Angels Camp, CA…Springtime in the Foothills, at last! And although it’s still a wet one, the birds and bees are here; and they’re making a ruckus in the nectar-ful blossoms that are peeking out and opening more every day, promising to show us an astoundingly beautiful bloom year!

There’s always something buzzing at Manzanita in downtown Angels Camp!
Located in the now Signal Service building on the corner of Raspberry and Main Street, across from the Gold Strike Tavern, Post Office and Angels Theater, kitty corner from the Calaveras Visitors Center where there’s ample parking.

Our calendar is bursting with spring events. We have a plethora of local artists and artisans
whose work brightens the gallery for sale and for viewing. New books (Yes, we’re a publisher!) are coming out…we just hosted a 6-author event for people to meet some of our
most popular writers with their books.

Manzanita hosts a reception featuring one artist nearly every month. On April 13 it will be an all-artist event. These soirees are an opportunity for in-house artists to chat with the public about their work and share some of their processes and secrets over wine and h’ordeouvres.

April 20th is Downtown’s Spring Sidewalk Sale, when local businesses will be holding special sales and fun events for locals and out-of-towners of all ages. Magical eggs full of treats and surprises, and a friendly wandering giant Bunny Rabbit. Prizes will be awarded to the best Easter Bonnet in two categories: Childrens’ $25 & adults $50! Have you ever seen an easter bonnet made of carrots? Weeds? This is a great opportunity to let your creativity shine.

There will be music in the streets, too. Our newest beauty salon will bring “Mr. Salon Soleil” with guitar favorites. Manzanita’s own Song Posse meets regularly at Manzanita to share songs new and old. The’ll be playing in various configurations from the Manzanita lobby from 11-4pm.

Every Tuesday Manzanita opens its doors to seniors in an ongoing 3rd season of Voices of Wisdom sessions. Published and experienced writers lead the groups in writing exercises. Works produced are discussed and edited over the following weeks; and, thanks to a generous grant from the Calaveras Community Foundation, a beautiful book is published featuring the participants’ work. In June we will launch the second Voices edition, promising to be a fine representation of local writers who have attended these sessions. Residents over 55 are welcome regardless of writing experience or perceived lack of ability! So many memories, reflections and stories are shared and honed in a warm, fun, non-judgmental workshop atmosphere.

Manzanita also hosts a lecture series on Sunday afternoons; the Storytellers meet to spin tales, and the Audubon Society holds programs there as well. A calendar of each month’s events is available in the lobby, or you can sign up for an e-version to arrive in your e-mail
box so you’ll always know what’s coming up.

Manzanita Arts Emporium is open daily 11-5pm, closed Tuesdays and some holidays.
Telephone: 209-728-6171 or find Manzanita online at Manzanita Arts Emporium and Manzanita Writers Press.