Sold! Vaughn Pottery recent sales...

We love Vaughn Pottery and so do our Collectors!  

Below are images of a few pieces that have found new homes recently.  

Congratulations!

Ghost sightings?

Seems a week ago last Saturday, we had our first experience with a "ghost sighting". Now, it wasn't exactly a sighting, but seems said ghost gently touched the shoulder of one of our managers early that morning leaving a cold spot where the touch was felt. Within the next 30 minutes, the radio was turned on by "no one" up in the tasting room as the security arrived to open up the doors and turn lights on. "No one" was up there when the radio came on... , or when it was again turned on and off again just this past weekend. 

Tasting room security cameras also saw one of the registers start a ZZ run the next day, spitting out rolls of register tape when "No one" again was anywhere near said register.  Add to that reports of slamming doors and a few other possibly related incidents, and we may have an extra guest visiting these days!

Now, normally, I am one to ignore such things, although when a kid, my sister and I swear we did see the ghost up in her room at the old Museum in Jackson, Ca. We were hiding in a bush outside one night while visiting Grandma & Grandpa, curators that lived in the old house next to the Museum... but, I've always thought that sighting a direct result of a frightening story told by an outstanding Grandpa story teller that put the fear in us. A huge rush of adrenaline brought on by sneaking out the bedroom window in the middle of the night and hiding behind an old bush under a full moon with glowing reflections on the old museum windows, and well, you get the picture.

But, here at Ironstone, those reports made were by some pretty stable, reputable staff members minus the full moon, adrenaline rush and the great Grandpa Storyteller.

So, there you have it! Take it with a grain of salt, but, if I hear more, I will let you know!

Historic Trivia from the Gold Country

 This wonderful old safe has been here in the Heritage Museum for several years now.  Showing signs of wear with a lock that has been drilled open, this old boy seems to have an awful lot to say.  But finding the time to search out his voice has always been lacking.

Well, with a short concert season, we have found ourselves with a little bit of time on our hands and what an amazing story is emanating from this old timer!

We know it came out of what had been the Wells Fargo Office in Angels Camp, California, just down the road from us. Each of the Wells Fargo Agents that either worked or owned that office had signed the door of this safe with the dates they had been the official Wells Fargo Agent.

(Note: we had to wrap plastic over the door where the signatures were to protect them from being rubbed off by a curious on looker. Why someone would do that is beyond me, but, luckily we caught the offending finger before it could do too much damage! A Plexiglas cover is being designed to replace the plastic wrap.)

The first signature belongs to a J. C. Scribner who was the first agent from 1856 to 1892.

Having seen that name before, it was time to dig. In the back office reference library is a reprint of a book printed in 1885 titled "Calaveras County, Illustrated and Described 1885."
Page #72 ... 

"At Angel's, J. C. Scribner keeps a general merchandise store, and a good line of drugs. He also acts as agent for Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express. He came to Calaveras County as early as 1849, and purchased the business formerly conducted by Mr. Angel, the founder of this camp. The wooden building occupied first by Mr. Scribner was burned in 1855, and he replaced it by a very substantial stone building the following year (1856). He has remained in business at this place ever since."

This lovely book also has an etching of said store as it looked in 1885.

At the California Historic American Buildings Survey website, we found the photo below of a later version of Scribner's store & Wells Fargo Express office taken prior to 1941 when the building burnt down and became what is now a parking lot across the street from what was the old Angels Hotel. 

According to the Survey card, J. C. Scribner was: 

"Dear to hearts of Angels Camp citizens because of folk lore around Scribner, practical joker of old school. Said to have been the one who furnished the grapeshot that decided the race in Mark Twain's famous story "Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."

Now, this story was an actual event that occurred downtown Angels Camp sometime between 1856 and 1865. Samuel Clemens heard the folklore while socializing in the Angels Hotel, just across the street from Scribner's store. Maybe we will have time for that in another blog.

May, 1892, the Wells Fargo agency was taken over by R. Rasmussen.  At this time, I am still looking to see what happened to J. C. Scribner. If I find anything interesting, I will most certainly post an update.

Hope you have enjoyed this little bit of historic trivia.

