River) and also makes custom made signs. Patty collaborates on these signs with her husband Steve. Steve works with graphics and is exceptionally talented. Patty also sells salvaged wood decor (trees, birds, hearts), wine themed signs as well as home address signs. Her paper mosaic decor from magazines and other recycled papers is popular. Several pieces are on consignment at the Russian River Art Gallery in downtown Guerneville.

The Rio Nido Roadhouse (RNR) hosts an outdoor market every few weeks that can host up to 40 plus vendors that participate in the market. Every market has a different mix of goods such as ceramics, vintage clothing, antiques, home decor, bath products, jewelry and succulents. All handmade and unique pieces. Music is usually happening during the market. Come, stay awhile, order some good eats from the RNR, quaff a tasty beverage and peruse the market. It's quite enjoyable. Also come and support your local musicians.

First Friday art group

Patty started an art group when the pandemic hit. It began with 5 people on ZOOM then grew to 17 members. They meet once a month to share their art together. They have been meeting for over two years now. It is a fabulous and creative group. Several members have donated their April Ukraine pieces to Guerneville Pee Wee Golf to sell. They did a huge event on April 23r to benefit Dogwood Animal Rescue project. Their works will be sold along with other Sonoma county artists for the benefit of an Italian national living in Ukraine who is caring for over 400 dogs.

River Arts in Guerneville

Patty, Alissa Clapp and Cheryl Sundberg painted 20 plus businesses downtown (banks, restaurants, galleries, shops) with bright and cheerful yellow flowers, birds, butterflies in Springtime. Patty and Alissa are members of the River Arts group. The group is committed to building community through art and culture. This group also sponsors the Monthly Strolls the first Saturday of the month (4pm-7pm in Winter and 4pm - 8pm in Summer). Mark your calendars for May 7th for the River Arts Festival which will be partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Music, food trucks, beer/wine and a preview of Art at the Source vendors. Tents will be set up in the Bank of America lot and independent vendors will set up tables on the sidewalks up and down downtown. This will be from 4:30-8:30pm. Patty will be setting up chalk painting in front of all the galleries to encourage community participation.

Rio Nido pet of the month

This is Lolly, aka Lollipop. Lolly is a four year old Chihuahua who hails from San Rafael.

She is fiercely loyal, sharp, energetic and loving. Lollipop loves her human daddy Larry, more than anyone. She loves to snuggle up to him in the evening and is very affectionate. Her favorite pastimes are lounging in bed and treat time. For a tiny little girl she has a very large appetite. Let's give Lollipop a big hello!