Angels Camp, CA…Every last Friday of the month at the Manzanita Arts Emporium in downtown Angels Camp, the doors will remain open from 5:30 to 8:30 pm for a stimulating new series to bring artists and writers together with the community at large and visitors to relax and enjoy creative activities and hospitality. Whimsically named ELF (for Every Last Friday), the artistic and literary sessions will begin with a social gathering that can be enjoyed with a glass of wine, to be followed by a presentation or workshop, each from one of the many local artists and writers who are associated with MAE or Manzanita Writers Press.

To open this exciting new series on September 30, Janet Trinkle will bring to the MAE Gallery her crafting session called “Fall’n Art” to celebrate the Sierra region’s colorful splendor. Participants will create artful displays from pressed flower and botanical specimens. No artistic experience is necessary, and the cost of $30 will cover all materials, including a frame. Participants can bring fresh botanicals from their own gardens to press if they wish, or they can work with the bounty of already pressed flowers and plants that Janet provides.

The October ELF event will anticipate Hallowe’en with “Hallow Words: Scary Story and Poem Night.” Columbia’s Blanche Abrams will capture the spirit of the holiday with her recitation of none other than one of the most horrific poems courtesy of the master of literary terror, Mr. Edgar Allan Poe. In full costume, Blanche’s darkly humorous interpretation of “The Raven” will be exquisitely scary, and guaranteed to raise more than a few spine tingles. All ages are welcome to share favorite frightful stories or poems at an open mic session to celebrate a wholesome All-Hallows Eve, complete with “finger” foods and “gutsy” fare, as well as dark libations. Suggested donations of $20 to cover costs will be gratefully accepted.

Please contact MAE by phone at 209 728-7161 or on the website manzapress.com to reserve your spot (or dungeon in the case of October festivities) for planning purposes. Be sure to visit Manzanita Arts Emporium, the new home of Manzanita Writers Press located at 1211 South Main Street, Suite 110, in Historic Angels Camp. Peruse the eclectic, contemporary collection of books, fine art, prints, cards, jewelry, woodworking, botanical art, hard-edge design wall sculpture, puppets and more. MAE hours are Wednesday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (open 6 days a week, closed on Tuesdays.)