Trivet Time for the Holidays!

Coinciding with the current "History of Iron" display, Ironstone's Junk Junkies have just received bags full of vintage trivets!

These go on sale this weekend for $5 each!  Research on just the first bag revealed value of just one of the trivets to be around $25.00.  

Many of these are collector pieces, so best come on in and gather up the deals.

This is a one time opportunity as well. From a recent estate sale, the collector's heirs don't see any value here, so the catch is yours.

While you are in, take a look at the "History of Irons" display as well.

Those are all available for sale as well. An outstanding value for the collector or just those of us who remember the doorstop at Grandma's house, and want to emulate the connection for our kids.

Remember, with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, these can also be great White elephant gifts or nostalgia mementos for your loved ones.

At the very least, stop in when you are out to put a smile on your face!

Updates to come from the Junk Junkies!

Fiona & Trysette Visit Ironstone

Today Dan Sokyrka, of Diamond Concepts over the river in Sonora, played tour guide to friends Fiona & Trysette.  The Ladies are here in California on tour and took time out for a little sightseeing.

Here you see Dan explaining the intricacies of the Crystalline Gold Formation here in the Heritage Museum.

And Now, trying to talk Dan into creating one of his jewelry design masterpieces with a chunk of the Gold!

GO GIRLS!

Call to Artists, Plein Air Painting Day at Ironstone!

Great opp for all you plein-air painters out there. 

The Concours Foundation has invited plein-air painters to join the fun on Saturday, Sept. 28th from 10 am to 3 pm. 

Participating artists will receive complimentary entry to the event and the Hospitality Room for a luncheon buffet. 



You will need to be registered with Chris at 209-728-1251 or cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com for the complimentary entry pass. Please touch base by 4:00 PM, Wednesday, Sept. 25th to make sure you are on the list.




Send a bio and we can feature you on this blog as well as some of the on site event promos.





Bring your easel, paints and canvas and have a great day painting classic autos, tear drop trailers, motorcycles, vintage race cars and more!

For more information about the event, check out their website at:

http://www.ironstonefoundation.org/

Silent Movie Time!

Rim Fire Donation Station at Ladies Nite Out tonight!

We will be collecting donations that are needed for the Rim Fire Evacuees at Girls Night Out tonight in the parking lot outside of the Breezeway here at Ironstone Vineyards.  Donations needed at this time are on the list below.  Any questions please direct to Kerry Keeney at 209 728 1251.  People do not need to attend Girls Night Out to drop off donations.

Gatorade

Non-sugary children's drinks

Diapers

Travel Sized Deodorant 

Femine Hygiene Products

New Pillow Cases

Shave Gel

Small Kleenex packets

As well as monetary donations to the Red Cross

There will also be a card station where you can bring cards with words of encouragement to the people at the shelter. 

New Arrivals! Vaughn Pottery

Stunning new arrivals!

This breathtaking platter is one of the largest we have seen from Vaughn Pottery. Five large turquoise stones fit serenely in a deeply carved path emanating from the centered fossil.

Textured accents highlight the horsehair patterns on the natural light pottery face.

Priced at $950.00, this piece found it's new home before I was able to post!

Smaller Platter with Horsehair design and abalone shells.  Deep carved design and a footed base.  Priced at $375, this piece stands equally well on the stand or resting on its footed base.

This tall elegant lidded vase with side details matched on the lid is a must see piece. Standing at 26" tall, the deeply carved sides evoke a sensuality and elegance of form.  Priced at $900. this piece will not stay on the shelf long!   

  

This new form playfully charges the eye back and forth between the dark, deep carved forms and the brilliant colored natural stones.  Two sided, each side has evolved different elaborate imagery.  Priced at $700.00

Big & Rich Play at Ironstone This Saturday, August 10!

Big & Rich Play at Ironstone 

This Saturday, August 10!

Country superstars Big & Rich are bringing their "Party Like Cowboyz" tour to Ironstone Amphitheatre this Saturday, August 10! With special guests Cowboy Troy and Whiskey Dawn, it's going to be an unforgettable evening of live music. A limited number of seats are still available,

so buy your tickets now!

 http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1722952

Tickets start at just $45 and the show begins at 7 p.m.

