Calaveras County Arts Council's ❤️Art Beats for Veterans first Sunday for artists

Artists work from live models at Calaveras Arts Council for Veterans project

Sunday was a fine day for creating art behind the gallery. Laundry appeared on the staircase behind the  Calaveras County Museum, and volunteer Robert Mierzwak brought a beautiful 48-star flag that made the scene absolutely striking.

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 These were our main actors, a group of top-notch actors who volunteered their time to dress in period costumes and stand in the sun all morning. Thank you! You were all super professional and patient beyond measure. Top row from left: Alex Atherton, Gillian Garrett, Kristina Gianelli. Bottom row from left: Jared Bisbikis, Cecilia O'Geen, Emily Buss. 

Jared Bisbikis, Cecilia O'Geen, Emily Buss portray the family of a returning soldier. That wonderful cape—a vintage woolen cape—that Ms. Buss is wearing is courtesy of the Calaveras County Museum. The folks at the museum were more than kind to lend us this cape, as well allowing us the use of the stairway for our vignettes.

Robert Mierzwak and our own executive director, Kathy Mazzaferro, took a turn, posing in costume for the artists.

Mr. Mierzwak played the part of a World War I doughboy, as well as setting up a display about America at war. He passed out red poppies, the traditional flower to remember Flanders Fields and those who died there. We want to thank him for his time and the fabulous stories he told about his character, Fritz the soldier.

Mr. Mierzwak brought many collectibles for display, including this German military pickelhaube helmet. 

These were some of our artists who came out to draw and paint the scene.  They got started on what promises to be excellent works of art, and we are looking forward to seeing what they create. 

We'll meet again on May 7 starting at 10 am to recreate homecomings from World War II. If you're an artist, writer, or musician, you'll enjoy this opportunity to work from live models in period costumes and historic items. If you're a veteran interested in creating art of your own, we'll have free drawing supplies for you at the gallery. Or just come down and tell us your stories.