Bear Valley, CA…For thirty years, the Arts of Bear Valley Summer Show has been a highlight of the Bear Valley Music Festival, celebrating the creative spirit in the Sierra Nevada. It’s a living story of place, community, and Sierra-inspired imagination.

From July 18 to August 3, visitors to Bear Valley and music festival-goers alike can explore the art show in the Perry Walther building, just steps from the iconic white festival tent. Open from one hour before the concert starts until after the concert ends, it’s an easy stop before each concert, during intermission (wine glass in hand), or after the music ends. And yes, everything you see is for sale.

The artists featured in this show all live locally. Like the musical festival itself, their artwork is infused with a sense of place. The chance to meet the artists in-person adds a personal connection that turns art into a keepsake and memory of Bear Valley. This year, the lineup includes 19 returning favorite artists, plus four new faces: Cristy Bright, known for her organic, mixed-media landscapes built with natural materials like grasses and bark; portrait artist Jennifer Manetta; Thea Schoettgen, whose watercolor and ink works capture the beauty of the Sierra Nevada; and ceramist Jean Weil.

Schoettgen, who bases many of her paintings on scenes from Bear Valley, said, “I’m thrilled to be participating in my first group show with the incredibly talented artists of the Arts of Bear Valley. I look forward to sharing space with artists whose work spans so many unique styles and perspectives.”

This year’s festival also includes a free drop-in art activity for kids on Sunday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., led by AOBV artists. Nancy Tanner, one of the leaders of the projects said, “We’re going to do a bunch of cool stuff. Printmaking combined with collage and alcohol ink painting, and possibly some clay sculpture.” Sign up in person at the Perry Walther building when the show is open.

Tanner considers art and music to have a deep connection. “Making art goes hand in hand with the love of music. Music and art are all part of the creative soul of all of us.”

Arts of Bear Valley is a collective of Alpine, Calaveras and Tuolumne County artists whose work has won awards, been shown in museums, and found homes with collectors around the world. The summer show is free and includes everything from watercolor, oil, acrylic, and pastel paintings to ceramics, sculpture, and photography.

Proceeds from art sales directly support both the artists and AOBV’s community mission to nurture the visual arts in rural areas. That mission includes funding art education programs for local kids, scholarships for high school seniors, and partnerships with organizations like the Calaveras County Arts Council and the Calaveras County Fair.

AOBV artists are also supporting the music festival by donating work for a raffle. This year’s contributors include Cristy Bright, Tim Hanrahan, Kathy McLallen, Karen O’Neill, Ron Robinson, Margaret Sloan, Nancy Tanner, and Jean Weil. The Bear Valley Music Festival will also raffle off a special hand-knitted piece from the KNITWITZ of Murphys. All items will be on display at the entrance to the art show, and raffle tickets are available at the sales desk.

To learn more about Arts of Bear Valley, the artists, or how to support local art, visit www.aobv.org or follow @AOBV.org on Facebook.

Website: AOBV.org

Name of show or event:  32nd Annual Arts of Bear Valley Summer Show with the Bear Valley Music Festival

Location:  Perry Walther Building, Bear Valley, next to the Music Festival Tent

Show dates:  July 18 – August 3
Art Show and Sale will open one hour before each concert and continue through each concert.

Images

Courtesy photos by M. Sloan
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Carol Goff is known for her delicate watercolors of flowers and local scenery.

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Karen O’Neill has been in Arts of Bear Valley for nearly 30 years, and loves to show watercolors, acrylics, and collages that have thrilled the local art scene.

Courtesy photos by Barbara Masek
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Watercolorist Nancy Calhoun (right) shares her love of bears at the Arts of Bear Valley Summer Show at the Bear Valley Music Festival

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Arts of Bear Valley President Amanda Maule and member Gene Bryan draw raffle tickets for the lucky winners who get to take home an artist’s work. A hopeful art lover and Nancy Macomber stand by.

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Photographer Ron Robinson (right) is known for his detailed photographs and difficult shots of nature.