__________________________________

Now, lets step back for a moment and take a close look at Big & Rich's promotional photograph.  I'm thinking that photo is as "SteamPunk" as it gets!

Here at the Museum, we've been doing some studying up on "SteamPunk". 

After a wild photo session here at Ironstone Vineyards by a Bay Area Photographer with her dressed to the hilt models, our curiosity was spiked. Promoting "Steampunk" Weddings, she spent the better part of the day posing her bride & groom throughout the beautiful grounds with a variety of props.  

To say the least, I was intrigued!  LOVED the feel and mood of the outfits! (I will post as soon as we receive permission to share... )  This drove me to investigate what was behind this "SteamPunk" phenomena.  

Think Victorian, creative science of movement, the wild west ... yes, the "Wild Wild West" TV series with all the innovative weapons they used is considered by many pure "Steampunk".  Throw in a heavy dose of Fantasy with some goth and you have the basics of "Steampunk".

If you check out www.steampunk.com, "Steampunk's" roots are literary, laying claim to many of the world's great classic books, (one of my favorites, H.G. Wells, "The Time Machine" being only one).  This website defines Steampunk as a "subgenre of science fiction and fantasy" utilizing steam engines and the technology of the 19th. century while rebelling against the same.

Springing forth from these humble beginnings, is music, art, science and a world of fashion wrapped into an entire lifestyle.  A lifestyle rich with a unique creativity enveloping one's entire environment. Morphed into a thought pattern, craving & functioning in the pure science of a Fantasy Victorian. 

Fascinating, mysterious, marvelous, frightening and very romantic all at the same time...  

As we delve deeper into this unique world, we will give you updates on our discoveries... Until then, we leave you with one question ....

Is Big & Rich Steampunk? Lets go Saturday night and find out!

Interview w/ Artist Kathleen Dunphy

BlogTalk Radio has a spectacular interview with Artist Kathleen Dunphy. Must hear radio!


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artistshelpingartists/2013/07/11/a-conversation-with-artist-kathleen-dunphy

Spring Obsession Artist, Myra Steward exhibit

Hi Everyone-

 

I have the wonderful opportunity of displaying my art at the Blue Moon Gallery.  There are four of my new paintings on display there now.

The gallery is located at:  2353 Albatross, Sacramento, 95815

                              hours:  Wednesday- Saturday  Noon- 5 PM

Second Saturday reception:  6-9 PM  

There is a second Saturday reception this weekend, July 13.  Please stop by and introduce yourself to  the owner Carol.  Let her know that

I told you about the gallery.

Attached is a photo of one of my new paintings.  I continue to paint the animals and birds theme!

Thank you for your continued support of my artistic journey!

Myra

bluemoongallerysacto.com

sacfinearts.org

Check out other examples of my art work at these two websites under artists gallery.

Hsu-Yuan Liu, Spring Obsession former First Place Winner Solo Exhibit!

Spring Obsession Artist, Katerina Rutherford exhibit in Jugoslavia!

Independence Celebration! Fireworks! Food & Family Fun!

Featured Artist Joann Reed

Currently on Display and available for sale at Ironstone Vineyards are outstanding prints from Artist Joann Reed.  Joann's fine work takes the viewer into a wonderful world of rich, warm colors and timeless emotion.   

 "Born and raised in Pennsylvania, the artist had always nurtured a tremendous feeling of love for the great out-of-doors, her favorite treat being "a walk in the woods" from the time she was old enough to walk. When she arrived in  California in 1963,she found what her heart had been searching for. Revelling in  the feeling of broad expanse in California's rugged scenery, loving the wildness of the oak tree's willful character, and delighting in the diversity of both vegetation and terrain, she immediately felt a keen closeness to the ranch lands of the state. Taking full advantage of California's abundant supply of sunlight and unprohibitive temperatures, she has, from innumerable journeys through areas of oak, redwood, grassland, pine forests, ocean, and desert, evolved her personal way  of expressing her reverent and joyous responses to these creations and their mercifully approachable, loving Creator."

 Joann's framed prints range in price from $50 to $30, making them very affordable treasures for your home and gifts for art loving friends. The exhibit runs through the month of June.

