TRINITY'S LIVELY ARTS

Labor Day weekend brought us distinct sensations of fall, and it doesn't seem possible that fall is here already. The evening air is cooler and the hats and scarves in the window at Kudos fit right in with the season. These are the works of a knitting group meeting at Kudos once a week to compare notes, learn new stitches, and be tempted to purchase the wonderful yarns that Jan Saxon has stocked on her shelves.

The Art Cruise was wonderful, lots of people on the streets and in the stores and galleries. At the Highland Art Center, the show "Emergence" fiber art by Lisa Brey Randolph is outstanding. Randolph lives in Hyampom and her display features the fabulous fiber art she has produced over the years. Randolph was at the reception and charmed everyone with her quiet spirit and knowledge of the craft. She has taught adult education classes in quilting and writing in Hayfork. Fiber art is only one of her talents which include writing, creating jewelry, painting, woodworking and even designing and laying tile patterns.

Highland Art Center has had many professional shows this year and this is certainly in the running for best show of the year. The board is preparing to choose the shows for 2010 at their next meeting.

The 5 Windows Gallery had a reception for the artists at their third annual Woodworkers Show.

As I walked in, Andy Aiello was standing next to his newly finished guitar as a patron was looking it over, and with Aiello's permission, a patron picked it up and gave an impromptu concert. The rooms were packed with patrons of the arts and the artists.

Instead of the usual large spread of food they are famous for, owner Derrick Riske has decided to donate the cost of the food toward the large scholarship the gallery gives to a deserving art student every year. We were all satisfied with that, the smaller offerings of drink and sweets and a chance to meet and greet the artists.

5 Windows is a gorgeous gallery and the furniture, boxes, cabinets and wildfowl carvings are amazing along with Arlene Freeman's colorful quilts accenting the walls.

At Main Street Gallery, the self-portrait show in the back room is fun and runs the gamut from whimsy to serious. The show in the main gallery is called "New Visions in Watercolor." Included is the work of artists from all over Trinity County.

Next door at Mamma Llama there was a reception for Neil Harvey, "Dream Paintings Series No. 2," and a poetry reading was happening between 7 and 8 while they served wine and chocolate.

It had a late start and some friends and I had dinner reservations at Johnson's Steakhouse so I couldn't stay. We had a fine dinner and listened to the music of Trespass. They are a very good dance band.

On tour, Celtic musicians Kevin Burke and Cal Scott will be at Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Sept. 12. Come hear them.