Fun day at the Ironstone Concourse d'Elegance this past Saturday.  Aqua Boats, antique cars, motorcycles, Artists painting and fun period dress.  

Artists Painting Saturday

Saturday, Concourse d'Elegance showcases the following artists who will be painting throughout Ironstone's grounds. 

See if you can find them all!  Good luck!

Concourse Participating Artists

1.   Barbara Young

2.   Judie Cain

3.   Brad Stone

4.   Suzanna Young

5.   Maryann Kash

6.   George Durkee

7.   Susan Hackett

8.   Linda Abbott

9.   Donna Bolen Sammons

10.         Gregory Piatt

11.         Judy Day

12.         Aaron Johnson

13.         Ted Smith

14.         Julie Trail

15.         Lorettta Armstrong

16.         Marleen Olive

What to do with a bucket full on antique traps?

When a bucket full of rusty antique traps shows up, 

what to do?  

Give them a home with the prehistoric Cave Bear Bones!  Where else?

Located inside the Gold Vault right along side the 44 lb. Crystalline Gold Specimen and the petrified wood display.

Last Concert of the Season!

Ironstone Amphitheater presents  the last concert of the Season on Saturday, September 9th.

Joining us that evening will be George Benson and Kenny G.

Check out both their websites for a great taste of whats to come.

http://www.georgebenson.com/

https://www.kennyg.com/

See you September 9th.!  

Willie's Coming this Friday!

Are you ready for a great night?  Kasey Musgrove and Willie Nelson will be here at Ironstone this Friday night.  Get your tickets from ticketmaster, and come on out to Ironstone.

Gett'n Ready for Steve Miller and Peter Frampton!

Jake Owen, nice setup!

Tickets still available for tonight's show here. Go to ticketmaster.com or Ironstoneamphitheatre.net to purchase.

Gett'n Ready for Jake Owen tonight!

Unloading the vans

Feeding the stage crews plein air ... BBQ time!

Concert Season is upon us

Ironstone Amphitheater's 2017 Concert Season is now in full swing.

Last weekend, Toby Keith broke all records for attendance here at Ironstone. It was a large and wonderful crowd of concert goers. Bit cool, but lots of fun, singing and dancing all around.

Boston and Joan Jett brought the house down rock'n and roll'n. Fun night & a cold one.

Tonight John Mellancamp comes to visit with Emmylou Harris and Carlene Carter, followed on Sunday by the Moody Blues' 50th anniversary tour.  Can't wait for all to start.

Just a reminder to those of you purchasing tickets on line, please make sure the address you are purchasing from is the official "Ticket Master" website.  There are way too many sites out there selling 3rd party tickets for a much higher price than they sell for from ticket master. Do keep in mind that some of those third party ticket purchases may not be actual tickets and will not scan at the gate, leaving you outside with a very expensive piece of worthless paper.

Take care! Pay attention... See you tonight!

Meet Artist Connie Carson-Romano, Open Division

Connie Carson-Romano

O-122 Silhouette of an Iris by Connie Carson-Romano  acrylic  14x30  $195

   Art is an expression of the way the Artist views the world in which he lives. It is the sharing of a life experience by the artist whether in paint, the written word, a perfect garden, or in music.

O-121  Mountain Lake Sunrise by Connie Carson-Romano  acrylic  16x20  $135

   I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not drawing, painting, or writing. Acrylic paint is my favored medium. I love the way it works and forms on the canvas. The colors that are present in nature are phenomenal and I love trying to create the same shades. Being raised in New Mexico I found myself immersed from an early age in the amazing palate of nature and the challenge of trying to recreate the colors and shapes of nature on canvas. As a resident of Northern California for the last 27 years I continue to be awed at the diversity of landscapes we live in.