Artist Susie Hoffman, Ironstone Spring Obsession Artist is Hop'n this summer!

Check out the action at Artist Susie Hoffman's Town Hall Arts in Calaveras County's Copperopolis

Check out our website! www.townhallarts.com

Featured artist for the month of June at Galerie Copper is Don Hukari, well known for his award-winning
serigraphs and publisher of Sierra Seasons Magazine. Don does art and commercial design from his home
studio near Sonora. Read more about Don under “Galerie Artists 2013” at www.townhalllarts.com.

Galerie Copper artists include Dorothy Babinsky, Kim Barrington, Diana Boyd, Judie Cain, Patricia
Cherry, Barbara Conley, Kitty Davids, Geneva Davis, Marlene Dotur, George Allen Durkee, Dava
Ellinger, Diana Eppler, Sarah Evans, Jill Figler, Margo Flanagan, Brent Frazer, Dola Garretson, Debbie
Gurich, Gemma Gylling, Renetta Hayes, Susie Hoffman, Don Hukari, Frank Hynes, Marie Jobes, Randy
Klassen, Nancy Macomber, Carolyn Macpherson, Ken McBride, Ruth Morrow, Dana Sue Palemone, Pat
Rohovit, Mary Jean St. Claire, Selma Sattin, Michael Severin, Sunny Sorensen, Dianne Stearns, Ellie
Stone, Irene Taylor, Carolynn Troedson, Glenn Wasson, Staci Williams, Janet Wilmeth, and Terri Wilson.

__________________________________________________________________

Town Hall Arts under the clock
145 Stone St.,Copperopolis Town Square

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 10 am to 5 pm
Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm • Sundays 12 to 5 pm
CLOSED Tuesdays

                __________________________________________________________________
Classes/Events as of June 10, 2013 Atelier Copper

Sign up for classes with Larry,
larry@townhallarts.com, or phone 785-2050

A deposit is required to hold your place in most classes.

Life Drawing

June 3, 10, 17, 24 • 1 to 4 pm

In The Raw--Serious Life Drawing with Sunny Sorensen

Students will be drawing from a live nude model. No experience needed. Cost for each
month is $40. This covers the model’s fee and limited instruction. To hold your place, the
fee must be paid when you sign up with Larry at Town Hall Arts. Sunny will set up the
model with a series of short poses, ranging from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. These will be
followed by longer poses. The goal of the short poses will be to understand and capture
the movement of the figure using a variety of techniques. The expectation is that you
draw large especially for these poses. This helps you loosen up, draw from your shoulder,
and not get caught up in details.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Copper Art Club Open Painting
Wednesday, June 12

9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Open painting with optional drawing warm-up. Start off your day with
the “One Drawing a Day” group. For this exercise, you will need a
bamboo pen and some black or brown ink. No instruction; no cost.

Myra Steward, Spring Obsession Artist Exhibit update!

Quick Share! 

One of Ironstone's 2013 Spring Obsession Artists has a show coming up! Thanks for sharing Myra!

Hi Everyone!

I've attached photos of my entry in the Fiber Show-"Focus on Fiber".   It's a wonderful visually stimulating show with many unique pieces!  It's being held at:

Sacramento Fine Arts Center

5330-B Gibbons Drive

Carmichael, CA 95608

Hours: 11AM tp 7 PM Tuesdays

           11AM to 3 PM Wednesday-Saturday

Dates:  June 4- June 22

Reception-  June 8-5:30-8:30PM

The piece I knitted is a ruana, a South American Poncho, and is knitted with silk, wool and acrylic yarns.  I am also working on a series of paintings that will be displayed at the Blue Moon Gallery this summer.

Thank you for your continued support of my artistic journey!

Myra

Vaughn Pottery "Life Force" comes to Ironstone

"LIFE FORCE Series"

by Vaughn Pottery

#141 310047 "Life Flame" by Vaughn Pottery $600

Standing 26" tall, fired pottery hand carved & decorated.

