Independence Hall Quilters Oct. 22, 23 & 24 @ Ironstone

This weekend Ironstone Vineyards is delighted to have back with us the Independence Hall Quilters. Labeled the Mountain Heirloom Quilt Faire XXXIII, this talented group of ladies have taken over Ironstone's large Alhambra Music Room and filled it with quilts, wall hangings, wearable art, dolls, needle art and more.  There are several stunning club quilts available for sale for only $450.00 each as well as a quilt titled "Mountain Home" available all as a raffle prize.  Elsewhere throughout the facility are vendors offering anything and everything one can image that relates to quilts, quiltmaking and more.  There is a boutique, demonstrations, door prizes, a country store and vendor booths. 

Watercolor by Artist Shona Macomber

In celebration of this weekend's Mountain Heirloom Quilt Faire XXXIII, Artist Shona Macomber brings us a beautiful watercolor titled "Patches of Memories".    Forgive my little camera and its light reflections, but I just had to show you how special this piece is.       Shona is a very talented watercolorist who paints for the love of the process.  In Shona's words:                                              "I paint because I love Process. Growing gardens from seed, breathing new life into living spaces, watching seasons change. Life is learning, growth, and renewal through process. My paintings illustrate this journey, much of the time in a whimsical way. No matter how difficult, or dark, or even hopeless a life-experience may appear to be, its touch can work good, even bring beauty. I am at peace.  I usually choose watercolor to share my observations. Painting in watercolor is a process in itself, following the flow of fluid pigment on paper, using tight control or giving it freedonw bloom. As you may guess, it is the letting go og control that seems to bring the most fulfillment and resulting beauty.   I have benefited from the watercolor instruction of Vernon Nye and Judi Betts.  A lifetime of study, teaching, and practive have taught me to paint; the Creator God has taught me to see."   

Shona's painting is valued at $700.00 and is available for purchase. Contact us here at Ironstone Museum or email cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com if you are interested or want more information.

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....