art, art and more art
For a small community we’ve got a lot of talented artists and a number of places to go and enjoy seeing and creating art. The weather turned a bit today and we decided to take a tour of some art galleries in Grass Valley. We started our art tour at ASiF Artists Studio in the Foothills, where the Smallworks Holiday Show is now open Tuesdays through Saturdays 11-4 until January 5th. Over 1000 pieces by 80 talented artists are on display, and available for purchase, so if you are looking for a small piece of art to give this holiday season you might just find it at ASiF.
And if the art on the walls at As If inspires you to learn more check out their class schedule, I happened to pop in while Eileen Blodgett was teaching printmaking, but there are a huge range of creative classes available: drawing, mosaics, ceramics and sculpture (to name a few). I profiled Ruth Chase’s drawing class earlier this year, click here for more information.
Our art tour continued in downtown Grass Valley at Art Works Gallery, local art by local artists, located at 113 Mill Street. If you missed the Neighborhood Center of the Arts reception, stop by and ask the artist on staff to show you the display of work done by adults who benefit from the Center’s opportunity to provide artistic resources and community to adults with disabilities. Art Works’ Holiday Open House is Saturday, December 1st from 5-8pm. Sheila Cameron, who has art on display at Art Works, says, “All the artists in town are working overtime now to make sure they have affordable options for gift giving.”
After viewing and admiring art we decided it was time to make a little art and the perfect place in downtown Grass Valley for that is The Artist Workshop, who recently celebrated their first birthday, click here for my post on their opening. The family friendly creative space offers drop ins, classes, workshops and even birthday parties. A very popular current art project is paint your own pottery. Stop by for the gift making with Santa on December 1st and 2nd. Margo has offered a giveaway to one blog reader to help inspire you to get your creative juices flowing, post a comment on this blog post about why you love art and I’ve got an open studio one hour credit to the Artist Workshop to give away. Winner will be announced on Sunday, November 25th. We certainly enjoyed the opportunity to get create, paint the walls and get messy, it’s great to give kids a chance to explore their creative sides, because who knows maybe they’ll have an opening at one of the various art galleries down the road?
© 2012 InnSide Nevada City
Always nice to see the arts and how much we have to offer around here creatively
My almost seven year old says we love art because “it’s fun to do!” I love when my kids do an art project because they are very grounded and calm when they finish.
Love it, Erin. Thanks for the shout out!
We love art because it is so expressive, especially for little ones!
Thanks so much for this post. As a former middle school art teacher, I know the value of artistic expression. And as a proud board member of the Neighborhood Center of the Arts, I thank you for the shout out!
We love all the opportunities for artists big and small. I have been so busy, and my kid’s are begging to get back in to the Artist Workshop. – love all Margo has to offer.
I love watching my 2 year old’s face as she explores the arts. She watches with amazement as she mixes colors or creates something and is always proud when she is finished.
Erin,
I love that you do so much foot work to find amazing things in our community to share with us.