O-119 Silhouette of a fruit bowl  by Connie Carson-Romano  acrylic  16x20  $145

    In addition to my paintings I have found an expressive voice in the written word. in the 1990's I was published for 6 years in a local newspaper as the creator of the cartoon strip "Cody Coyote."  Cody is a fun combination of my drawings and verbal expression of the humorous side of life. Cody has returned to the stage with his own web page and can be visited at codycoyotesworld.com. My first book, The Other Side of the Gurney, was published in February of 2015 reaching the Amazon best seller list in category in June of that year.

O-121  Mountain Lake Sunrise by Connie Carson-Romano  acrylic  16x20  $135

    I find it is amazing and exciting that so many different interpretations of the world around us are available through the eyes of Artists of all mediums. It is my pleasure that I am able to add my own personal expressions to this collection.

Spring Time Flowers galore!

Now is The time to visit Ironstone's spectacular Spring Flowerdisplay.

Meet Artist Susie Hoffman, OPEN Division Artist

Susie Hoffman

Fine Art 2017

Copperopolis, CA

susie@townhallarts.com

ateliersuse.patternbyetsy.com

    

O-018  Jumptime  by Susie Hoffman  oil  24x18  $600

       Susie took up art after she retired from teaching sixth grade English/history 14 years ago. She started in watercolor, but has branched into drawing, oils, pastels, collage, and acrylics.  She and her husband, Larry, created the art center Town Hall Arts in Copperopolis where she has enjoyed classes by many foothill artists over the last seven years. From pastel classes to mosaics, she is always eager to learn something new. She also teaches art and sells many of her photographs at Town Hall Arts.

O-020  Telegraphcity by Susie Hoffman  oil  12x9  $250

      Honors include awards at Delicato Vineyard Show (including 1st. place 2015, 2016, 2017): the Mother Lode Art Show (including 1st. place 2013, 2016); Valley Arts Show (including 1st. 2013), Oak Valley Art Show Best of Show Photography 2014, 15, & 16, People's Choice Award 2015 & 16, and eight 1st. place art awards 2015/16; Calaveras county Fair (including 10 best of division and 37 firt place awards in lat six years); Mother Lode Fair 2014 Best of Show, two best of divisions, five 1st. places ); and Oakdale Show 2013 (1st.).

O-019  Cloudsong by Susie Hoffman  oil  11x14  $300

      Susie's oil painting, "Simple Things", was on the cover of the September KVIE "OnSix" program guide to promote the 2015 auction on public television. Her watercolor portrait of Glenn Wasson as Black Bart appears in his recently published book, Too Much to Swallow. Her photograph, "On Your Mark", Division Winner from the Calaveras County Fair, was published in Mark Twain's 88 Days in the Mother Lode & Stories of the Gold Rush.  "Fifty Pounds of Love", a portrait of her Chocolate Lab pup, was featured in the window at Mistlin Gallery in Modesto as part of the Central California Art Showcase 2015. Two of her watercolors were published in Sierra Wonders, a book of visual and literary works honoring the Sierra Nevada. Two additional watercolors were published in Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate, a Taste of Literary Elegance.  Her graphite portrait, "I Hope You Dance", appeared on the 2012 program cover of the Ironstone Spring Obsession Show. Her art has been bell ringers at the KVIE auction, 2013-2016.

      Susie's artwork is displayed at Galerie Copper, Roaster's Coffee House, and Saddle Creek Resort in Copperopolis; Manzanita Arts Emporium in Angels Camp, Calaveras Arts Council in San Andreas; carious venues in Sonora including Stage 3, and the Rabbask Gallery in Loveland, Colorado. She is currently Vice President of the Mother Lode Art Association.

Meet Open Division Artist, Juliana Tillman

O-131  All Gods Creatures  by Juliana  Tillman  wc  19x23  $750

Artist Juliana Tillman

Juliana Tillman was born and raised in Vacaville, California. In 2003 she moved with her family to the small town of Twain Harte in the Sierra Nevada's, whereupon she changed direction from working to raising her family and pursuing art. 

An interest in art and design has been there since her late teens though she was unable to make it a priority. 

