ArtSpace Grand Opening

Community Support of Arts Council
Visible at 459 Main Street

ArtSpace, the new digs of the El Dorado Arts Council, is a smooth blend of hip and refined. Arty texture, great lighting and deep, rich accent colors put the emphasis on the work of over forty local visual artists and authors. Meanwhile, the artist-in-residence creates a mural in the restroom. It’s an interactive place.

The grand opening for ArtSpace takes place January 22 and 23. On Friday, January 22, all are invited to visit ArtSpace for an Open House & Happy Hour from 4-6 pm. Local winemakers and culinary artists will serve their finest. Madroña and Wofford Acres will pour and Dedrick’s Cheese, Winterhill Olive Oil, Hey Day and Diane Wilkinson Catering will serve. All art is for sale during the Open House & Happy Hour.

On January 23, the public is welcome to wander in, enjoy a snack and meet the artists at an Open House Artists’ Reception from noon until 6 pm. All art is for sale during the Artists’ Reception.

For at least ten years, it has been a goal, a dream, that the El Dorado Arts Council would have a physical space that reflects the creative wealth of the area. When 459 Main Street, Placerville, became available in late summer 2009, the organization’s Board of Directors decided the location and timing were right.

“From El Dorado Hills to South Lake Tahoe and in every town and village between, the community has supported the arts council for over twenty years. For a nonprofit organization that’s essential,” said Deb Jensen, Executive Director. “The opening of ArtSpace on January 22-23 is a celebration of community support for the arts.”

See Your Name in Lights!

Well, how about on a light?

We can't all be famous actors or actresses, but we can help shine the light on art created by local artists.  EDAC needs track lighting to light up the art that will be in our gallery.  Each fixture + bulb costs $35, and we need a large number of them.  Please consider donating the money for one of our lights, and we'll put your name on it!  It's better than naming a star!

Read More Current News

in the Current Newsletter!

click here!

You are Invited to Our Grand Opening!

On January 22 & 23, please help us celebrate ArtSpace at 459 Main Street, Placerville.

January 22

4–6 pm • Open House & Happy Hour
7–9 pm • Special guest performance by renowned musician Dan Crary (Primal Twang). RSVP required for guest performance ( email / 295-3496)
Enjoy fine local fare provided by Madroña Vineyards, Wofford Acres Vineyards, Auriga Wine Cellars, Rainbow Orchards, Diane Wilkinson Catering, Heyday Café, Winterhill Olive Oil, Dedrick's Cheese, Beyond Baked, and Sierra Rizing Bakery.

January 23

Noon-6 pm • Open House & Artists' Reception

The Big Read

El Dorado County celebrates "The Call of the Wild" during February and March

The El Dorado Arts Council, Libraries and County Office of Education will launch The Big Read in celebration of The Call of the Wild with a proclamation by the County Board of Supervisors followed by a reception at the Main Library in Placerville on February 2, 2010. The Big Read in El Dorado County is presented with support from The Mountain Democrat, Friends of the Library, Fergerson Financial and other individuals.

The kick-off event will feature the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors reading a proclamation followed by dramatic readings from the book. Then, cross the street to the Main Library for a program featuring live wolves, book giveaways and snacks.

"The Call of the Wild is a slim book with a huge heart full of adventure. Everyone should pick it up and read it during The Big Read : WILD in El Dorado County. I know I will!" said Jeanne Amos, Director of El Dorado County Libraries. 

For more information on this event, please email El Dorado Arts Council at EDAC@eldoradoartscouncil.org. You also can view a full calendar of events for The Big Read :WILD in El Dorado County at eldoradocountybigread.org or on EDAC's website at eldoradoartscouncil.org . Also see More About The Big Read in this issue.

Check out the Wild Picture Gallery at eldoradocountybigread.org and see where in the world your friends are reading The Call of the Wild - you might be surprised! You, too, can be pictured there; just email a digital picture like one of the ones below to edac@eldoradoartscouncil.org . 

Visit EDAC or your closest El Dorado Library branch to fill out a Wild Pledge (to pledge that you'll read the book) and to find out how to get a copy, and come to some of the events we're planning, most of which are free!

Call to Visual Artists

Help Beautify EDAC's Gallery

If you are a local artist, EDAC wants your art — all media, all styles. Please call or email us on Monday, November 16 for an appointment to bring your art by on November 17 or 18. We encourage you to send photos of your work before then to edac@eldoradoartscouncil.org . Call us at 530-295-3496.

Local Students Speak Out with "Poetry Out Loud"

Area high schools participate in national program

El Dorado County high school students are among hundreds across the state working hard to interpret, memorize and recite classical poetry.

"This is El Dorado County's first year taking part in Poetry Out Loud, and so far, it appears we have tremendous buy-in from the high schools," says Moira Magneson, Poetry Out Loud coordinator for the El Dorado Arts Council.  "At Golden Sierra alone, there are 500 students memorizing poems to perform.  That's got to be some kind of record!"

Other participating high schools are Golden Sierra, Oak Ridge, South Tahoe, Ponderosa,  Smith Flat Charter, Shenandoah and Charter Community.  The program also sponsors Northern California poets to visit participating classes and offer performance tips on student recitations.

2009 CA champion Spencer Klavan

El Dorado County is one of 20 counties in California to participate in 2009-10. "It is our fourth year for Poetry Out Loud in California," said Muriel Johnson, Director of the California Arts Council.  "Young people interested in rap and slam contests can be surprisingly interested in classical poetry when it's presented through the Poetry Out Loud competition. We've seen students from all backgrounds and academic levels embrace this program wholeheartedly. It can change their lives."

El Dorado Arts Council is the El Dorado County sponsor of Poetry Out Loud. The county competition will be on Tuesday, February 9th at Imagination Theater on the county fairgrounds.

For more information, please contact the ElDorado Arts Council by emailing edac@eldoradoartscouncil.org or Moira Magneson, Poetry Out Loud Coordinator, at magneson@innercite.com or 530.642.2196.

General information about Poetry Out Loud can be found at:
www.poetryoutloud.org
www.cac.ca.gov (click on Poetry Out Loud)

El Dorado Community Concerts

Sign up now for 2009/2010 season!

Now is your chance to enjoy beautiful music throughout the year! Reserve your seats now for all six concerts in the 2009/10 season for only $50 ($20 for full-time students)!  More info at 622.4218 or eldoradocommunityconcerts.com . Send checks to PO Box 1621, Placerville, CA  95667. The remaining 2009/10 performances are scheduled as follows:

• February 16, Tuesday ~ Keith Bohm (saxophone)
• March 16, Tuesday ~  Nathan Granner, Beau Bledsoe (tenor, guitar)
• April 13, Tuesday ~ Montana Skies (cello, guitar)

Calls to Artists and Volunteers

Your creativity is needed!

There are a bunch of events accepting contributions with deadlines coming up. Read the current newsletter for more info!

Interactive Online Events Calendar!

Our new online, interactive events calendar for our community is here. Stay up to date with what's happening! Click on the image or in the menu under " Calendar & Special Events ."

Arts Connection: EDAC Membership Drive