For a List Of The Featured Artists 2006

Sierra Art Trails is an annual open art studio tour focusing on the communities of Eastern Madera County and Mariposa County.  The show features the work of 111 artists and artisans working in a wide range of media including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry fiber arts, ceramics and more.  The event will take place this year on Saturday and Sunday, October 14^th and 15^th from 10 AM to 6 PM each day.

 Visitors attending the event must first purchase a tour catalog, available for  $12, which admits two people to the show. The catalog includes a list of participating artists, and maps to the locations of artist’s studios.  .  You may also order your catalog on line at www.sierraarttrails.org.

 There will be a preview exhibit at Stellar Gallery in Oakhurst from September 16^th thru October 15^th.  The exhibit includes representative works by each artist participating in Sierra Art Trails.  The purpose of the preview exhibit is to help visitors plan their weekend by giving them a taste of the work done by each artist.   The preview exhibit will also be open from 9AM to 6 PM on the weekend of the show so you can get a head start on your tour.

 Virginia Beaudry is one of Art Trails’ artists this year.  She started creating beautiful masterful pieces out of gourds in 1999.  She uses many natural adornments including pine needles that she gathers and just about anything in nature that looks beautiful to her; acorns, dried flowers, pods, and shells.   She also does inlays with precious stones and she loves to bead on many of her gourds.  She says, “When I pick up my wood burner my spirit just soars!”

 Virginia grows all of her own gourds and says, “Most of them start speaking to me even as they are growing on the vine.  By the time they are ready to harvest, I know exactly what each one will become.”

 Virginia also does scrimshaw work on deer antlers that she finds in the woods, plus making scrimshaw bookmarks.  She also makes dream pillows; using the herbs she grows herself.  In addition, Virginia creates homemade sandals.  She creates her work from her heart and her love for what she does is a part of her beautiful art.  She is a must see on the Trails this fall.

 Plan on taking this two-day adventure this fall.  Follow the trail and find the “pot-of-gold” which will thrill you and give you a truly enriching experience.

 For further information and applications for entry, call your local representative Louise Taylor at 209-966-8363.  We also invite you to visit the Art Trails web site at www.sierraarttrails.org