TRINITY'S LIVELY ARTS

Rain was predicted, but the annual Quilt Show and fair in the Highland Art Center meadow went on as planned. Autumn in the Alps continued with beautiful weather that lasted into the evening of the Oct. 3 Art Cruise and other events.

I would first like to mention 5 Windows Gallery where Debbee L. Holland Olson has a one-person show. Olson has been an integral part of the community for many years, teaching art at Douglas City School, coaching swim teams, even driving the school bus while keeping up with a growing family, husband Bob, and still having time to follow a career in art. Her children are grown now and many of the children she taught have gone on to art-related careers of their own.

Olson's work has evolved over the years as she tries new mediums and techniques as well as sticking to her preferred methods. She mostly shows her work in galleries located in San Francisco and north to Eureka, and others throughout the North State.

In this show her pastel paintings are beautifully framed using non-glare glass and no mat that gives the effect of an oil painting when you first look at it. Olson has a technique that makes her style easily recognizable. Her work is always wonderful and I know you would enjoy this show.

Across the street I visited the charming Hawk Photography Gallery and met owner Ted Pierce.

Up the street at Main Street Gallery, you walk into the room and find yourself surrounded with a large display of lovely watercolors painted with a soft touch by Gay Butler. This is Butler's first one-person show. Her subjects are of wildlife, floral, local scenes and buildings in historic downtown Weaverville such as the Old Courthouse. In the back room you will find the self-portrait show, the offices of the Trinity County Arts Council, and gift items produced and sold by local artists. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

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Later that evening, we went to the concert at Mamma Llama. Chris Ayer performed his own music playing guitar. His music was a combination of folk and pop and he performed solo. The concerts at Mamma Llama are usually very good and they have regulars that support these venues and help fill the house. They will have several more concerts between now and December.

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On Sunday, Oct. 18, there will be a special event at Main Street Gallery at 2 p m. — readings written from the heart by local writers and music from the Mountain Mojos.

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"Little Shop of Horrors" opens at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 16, at the Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center and runs through Nov. 1. Matinees are at 2 p m. A lot of people have mentioned how much they are looking forward to this musical and quite a few are planning to go Halloween night.

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As I sit here, the wind is whipping up and the promised storm is approaching from the west.