TRINITY'S LIVELY ARTS

Olson Stoneware is a destination that many tourists and locals alike count on for having that perfect handthrown piece of pottery needed for Aunt Sue or that darling couple getting married next week.

Greg Olson, one of Trinity's prolific artists, and has been creating pottery since 1972. He and his wife, Susan, own Olson Stoneware, a full-time business where the main focus is on functional pottery as well as additional types of gifts like jewelry, cards and unique decorative items to entice the customers needs and desires. They are open for Art Cruise night and Olson is the featured artist.

Olson and his hired apprentices/ employees to work on potters wheels at the Olson Studio. He works hard to help keep up with orders, and fires the pieces in a huge gas kiln for 12 hours at a temperature of 2,400 degrees to achieve the almost iridescent glaze finish that is so attractive. Each piece is one of a kind and is dishwasher safe, microwave safe and lead-free, and they ship it to wherever you want to send it.

Another prolific artist who makes his living painting portraits of dogs in Trinity County is the multi-talented painter and sculptor Stephen J. Hubbell who moved to Weaverville with his wife and family in 1971 to dedicate an almost full-time pursuit to a career in art. He soon became a member of the American Indian and Cowboy Artists. It is an exclusive and esteemed organization.

I have known Steve since I moved here in 1973. I first met him when he had a studio space in the Highland Art Center during the cold winter months when nothing was happening at the center (at that time it was only open during the summer) and Steve was working in the area where the reception desk is now, serving as the official volunteer greeter for the center.

It was wonderful to be able to visit the studio of a dedicated artist back then as it is now to visit his studio in the barn at the back of the art center grounds. I remember seeing an original Hubbell oil painting of the little barn behind the art center that I couldn't resist and he let me make payments on it. It was one of my first original art purchases and I still love it.

When he is not painting, Steve and his wife, Chris, are American Kennel Dog Show judges and travel all over the world.

Steve has had his work in shows in many venues including a one-man show at the King Gallery in Manhattan, and he has won many prestigious awards and is held in high esteem in the art world. His work is in collections throughout the world.

You can visit Steve Hubbell in his studio and gallery right here in Weaverville or go online to learn more about him at www.hubbelldogartist. com.

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The monthly Art Cruise is set for Saturday, Sept. 5, during the Labor Day weekend. Galleries, shops and restaurants along Main Street, Weaverville, will be open from 5 to 8 p m., many with refreshments.