A Sample from the 2010 Art Trails Weekend…

Plan your Sierra Art Trails route at the Preview Exhibit on displayed at Stellar Gallery, located at Yosemite Gateway Art Center in Oakhurst. The exhibit is on display from early September through the Art Trails weekend. At the Preview, you’ll view examples of work by all participating artists and artisans.

While at YGAC take the time to view other participating galleries including The Art Center Co-op Gallery, Gallery 5 and Williams Gallery West.

Just a bit further North turn onto Road 222 toward Northfork where you can visit photographer Jeff Grandy and the KT Lee Alpaca Ranch.  Wind your way into North Fork and grab a cup of java downtown at Slim’s!

South of Gallery Row in an Oak-studded neighborhood off road 425B, visit with Fresno landscape painter Patrick Lacey and Oakhurst watercolorist Patricia Allen who pursues the visual experience of form and color.

Following Road 426 toward North Fork, visit the home of Art Trails co-founder Ellen Hurst, where Fresno’s man of steel Chris Sorensen creates welded steel sculpture beside his young apprentice Nick Adeliza.

Now, which way?  Perhaps take the North Fork Loop to view the photography of Paul Henry Abram at the North Fork Community Art Gallery, then visit jewelry maker Anne Bredon, photographer Barb Ezell, and Manzanita carver Alex Lewis at the Sierra Mono Indian Museum, perhaps stop in for lunch at La Cabana restaurant in downtown North Fork.

Head south on Hwy 41 to Coarsegold and Yosemite Lakes Park, or take Hwy 49 through Ahwahnee and on to Mariposa.  You decide, it’s your adventure!

Gossamer Pond PaintingIn Coarsegold visit with painter Anita Stoll, who will be showing at her Big Acre Studio. In 2006, Anita was featured in the prestigious “International Artist” magazine. See Anita’s 8-page article in the October / November issue.

In Yosemite Lakes Park visit with mixed media artist Kathleen Mattox, and renowned watercolorist Joan Brumley. Visit the historical studio of painter Ginny Burdick who specializes in colorful and moody landscapes in pastel and acrylic, and don’t miss the innovative woodturnings of master turner Ken Maggard!

Not far from Oakhurst visit with award winning Landscape Photographer William Neill to view images that convey an enduring sense of wonder and a deep appreciation of the magic, beauty, and mystery of the natural world. He is the receiver of the prestigious Sierra Club’s Ansel Adams Award and has a major portfolio published entitled Yosemite : The Promise of Wildness (Yosemite Assoc., 1994).

Heading on toward Mariposa, take a detour to follow a winding Ranch Road overlooked by Miami Mountain and visit with sculptors Norma Rogers and Kris Kessey, to view creative and emotive ceramic, bronze, and glass sculpture with a mythological or spiritual flare.

In Ponderosa Basin, stop by the Husband and Wife team of Charlotte and David Hoffman. Charlotte captures the moods of the California landscapes in pastel, while David’s fascination with photography produces strong and graphic images.

Further on visit two exceptional group studios at the homes of glass artist Helen Willoughby Peck and watercolorist Barbara Lyden!

Burdick Studio PhotoArtist # 74 – Home Studio at the end of Long Hollow Drive in Yosemite Lakes Park – Watercolor and Pastel painter Ginny Burdick is a founding member of Sierra Art Trails, dedicated to the show since its beginnings in 2003.

Burdick is known for her strong use of color and emotive imagery. She is inspired by the beauty of the Sierra Mountains, but also captures memories of the many places she has traveled.

Burdick’s work has received awards from Yosemite Western Artists, the Alliance of California Artist, KVPT, and the Montana Watercolor Society. Her work is in many private and public collections, including the Fresno County Superior Court Judge’s Conference Center and courtrooms.

Franka Hummingbird PhotoJust off Highway 41 North of Yosemite Lakes Park – Visit with photographers Franka Gabler and Ron Hendershot.

Born and raised in Croatia, fine art nature photographer Franka Mlikota Gabler developed a strong fascination and admiration for nature early in life.

The simple and complex interaction of the water, rocks, sky, plants and wildlife of the high country mountains encouraged her to pick up the camera as a medium to express her feelings and share them with others.

Visit the home of Art Trails co-founder Ellen Hurst on Washburn Lane, just off Road 426 in Oakhurst –

Basket PhotoMosaic Basket by Colleen Lopez.  Colleen creates whimsical mosaic designs combining mosaic tiles and found objects with household objects.  Baskets, tables, shelves, mirrors, even a rocking horse, an ironing board, and a grandfather clock are among her works.