All abuzz over art, musical offerings

It was Art Cruise night and receptions were in full swing around town. I was there early and the regular volunteers at Main Street Gallery were busy setting up a food table in the midst of some of the loveliest pastel and oil landscapes I’ve seen in a while. The work is by Palo Cedro artist Beverly Dearman. Bev has been painting for many years and attributes her progress to hard work and the wonderful teaching of Richard McKinley who she studied with extensively. In the back room of the gallery, Trinity High School has a Silent Auction of travel photos for sale. The funds go toward enabling the Tour Club to take a trip to Europe. Photographs are originated by Rachel La Fein and her students.

At 5 Windows Gallery everyone was buzzing over the wonderful and diversified works of art produced by the women artists of Trinity. The Women’s Invitational is looked forward to as one of the favorite shows of the year, giving artists the chance to produce and showcase their best work. Last month the men had the same chance resulting in another impressive show.

The Highland Art Center presented this month their Annual Fiber Arts Show. More than 20 artists brought in work, and the colorful display of quilts, wall hangings, felted hats, clothing and bags is eye-catching. The gallery has new one of kind jewelry pieces brought in by the many jewelry artists in and out of the area. They have purchased new display cases to show them at their best.

At Umpqua Bank Lyn Relph and Kate Hulbert are showing photographs and paintings. They treated their guests to a little live music during their reception.

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After the Art Cruise I saw Corinne West in concert with Kelly Jo Phelps at Mamma Llama. The house was sold out two days before the concert. Quite a few fans came from out of town. One group drove from Monterey, Calif. I heard West the last time she came to town and she alone is always a great performer. This time, playing and singing in tandem with Phelps, it was the best. Phelps is known for his innovative sound. West and Phelps started working together in November 2009 and are booked on tour until October 2010. They will be performing all over the USA, in Europe and the UK. This was the fifth time they have performed together. Their voices and guitars blend and match so fantastically you would think they have been together a much longer time. It was an unforgettable concert.

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A small group of us drove to Hayfork Friday night to hear Kaydi Johnson and Allison Scull and Victor Martin at Northern Delights. One song that Kaydi sang, “want to live in the Belly of a Whale,” was appealing with audience participation. In the second set Allison and Victor charmed the audience with their music as usual. Allison and Victor will be performing at Mamma Llama in April. I, for one, can’t wait.