December 2022 - until suburbia!

Visit the Secret Redwood Grove, Jack Hume Grove, Vacaville

December 30, 2022Silvia

If you are looking for inspiration for a short hike near Vacaville to start the New Year, I can recommend the Jack Hume Grove as a very attractive destination. A part of Lagoon Valley Park, the Jack Hume Grove, is surprisingly quiet and calm. We walked by some disc golfers to reach the grove. The road that goes by it is being newly paved.

The grove is a tribute to Jack Hume, a conservative philanthropist and co-founder of Basic American Foods. He was best known as the world’s largest producer of dried onion and garlic.

The grove itself is not large but conveys the calmness one feels among redwoods. A few nicely constructed walkways give you a bit of an elevation change. The augmented waterwise plants on the rim of the grove and the dried up stream are interesting additions.

Overall this is more of a picnic destination than a workout place. Unless you decide to venture out of the grove and enjoy the mountainous paths or spend some time along the lagoon.

Lagoon Valley Park is located at 1 Peña Adobe Rd, Vacaville, near the I-80 exit of Peña Adobe Rd. Parking is $5 per day with options for a 6 month or year pass. You can use the Park Mobile app or use one of two pay stations, which accept exact cash or credit card payment.

There is currently construction on the way to improve the park. Please check the city’s website for updates.

If you are interested in seeing larger redwoods I highly recommend the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton.

Where will you hike on your First Day Hikes?

Roberta Monte James' creation called Seeker

Expand Your View on Textile Art, Woodland

December 23, 2022Silvia

Last week’s post about quilts showed traditional textile art in Woodland’s Gallery 625. But Yolo Arts also has an exhibit about contemporary fiber art titled: Off the Grid at the Barn Gallery in Woodland.

Here textiles are reconstructed, reshaped, and redefined with methods like stitching, weaving, and embroidery. The 19 artists showcase the contemporary usage of textile art.

One of the artists, Zen Du’s Biopoiesis is a great example of the innovative approach. She shows us felt objects that remind the viewer of underwater creatures. Another object I liked a lot is Roberta Monte James’ Seeker, an asymmetric quilt which invites the viewer to follow new lines and shapes.

As a contrast to the exhibit at the Barn you will also be invited to view Stitched Together: Quilts from the Yolo County Historical Collection at the Gibson House next door.

The Barn Gallery and the Gibson House are located at 512 Gibson Rd in Woodland are open Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:30 to 5 pm, and selected Saturdays.

Off the Grid will be shown until February 11th, 2023 and Stitched Together until February 3rd, 2023. Admissions to both exhibits are free.

Expressions in Cloth exhibit at Gallery 625, Woodland, CA.

Examine Expressions in Cloth, Quilt Art in Woodland

December 16, 2022Silvia

Quilting is such a beautiful tradition and a unique way to express yourself. The canvas of multiple swatches of cloth comes to life with a vision; stitches shape patterns for our eyes to follow.

Until January 31st, 2023 you can view precious examples of quilts at Gallery 625, in Woodland, titled: Expressions in Cloth. The quilting artists are: Bernadette Behrends, Kathy Donaldson, Lana Hanney, Carole Pirruccello, Jeanne Powell, Margo Shroeder, and Sherry Werum. All artists are members of the Flying Needles Quilt Guild in Yolo County.

Sherry Werum’s ‘The First Ferris Wheel 1893 Columbian Exposition Chicago Worlds Fair” was my personal favorite. It pops out with bright pink and blue rounds of ferris wheel expressions.

The gallery place itself is unusual. Gallery 625 is in the Erwin Meier Administration Building, a place where people, among other things, come to pay their property taxes. But don’t be put off by the surroundings, the quilts are first class and well-worth your time to admire.

If quilting helps you think of blankets, and you happen to have some to give away, you are welcome to leave donations for Friends of Yolo County Animal Services at the bins near the East entrance. Or you can pick up one of the donation requests by a specific pet from the Christmas tree.

Gallery 625 is located at 625 Court Street, (Erwin Meier Admin Building) in Woodland. Expressions in Cloth is open Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, until January 31st, 2023. Admission is free.

Other places to enjoy quilts in the Bay Area are Bay Quilts in Richmond and the Quilt and Textile Museum in San Jose.

Purchase Plants at Cactus Jungle, Berkeley

December 9, 2022Silvia

If you are planning to go see the Berkeley Potters Guild please consider stopping by Cactus Jungle afterwards. They have a great selection of not only cactus, but succulents, carnivorous plants, airplants, and perennials. Plus interesting pots and other plant related gift items, like living ornaments.

It was fun to discover Micah, the red foot tortoise. She is not for sale, but feels right at home. If you have little kids they might enjoy learning about Micah. I was told the Marin Cactus Jungle has baby tortoises!

Cactus Jungle in Berkeley is located one block from the Berkeley Potters Guild at 1509 4th Street. They are open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:30 am to 5 pm. From December 25th to Jan 2nd they are on their Winter Break.

Have you gathered all your gifts yet?

For another experience while plant shopping I suggest going to Shelldance Orchid Gardens in Pacifica.

*I’m not affiliated with Cactus Jungle (or anyone else).

Gift some Pottery, Berkeley Potters Guild

December 2, 2022February 9, 2023Silvia

The Berkeley Potters Guild welcomes visitors to their 51st anniversary Holiday Open Studio. This year’s event is under the motto: Vibe of color. Every Saturday and Sunday of December from 11 am to 5 pm and the whole week of the 17th till the 24th you can shop handmade pottery. 17 artists will show off their work and celebrate the season with live music.

Last year was the 50th anniversary of the Berkeley Potters Guild. Even during the pandemic they organized a splendid event, with much social distancing. Nevertheless you could also chat with the artists and learn their motivation and love for the craft. Since we are now going into the 3rd year of the pandemic they still require you to wear masks at all times.

From bowls and vases to little magnets, tiles, and jewelry the selection is holding a gift for everyone on your list. The gallery shows off the highest priced pieces, so you are also treated to an arts and craft exhibit. I like the old kiln and the building itself with its nooks and history.

It was quite revealing last year when an artist told us she thought one of her creations was stolen, and someone had to tell her that it just got sold. Yes, you can be quite attached to your work. If you give any of these creations you know you have a unique work of art.

Information

Berkeley Potters Guild is open from 11 am to 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday of December and the whole week from the 17th to the 24th, closing the 24th at 2 pm.

Admission is free. There is no parking lot, but the street parking was relatively easy.

Are you giving unique gifts this season?

(Images are from last years open studio at the Berkeley Potters Guild)