Undulating design embellished with fossil & native trading beads,  this Vaughn pottery piece is one of our favorite pieces.  Unlike any other piece we have seen to date, this tall vase steps away from the symmetrical forms of most of Vaughn Pottery designs.  Not for the faint of heart, this piece  seems almost alive with inner forces breathing and flowing with life.  

#141 310047 "Life Flame" by Vaughn Pottery $600

Working around the vase,

June Vaughn wove an intricate story of life unfolding

in design and powerful symbolism.  It is a breathtaking piece we classify as a "Must See" to appreciate.

#141 310047 "Life Flame" by Vaughn Pottery $600

The  "flame" lid is hand carved antler,

embellished with jasper... inset in elaborate carved & painted fired ceramic.  

Stop by on your next visit to Calaveras County & Murphys to see this piece. Well worth the trip. It is available for purchase at only $600, so don't wait too long or it will be gone!

We made the cover of the Yellow Pages!

Concert Poster!

Concert Season Schedule is here!

Ironstone's 2013 Concert Season was announced last night to Ironstone's Wine Club Members here in the Tasting Room at a very special event. Members enjoyed wine and munchies while waiting for the final entertainer's contract to come in! Talk about on the wire ... finally it did and the announcement was made!

Follow the link below directly to the Concert Page where you can see the seating charts, ticket prices and even purchase your tickets...

After a Season kick start, July 6th. with fire works and a family fun day, JOAN JETT and The Blackhearts join us on Saturday, July 20th.,  next up on Friday, August 2nd. is Melissa Etheridge.  Saturday, August 10th comes Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy and our very own Whiskey Dawn coming home for the night from Nashville!

Check out more details here...

http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/index.cfm?method=pages.showPage&pageid=c4af7d05-ed82-734a-7e9d-814c7a164788

Meet Artist Nina Thomson, Ironstone Spring Obsession Accepted Artist

NINA THOMSONPASTEL LANDSCAPE PAINTING

SALE PENDING   "West Sacramento River View" by Nina Thomson  pastel  9x12  $150.

     It is a challenge to take a one-inch stick of pigment, apply it to paper by moving my arm, and through that process, to capture the changing light and fixed distance -- perhaps a mile or two, perhaps 50 miles.

     I paint scenes within a few miles of my home in Sacramento. The goal is to have others see the particular part of the world as I see it, at a particular moment in time. When it works, it makes me happy all day.

Meet Artist Anne Zils, Ironstone Spring Obsession Accepted Artist

About the Artist

Anne Zils grew up in Texas but, shortly after her 6th. birthday her career Army father moved the family to Honolulu Hawaii.  Anne loved to read and draw from an early age and the abilities took a formal turn after she met and married her husband in 1959. She waited until her two daughters were in school all day then enrolled in art at San Jose State, in San Jose, CA. where she received a BA in Art in 1975, and then in 1979, a "Masters" in counseling and psychology.

After school, she yearned to learn to weld. The opportunity to study welding at Columbia College presented itself when she and Ron and daughter Pam, moved to Twain Harte in the year 2000. It was love at first weld!!

Anne draws incessantly and is inspired by great photography, nature, and, very often, "metal just speaks to me", telling me what to design with it.

About the Art

Anne combines her metals with "Texas Thunder glass chunks, (supposedly created by placing lightning rods in sand where lightening is apt to strike, Probably a Texan myth?) faceted stones and ceramics applied with High Tech Nasa developed adhesives and metal pieces that have been welded and painted onto the surface.

Her metal "masks" are a combination of bullet riddled signs, which she cuts and twists into shape and to which ornamentation is then applied.  Anne also creates three dimensional pieces ranging from 12" to 8 ft tall, of varied subject matter.  Anne jokes that working in a larger scale allows her to see her mistakes more easily.

Her work may be seen and purchased at "All That Matters" in Twain Harte, CA. and at "Perfect Bargains" in Sonora, CA. One of the many charities she supports.  In the summers, her work is often displayed at Tallulah's Restaurant on main street in downtown Sonora, CA. Anne has been hung in Museums and galleries in the bay area, but prefers working locally at this point in time.