O-130  My Girl  by Juliana Tillman  wc  19x23  $1800

Growing up in a family of antique and art collectors fostered her appreciation for fine arts. In the past five years she has increased her focus on art and the dream of being a professional painter. She is primarily self taught, with the exception of studying with local & nationally known artist through workshops and private classes. Juliana is an oil and watercolor painter with special focus in plein air and has won many awards in local art competitions. Juliana is a current member of the Mother Lode Arts Association.

O-132  Just Stopping By  by Juliana Tillman  11x13  wc  $1800

"My goal is to create a lasting impact through art that survives generations with the hope that it will evoke reminiscent feelings of moments captured in time."

Meet Artist Ann Nall theme Division accepted artist

Ann Nall

T-018  A Spring Hue By Ann Nall  wc  16x20  $250

Ann started painting in 1985 as a way to escape the pressures of work. Her first art teacher was in the basement of a small community center in Virginia.

Over time her hobby became her focus. On retirement, art became her career. She has been exhibited in many juried and one person shows throughout the country.

Painting primarily in watercolor, her work is characterized by soft, gentle colors. She has specialized in animal portraits and has been praised for infusing her animal paintings with life.

Ann says her art gives her life energy, focus and a sense of well-being. It is a gift she does not take for granted. 

Meet Accepted Theme Division Artist Sue Smith

Sue Smith

T-011  Paperwhites by Susan Smith  oil 12x16 $250

  

T-010  Tulips & Daffys  by Susan Smith  oil 12x12 $200

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, received a great primary school art education and majored in Art at Ohio Wesleyan University. I moved to New York City after college and was surrounded by the "beat" scene. Lots of gallery shows, happenings, off off broadway shows, a rich time. Married and divorced with 2 young sons, I moved to California and lived on a commune. I always worked at my art projects. I moved to the Sierra foothills in 1976 and became an architectural drafter. I have concentrated much more on my drawing and painting after retiring from architecture. I am inspired by our beautiful Sierra foothills and the natural world around us.

Meet Accepted Theme Division Artist Sandra Campbell

SANDRA CAMPBELL

T-016 Purple Parrots  by Sandra Campbell  pastel 9x15  $200

I love color and experimentation.  My subjects include landscapes, florals, still life and animals.  Initially, I worked only with soft pastels but since have branched out into collage and acrylics, often combining these into mixed media pieces.  Lately, I’ve created some abstract works, a complete departure for someone who used to produce only realistic art. 

For pastels, I like to work on sanded surfaces, which allow for more layers of color.  When people hear the word ‘pastel,’ they may think of soft colors.  But what attracts me to this medium is the possibility for vibrant oranges, brilliant yellows, and intense purples and reds.” 

T-015  Planting Time  by Sandra Campbell  pastel 12x15  $250

Mixed media pieces utilize traditional canvasses, canvas panels or illustration board.  Most of my collage pieces are fabricated from rice or similar-type papers, which come in a variety of textures.  Most recently, I’ve been working on 6 x 6-inch surfaces for both collage and acrylics. 

Landscapes are created both from my own photographs and by working plein air with fellow artists in an American Association of University Women’s art group.  Many of the finished products are featured at the art show during the AAUW annual home tour.  I also show my work during the local studio tour. 

Amador County is alive with artists who inspire me and support my efforts.  Periodically, I take a college class or an artist’s workshop which may send me in a new direction.  Membership in the Sierra Pastel Society, the Amador County Artists Association and Arts Council provides collegial support as does my AAUW art group.  My work is on display at the Sutter Creek Gallery at 35 Main Street, Sutter Creek.  

Meet Theme Division Accepted Artist Mary Ann Kash

Mary Ann Kash

T-006  Friends  by Mary Ann Kash  pencil  11x14  $450

I have enjoyed drawing from childhood to the present.  The intricacies of line and detail fascinate me and I have always been partial nature, trees and bark specifically.  One of my first accepted showings, as an art student, was a rendering of the bark of a section of a California Redwood.  I realized then that I was hooked on trees, vines and fence posts.

