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Monday's Internet Edition, January 05, 2009.
Colorful RM Artisans Holiday Festival draws crowds
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Photo by Wendy Smith
The second Artisans Holiday Festival of the year draws large crowds to the Rancho Murieta Country Club the weekend of Nov. 8 and 9, treating them to a wide variety of art including jewelry, painting, photographs and blown glass.
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By Wendy Smith
River Valley Times Staff
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Over 20 artists had their colorful creations on display at the Rancho Murieta Country Club during the RM Artisans Holiday Festival held the weekend of Nov. 8 and 9.
After a successful Artisans Festival in the spring, organizers decided to hold another in the fall - just in time for holiday shopping. Co-organizer Nancy Latta was pleased with the turnout. “It has really grown since the first one we had last April. We have more artists and we’ve had more people browsing and buying as well,” she said.
Latta, who creates her own line of jewelry called “Jazzy Jewels” helped start the festival after realizing that there were so many creative residents in RM. “It’s amazing what we have in our community and in the areas surrounding us,” she said.
RM resident Patty Reese was one of the local artists showcasing her talents. She fell into making glass jewelry after taking a class. “I really wanted to do pottery, but somehow ended up in a class that was primarily about jewelry. I thought, ‘well, what am I going to do with this?’ but it ended up working out really well,” she said with a laugh.
She began selling her jewelry at her sister’s studio in Florida, but with some encouragement from friends began creating more and selling in the local community. The jewelry is created by firing in a kiln, sawing the edges to create shapes and firing again to smooth the edges. It features deep, vibrant colors and intricate designs. “I’ve been doing this for about three years now, and it’s been fun,” said Reese, adding, “I still do want to get into pottery too though.”
Another resident artist, photographer Sally White had several of her pictures on display. “I’ve been living here since 1991, and I think that it’s wonderful that they have something like this now,” she said. White, who has been a photographer for 25 years, showed a variety of work from vivid flowers to stunning black and whites. “It’s something that I enjoy, and I’m glad that I can be here to share it with people,” she said.
Patrons were also treated to talents from the surrounding area, including Ginny Miles' “Cotton Blossom” handbags and Steve Scaduto’s Ceramics and Glass. Coming from Shingle Springs and Pioneer respectively, both artists enjoyed returning to the RM Artisans Festival. “It’s a lovely setting, and the people here are very nice,” said Miles. “The sales have been better than last spring as well, so the word must be catching on.”
Scaduto, who has been working with ceramics and blown glass at the Sutter Creek Chaos Glass Works for seven years, said that he appreciates the variety of craft and talent. “There’s a little bit of everything here, and it’s really well run and fun to come out to Rancho Murieta. If they have another one, I’ll definitely come again,” he said.
In addition to the multitude of visual art, patrons were treated to music that included performances of the violin, piano, flute and singing. Shoppers could also stop at the coffee cart provided by “Espresso & More” to grab a decadent treat from “Sovay’s Finest Desserts” or stop at one of the scent and bath product booths.
The naturally lit ballroom at the country club provided an ideal setting for the arts displays, and attendees meandered at a weekend pace between stalls, stopping to chat with the artists. Large enough for variety, but small enough to maintain an intimate atmosphere, it was a pleasant way for many resident to spend an afternoon and get ready for the holidays.
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Online publication, Copyright 2005, The River Valley Times.
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Copyright 2005, EZ Edit Web Publishing.
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