Calaveras Gold: Art from the Northern California Motherlode

Artists from Calaveras County explore the beauty of the Northern California Motherlode

​The gold you find in the Motherlode isn’t only rocks dug from the dirt. Gold in Calaveras County comes in the form of paintings, photos and sculptures, mined by local artists from the depths of their own creativity, and love of where they live.
 
That creative gold is on display in the show Calaveras Gold at the Calaveras County Arts Council for the month May into June, a show of artwork and paintings that explores the landscapes and characters of the Northern California Motherlode. An artist reception will be held on May 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend and have a good time meeting artists and enjoying artwork. Snacks will be provided.
 
All the artists bring a strong sense of place to their work, that feeling of belonging to the Northern California Motherlode. Landscape paintings by Linda Lawrence celebrate two Highway 4 landmarks: Board’s Crossing and Mosquito Lake. Marilyn Hinsdale’s watercolors examine artifacts like picturesque barns and antique cars found in the county. Painters Barbara Hall and George Dillon put people in the landscape—you can feel the heat in Hall’s painting of a woman under a blazing sun, while Dillon’s colorful golf course gives you a bird’s eye view of the state of golfing in the county.
 
Deborah Marlene and Terry Richardson each concentrate on forests. Marlene’s watercolor called Moonshine over the Gold Rush shimmers in its golden frame. Terry Richardson invites the viewer to follow a flowery path through dense trees. Detailed photography by Elizabeth Seeley describes her loving and familiar relationship with the Sierra.  
 
But this show isn’t all landscapes. Images of frogs from artist Victoria Fout and photographer Katie Turnbeaugh reference the Mark Twain story that is classic Calaveras. Calaveras County events provide inspiration for two artists. Rars Shoemaker’s painting in marker pen of a person in a domino mask was inspired by Mark Twain Days in Angels Camp, while Nancy Tanner has created a moody impressionistic pastel painting of a Santa at Murphys’ Holiday Open House.
 
Portraits by Dave Manousos, in his distinctive “big eye” style hold stories about characters in Calaveras history. Connie Bowser’s round gourd decorated with painted poppies and pine needle collar supports another character in Calaveras County: A California Quail.
 
Executive Director Kathy Mazzaferro invites everyone to come see the show and support our local artists. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful county with so many talented artists. Our spring show has something for everyone.” 
 
You can see select paintings online at www.calaverasarts.org, but you really shouldn’t miss this special show about the place where we live.
 
Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 209/754-1774 to confirm hours.