Drawing from nature is daunting, thus, I normally use photographs as my inspiration in order to capture the complexity my subject.  Photography is a hobby of mine which often turns into an art project.

Preparing my submission for the Ironstone 2017 Spring Obsession was great fun, although, it was hard to stop and call the drawing finished.  Working on vines or tree trunks can be addictive.   To me grape vines are masterpieces of design, swirls and curlicues, divots and flat planes.  

My favorite medium is graphite combined with colored pencil and water color.  I sell copies of my work at Farmers Markets in Tuolumne County.

Thank you for viewing my art, it has been my pleasure.

Mary Ann Kash

domedwellers3945@gmail.com

Meet Theme Division Accepted Artist Deborah Wright

Deborah Wright

View from the rabbit hole by Deborah Wright  acrylic 24x30 $1475  

I’m Deborah Wright and live in the beautiful mountains of northern California.  Nature has inspired my life and influences my art.  I'm a textile, mixed media and acrylic artist who loves bold, bright colors and texture.  Favorite mediums include acrylic paint, India ink and graphite pencil.

My work is abstract, non-objective and organic in style, as my approach is intuitive, loose and unstructured. I have received multiple awards at exhibits in Tuolumne and Amador counties.

Artists that have influenced my work include Alan Powell and Robert Burridge, both of California and Jane Davies of Vermont.

​I have been blessed with space for painting, collage, assemblage art and workshops.  My studio encompasses an eclectic gallery and is featured on the Amador County Art Association annual open studio tour in September.

Meet THEME Division Accepted Artist Vickie Chew

Ironstone presents our first Theme Division artist of 2017 ...

Sunset Dills by Vickie Chew  oil  12x16  $300  T-009

Vickie Chew Art

Painting for me is a joy, challenge and mental escape all in one. Most of us Artists fall in love with a scene for variety of reasons just as you may fall in love with a particular surrounding or place. The scene usually has some type of emotional connection that originally attracts you to it, maybe you spent time there as a child, a first kiss, family outings or you are just attracted to the beauty of the area. I love the challenge of trying to capture the essence of what is before me, whether it be a barn, trees, lakes or ocean, ther
e is something special that attracted me to the scene. It is all about recreating the image before me and capturing the light, character and personality of the scene, nothing else exists, as I lose myself to the painting zone, as the “zone” is total captivation!

I do Impressionistic paintings in Plein Air, Studio, Murals and Commissioned pieces. I use brush and palette knife and rarely use or mix my oils with other mediums. My work is always sealed with a varnish finish, signed and numbered on the back of the canvas. I can be contacted at 209-743-4126

Gift Baskets for Christmas and New Years now available!

Need a special gift basket for Christmas or a hostess gift?  Stop by our tasting room and check out our big selection, or call to have us make a special one for your needs or price range. 

Ironstone's Water Wheel is up and running!

After a brief hiatus, Ironstone Vineyard's historic water wheel is up and running again.  This beautiful water wheel was lovingly restored as part of Ironstone's outdoor mining museum.

Flumes carrying water gently flow from the top and turn the wheel.  with a series of pulleys, the wheel operates the stamp mill you see in the photo, crushing ore brought by ore cart from the mine shafts.

Don't miss seeing this historic example of a true mining operation here at Ironstone. Open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Holiday Traditions with the Kruchta Family

Last week we were visited by the Kruchta Family of Hollister, CA.  

The family have been coming to Ironstone Vineyards annually during Thanksgiving since the oldest son was a baby.  The boys, Alden and Anton asked to help decorate one of our many trees here in the tasting room.  

Even dad and their grandmother helped. Mom stayed back taking care of the newest boy in the family who will be helping to decorate in a couple of years. 

Thank you to the Krichta Family from everyone

in the tasting room for making our holiday more special. 

Black Friday Specials start today!

