MOUNTAIN AREA — This week we’re celebrating the much-anticipated arrival of Sierra Art Trails open studio tour, marking 17 spectacular years supporting arts in the Yosemite foothills.
It’s happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 – 6, in homes, studios, galleries, and businesses in Eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties, featuring artists and artisans working in a wide range of media including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, woodcarving, ceramics and glass.
With 16 new artists this year, including three students, Sierra Art Trails gives esthetes and enthusiasts the opportunity to see fine art and fine crafts in the making — and to purchase works directly from the people who create them.
Here’s how it works: the keepsake full-color catalog is your $20 ticket-for-two to tour the very popular Sierra Art Trails and there’s still time to pick one up at Stellar Gallery in Oakhurst on Gallery Row – among other locations. While you’re at Stellar, peruse the stunning preview exhibit to see one piece from every participating artist and map out a plan for your three-day Sierra Art Trails open studio tour.
This time around, there are two locations of particular significance historically – Gertrude School in Ahwahnee and Fresno Flats in Oakhurst. Grab your catalog today to read stories related to these sites and learn about all the participating artists.
In Mariposa, you can pick up a catalog at Casto Oaks Fine Wine and Art, the Mariposa County Visitors Center and Ridgeline Gallery and Gift. In Oakhurst, stop by Artifacts, Branches Books and Gifts, the visitors bureau at Visit Yosemite Madera County and any of the galleries on Gallery Row including Williams Gallery West, Timberline and Stellar Gallery — home of the preview exhibit.
Special events are happening all around us in honor of this 17th Annual Sierra Art Trails open studio tour – it’s going to be a perfect weekend weather-wise so take some time to head out for one of the seriously best and most beautiful events anywhere in the Yosemite foothills.
We’ll see you at Sierra Art Trails.
Photo of Trowzers Akimbo, catalog cover artist, by Michael J. Costa