Mark Twain Festival / Mark Twain Autobiography

A most outstanding weekend... The 2010 Mark Twain's Motherlode Festival. Kicking off the event was the production of "Sam & Laura" by the Best Selling author, Ron Powers at the Bret Harte Theater Friday night.

Cleverwolf Entertainment on location

We had a great visit from CleverWolf Entertainment Tuesday for filiming of the Crystalline Gold specimen as well as some of our more interesting natural nuggets. Jeremy Maupin, director is seen in the photo at the right, adjusting the big cameras for a nice shot or Ironstone's Crystalline Gold Specimen. The shoot was done for the Living Well network, CBS Southern California. Not sure if we will see it when it comes out in January up North, but, hoping to get a video on line that we can share with you.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jeremy-maupin/10/3b5/270

Below, you see the closeups being taken of our unusual Gold Bearing Ironstone natural nuggets. We have several beautiful pieces that are currently being offered at a 15% discount.  

To the right is our Conrad taking a group shot of Jeremy Maupin, Stacey Bosworth and photographer "Shane" inside the vault with the gold piece in the background.

Call to Artists! Spring Obsession 2011!

2010 Theme Division Winner

Calling all artists! Time to put that paint to canvas or thread to the needle, or pen into the ink, or whatever your favorite medium is... it is that time again! Ironstone's Spring Obsession Art Show & Competition!

SEE BELOW FOR ENTRY FORMS!!

It is hard to believe that the Summer Concert Series is over, fall is here and the perspectus for the Spring Obsession Art Show is ready to go out to our great and talented artists!

I have to admit, this is one of my favorite events here at Ironstone.  The annual Spring Obsession Art Show, Sale & Competition..... 

Artist Diana Eppler's work on display now thru Nov. 17

Ironstone's Galleria is celebrating a new art exhibit of paintings by artist Diana Eppler. Diana's work will be on display in our main Galleria, just below the tasting room, Wednesday through Sundays from 10 to 5. 

As Diana explains...

“The foothills are a wonderful area for artists. The landscape choices are endless and all within a morning’s drive. My painting subjects are varied as that is my nature. I will probably be perpetually in some period of transition with my art which, I hope, is a good thing. I try to work towards a melding of classical, contemporary and my own style; always striving to share with the viewer a means of expression which is representational without being literal or prosaic.

I used to worry where was I going with my art? Was I a colorist, tonalist, impressionist, plein air or studio painter? I now know my art leads me. Each piece is individual and dictates how it should be painted. First comes what I feel, then what I see.

Warehouse Sale Oct. 23 & 24

Fall warehouse sale set!  Head out to Ironstone Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10:oo to 4:00 or Sunday, Oct. 24 from 10:00 to 2:00 for outstanding deals on cases of wine!  It is best to come early as many of the offerings are in short supply to begin with.  We have a few of our local regulars that like to come out very early that actually help the staff set up so they can be the first in line!  Not actually encouraged, but, a little extra help always comes in handy. 

Here is a photo of some of last years early birds! It was a beautiful day as we expect this year to be as well.  Either way, the sale is ON!  Make your list now of all those holiday parties you like to take a bottle of wine to, the neighbors you like to drop a gift basket off at the front door, the family that drops by to share some holiday spirit with... This is your chance to not break the bank and take care of all of the above a incredable prices... See you on the 24th!

Mark Twain Motherlode Festival

Ironstone is one of many sponsors for the upcoming Mark Twain Motherlode Festival in Angels Camp, October 15, 16 & 17.   Check out the photo of his residence on Jackass Hill below....

Concours d'Elegance 2010

What an exciting day Saturday was.  Mind you, I am not all that much of a big auto fanatic other than for transportation and hauling. Go figure, I drive a truck.  But, Saturday actually proved to be an exciting day.  Looking at all those cars, trucks, boats & cycles brought back such great memories of years past.  Camping trips as a kid with an old falcon with a matching trailer, the two restored Model A's my dad drove us around in the rumble seat, the mustang convertable I drove through High School until Dad realized how valuable it was... still in the family, too...

Car club trips, gathering at a friends or family homes to admire the new vehicle, yeah I even remember someone with an Edsel! Family members attempting to restore an old Chris Craft, succeeding later in life with a historic motorcycle... guess you really don't have to be a classic car fanatic to really enjoy a classic car show.  I certainly did and on so many different levels.

This year too brought out 11 outstanding Plein Aire Artists that painted throughout the facility during the show.  They had soo much to chose from, some focused on a single scene throughout the day, while others would sketch or paint a while, then move on to another area and more opportunities.  They were all enjoying the crowds as much as the crowds seem to enjoy them. Lots of questions, commendations and a few sales as well.  You can see their biographies below..

Again this year, Ironstone's Volunteer Team came through for the Concours Foundation with flying colors. All prompt, friendly and more than helpful to all the guests attending this year.  I can't say enough in praise for this wonderful and fun group of people.  Why, one of our volunteer couples were even Best of Class winners with their flashy looking classic jag.  Very hot & sleek looking machine that one! Kudos to them all!

A great thank you to Michele's wonderful son for taking all those great photos and Artist Sonny Sorensen!

Artists painting on site Saturday...a Must see!

I must say, having such great plein aire artists painting on site for the Concours d'Elegance Saturday is such a joy and long time coming.  This is the first year artists have been invited to participate. I was able to hang completed paintings in the Galleria that will be on display through Tuesday, October 5th. So do take the time to come by and check out some spectacular paintings!  I have listed each artists biography to the right. So do take a look and see who all is joining us... love to see you here. The Concours is such a great charity event too!