Marble Game boards back! Only $60. Limited quantity. Call now... on Twitpic

Marble Game boards back! Only $60. Limited quantity. Call now... on Twitpic

Sounds of the Season

Tis that time of year again! "Sounds of the Season - A Family Affair" is back at Ironstone November 27th.  This years theme is a Country Family Get together.  I had the pleasure of participating last year with the Cowboy Country Theme. What a fun evening!  Sounds of the Season is a live show, family oriented with no limit to join in and sing along if you like.  It truly is an event you can take the whole family to.   We had little ones dancing to the songs up front with the musicans last year. They were so cute and having so much fun!  After the show is a wonderful supper.  Ironstone does require reservations so Chef James prepares enough food! So do make your reservations now, 209-728-1251 ext. 11. Adults are $35. 12 & Under, $25 for both the show and supper!  It is a wonderful way to get into the warm and fuzzy family holiday spirit, have a great meal and a good time as well. Join us!

Up and Running! Pottery & Jewelry Oh My!

 Up and running! Didn't take June long to put together a beautiful display of her pottery and jewelry. June & Bill Vaughn potter is a must see. Come by and take a look before they all find new homes!

On a more serious note, I was able to model one of the jewelry pieces on Wednesday. The attention it drew was almost embarrasing.  I was first drawn to June's pottery as I mentioned in an earlier post, but, wearing this piece of jewelry and wearable art raised my level of awareness to the complexity of their designs beyond the pottery. As I showed the details and explained the craftsmanship to our Museum guests, the piece began to take on a life of its own. Complex, stunning and extremely artful, I ended up naming the piece as if it were quite alive. And it was for me for that time I had the honor of wearing it. It was like a partnership between us.  I became a vehicle for the piece to move and live as it was intended to.  Wierd? Maybe, maybe not.  You must be the judge.

The Perfect Union of two Creative Minds in Pottery

We are delighted to welcome Artists Bill & June Vaughn to Ironstone's Heritage Museum.  I "discovered" June and her breathtaking art at a small local fundraising event in Douglas Flat featuring some of my favorite artists at the old Johnson Home, now called Milliafori. A great vacation rental by the way! Here is the link if you would like to check it out. Used by many top notch artists for their painting clinics and classes as well.  Right next to the historic Douglas Flat Schoolhouse.  http://www.vrbo.com/229194

OK, I have regressed!  Back to my discovery, June Vaughn. Aside from being one of the most charming people I have met in a while, June is talented. Very talented. A local artist hailing from Sonora, June and her husband Bill have never exhibited locally, or at least not much. Focused on the larger more predectable art markets like Camel, this is a treat for us to have them at Ironstone. Their own back yard, so to speak.  The piece that drew me to June's booth was a stunning platter, off white with wild black lines weaving in and out, sharp and fuzzy, so much like the manner in which I like to doodle. Yes, we all do don't we?  Anyway, in speaking to June, these interesting black lines were accomplished by using horse hairs during the firing. Yes, just like the ones we ride up here in Murphys. We love them!  And this pottery just brings it all home.  And yes, the design work is so intricate it captivates you for such a long time... had to see more!  And that brings us to these photos of June setting up her work here at Ironstone Heritage Museum for all to see and enjoy.

To better describe the Vaughn's work in June & Bill's words...

"The Vaughn's ceramic work has transcended more than four decades. The heart and soul of the art arises from the crucial role that both husband and wife play in the formation of the pieces, with Bill throwing inventive shapes and June carving and decorating in a tribal art-influenced style.  Their work also incorporates mixed media including stones, shells, metal, feathers, and found objects.  Over the years, their style has evolved from functional stonework to one-of-a-kind high art designs, and is currently collected internationally. Each final piece is the perfect union of two creative minds."

  Come see for yourself. 

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.