Anne does commission work as time allows, and you can reach her at: Annezils@sbcglobal.net

Meet Artist David Yelick, Ironstone Spring Obsession Accepted Artist

Artist Statement

David Yelick

David has painted primarily in the medium of oils since he was taught by his father at the age of 12.  David's father was an exceptional artist and inventor and was a skilled craftsman in iron and wood.

David's artworks include commissioned portraits, seascapes, and wildlife.  He enjoys painting and drawing and has worked in a variety of mediums, such as acrylic, watercolor, wood and stained glass.

O-184  "Blue Ocean"  by David Yelick  acrylic  14x18  $125

Meet Artist Courtney Wise, Ironstone Spring Obsession Accepted Artist

Courtney Wise

Artist Statement

O023  "Birds and Flowers"  by Courtney Wise  collage  11x15  $375

 For as long as I can remember I have loved to create art, take photos and figure out how things work. My hands are rarely idle. I listen best when I can sit and draw. While attending graduate classes or sitting in church my notes are covered with little doodles of things I see or things I make up. Art is an outlet for me; it is time when I get to sit and think, express things that are going on in my life or just a way to unwind from a busy day.

One of my fondest memories in Kindergarten was when my teacher allowed me to stay at the paint easel and create artwork past the time when everyone else was finished. From the time I was five I was encouraged to pursue a career in art.  With that encouragement and support from my family I continued to draw, paint and sculpt my way into college.  I earned a Bachelors of Art in Art Studio from Sonoma State University in 2001. Planning on becoming an art teacher I moved to Sacramento to earn my teaching credential and worked part time, but plans to teach started to change with my desire to own a business.

O-027  "Wedding Headress"  bu Courtney Wise
pencil  7x13  $225

Scrapbooking has always been a huge passion of mine; I am my family's photographer. I love capturing moments in time, people's expressions along with being able to look back at all of the memories. In 2002, I opened Scrapbook Dreams in Stockton, CA which I designed and built from the ground up. I ran and operated my business for three years. It was a dream come true, to be able to create my own schedule, create scrapbook pages all day and help others design their memories in an artful way.

I am a person who likes change and a challenge, so after three years of hard work, I sold my business to become a teacher. Teaching has always been a passion; my original plan was to become an art teacher, but I again changed paths because I wanted more job security. I earned my multiple subject teaching credential and have been teaching for eight years. I also have earned my Masters in Education and I am highly qualified in History. I love to bring art and creativity into the classroom and inspire my students' imaginations.

Art is a passion, a past time, an outlet, an expression, and a part of who I am. For me creativity can be found in an old broken down barn, on my nieces' faces, from a photograph, from a comment, from a cloud in the sky or simply from a thought.  I look forward to bringing color to a blank slate that will make a statement, make someone think or question, or bring a smile to someone's face. Art is and always will be a part of who I was created to be. 

O-025  "Eight Days of Sunshine"  by Courtney Wise  pen/wc 11x15  $275

Meet Artist Marilyn Wear, Ironstone Spring Obsession Accepted Artist

Marilyn Wear    NWS, WW, CWA

O-138  "Amid the Manzanita" by Marilyn Wear  watercolor  11x16  $850

Biography

Marilyn was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design.  She worked as an advertising artist/illustration until 2003, then left her last job in commercial art to pursue her dream of becoming a full time fine artist. Her work won immediate recognition, winning awards in juried shows around the country.  In 2005 she was selected as a signature member of the National Watercolor Society. She has since earned signature memberships in Watercolor West and California Watercolor Association.

O-139  "Bridalveil Fall"  by Marilyn Wear  wc  16.5x11  $950

Although she also paints with oil and acrylics, her favorite medium is transparent watercolor, where she uses a technique of layering many glazes of watercolor to create richness and depth, while retaining a glowing vibrancy.  She finds some of her best subject matter close to home in her garden and in the Sierra Nevada mountains, particularly the dramatic landscapes of Yosemite National Park. She has a special interest in painting birds, and most recently the flora and fauna of one of her favorite places in the world, Hawaii. her style is realistic with an emphasis on capturing the light, color and mood of her chose subject.

She is currently represented by First Street Gallery in Turlock, CA

http://www.firststreetgalleries.com and Cedar Street Gallery in Honolulu Hawaii http://www.cedarstreetgalleries.com