Collectable Dolls Super Sale  

From an outstanding Auction, owner Mr. John Kautz has found a plethora of collectible dolls that we are offering at huge discounts.  Original pricing of these dolls ranged from $25.00 to $400.00. 


 Ironstone is offering these dolls to you for prices ranging from $5.00 to $125.00.  


Perfect for those little girls on your list or the serious collector looking for that one missing doll. 

There are Christmas Angels, $5 baby dolls, limited edition "Erte" dolls.... quite a large inventory.

Most all of the dolls are in original boxes, most never having been removed from their containers, still wrapped and fully protected.

These are a must see and a great deal to add to your collection or just find the perfect $5 stocking stuffer.

Open 11:00 to 5:00 daily.

CALL TO ARTISTS

Call to Artists

Ironstone Vineyard’s 20^th Annual

Spring Obsession Art Show & Competition

DUE DATES:

·      * THEME Division entry due Friday, January 6, 2017

·      * OPEN Division entry due Saturday, January 28, 2017

PRIZES:

·      

   *THEME Division winner $500 with winning art piece reproduced as the promotional poster for Ironstone’s internationally acclaimed “Obsession Wine”. Full credit to winning artist.

·     * OPEN Division; 1^st place $1000, 2^nd place $500, 3^rd place $250.

·      Final OPEN Division judging by nationally acclaimed artists/art field representatives. To Be Announced.

·    

         Please see prospectus for complete details. Prospectus/entry forms available at Ironstone Vineyards Downloadable from www.ironstonevineyards.com and http://ironstonemuseum.blogspot.com

·   

         Or email click here w/ “ART ENTRY” in subject line.

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, March 4 & 5, 2017 “SPRING OBSESSION” Show Opening.

“Meet ‘n Greet” the accepted artists through their “Art in Action” demonstrations, plein air painting and more.

More details to follow.

Day of the Dead Celebration

Today here in Murphys we are celebrating the Day of the Dead.  

You will find alters throughout town as well as here at Ironstone honoring some very special people.




Ironstone has chosen George Wendt to honor.  Having a very special place in all our hearts, George was an amazing human being and very much missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

George doing what he loved most

“Wine on the River”

A collaboration of O.A.R.S. and Ironstone Vineyards

Stephen Kautz on a "Wine on the River" trip with OARS

 Story by Stephen Kautz:

"I have always had a love for the outdoors in any form. When I was a kid I got my first taste of rafting down the Stanislaus River with OARS in those early days before the dam was built. I kept that love of rivers and fishing in them, but had moved away from the rafting part. Then my grandmother (moms side) invited me to go on a rafting trip with her through OARS, down the Alsek River in the Canadian Yukon. Yes, the story is true, it was for her 80^th birthday.  Well, I was again hooked on rafting.  I came home and bought my own boat and started running rivers across the 11 western states. The only problem I had is a common one for rafting folks like me – work kept getting in the way.  I was doing a lot of winemaker dinners and tasting events across the country and one day was sharing that with George Wendt and his marketing guy Eric Grathwal, somewhat complaining that I wasn’t getting enough time on the river. They both looked at me and asked if I would do something like that on a river trip for OARS.  Let me see - wine, good food, river rafting and getting paid to do it!!!!!  YES, dream come true.

The first Wine on the River trip, started in 1997, was down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho through the Frank Church Wilderness area, one of the most beautiful trips you can take. I took along my executive chef a bunch of good Ironstone Wine and away we went.  Some of the best memories in my life have come during those trips.  I can remember 12 of our group huddled under a tarp, sitting in the raft on a beach in the pouring rain.  We were laughing at my description of our Symphony Wine when Chef Clyde pops underneath the tarp and starts passing out hot broth, asking what wine paired best with it….I think we tried them all.  The Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Main Salmon, The Rouge River, The American River, The Tuolumne River, or any river where you can enjoy nature, great food and wine and the experiences of life, that is what Wine on the River is all about."

Stephen Kautz