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NEWS FROM THE TRAIL - OCTOBER 2004 THE PREVIEW EXHIBIT
On Saturday, October 2nd, hundreds of artists and art lovers gathered at the gallery for the grand opening reception. The doors opened at 4 PM, and by 4:30 the gallery was packed with visitors. A steady stream of people continued well into the evening, with an estimated 300 to 400 visitors attending in all.
The volunteer effort swelled in the final days before the doors opened to the public. Helpful hands appeared out of no-where, insuring that the show would be ready on time. Receiving of works alone was a three day undertaking with a steady stream of artists delivering works to the gallery, picking up their catalogs and invitations, and suffering through a surprise candid photo session.
The quality and diversity of the work on display in the Preview Exhibit is sure to whet the appetite of visitors planning to attend Sierra Art Trails. Many of the finest painters, woodcarvers, photographers, and jewelry artists in the area will be opening their homes, studios, and galleries to the public for the show, and have been preparing for the big weekend for months in advance. With so much energy and sincere effort behind the event, there is no doubt that it will be a weekend to remember, and a milestone in the growth of the art scene in our foothills communities! Jon Bock, Chairman, Sierra Art Trails |
After weeks of preparation, the Sierra Art Trails Preview Exhibit opened to the
public at Williams Gallery West in Oakhurst on September 25th, 2004. The
exhibit will remain on display through Sierra Art Trails weekend, October 23rd
and 24th, giving visitors a chance to see a cross section of work by the
talented artists and artisans participating in the show.
The
preview was enhanced by a fabulous pot-luck buffet provided by participating
artists, committee members, and friends. Volunteer staff Gloria Garland,
Irina Buca, and Jean Meisner mingled with the guests, helped customers,
and kept the refreshments coming. Live music was provided by
guitarist Bob Kaspar, with a brief interlude by flautist Stephen DeRuby.
Student Sponsorship awards were presented to young artists Bailey Powell,
Kristina Barry, and Patch Keintz for their exceptional talent, and committee
members Jacqueline Kurtt and Janet Houts were honored for their outstanding work
on the Sierra Art Trails catalog.
With
the work of more than one hundred artists to display, hanging the show was
a challenge that needed to be planned out well in advance. Preparations
began weeks earlier with gallery layout drawings, then moved ahead with the
construction of pedestals and temporary walls to insure enough room for the
large number of pieces in the show.
Over
the following two weeks, volunteers descended on the gallery to help with the
preparations. Artist John Rogers was instrumental to the effort, providing
the use of his home workshop, and spending several days sanding, painting, and
putting final touches on the gallery displays. Committee members Bob and
Ginny Odell outdid themselves as well, helping with the Illuminated marquee,
artist labels, and procuring supplies for the reception.
