Artist John Finger on site Sept. 28

Artist John Finger will be painting on site at the Ironstone Concourse d 'Elegance on Saturday, September 28th.  

“There is so much to see and interpret.
Each time the light changes, so does the world.”

San Francisco Bay Area artist John Finger grew up in Lafayette, CA and graduated from the California College of the Arts in Oakland in 1977. 

John is best known for his watercolor and oil paintings, both en plein air and studio works. When John is not out painting, he can be found working in his Walnut Creek studio. Although John is best known for his California landscapes, his painting subjects include the figure, animals, and anything else that inspires him. His work is becoming more and more sought after as collectors are adding his work to their collections.

John taught painting workshops at the Mendocino Art Center for many years and watercolor at Walnut Creek Civic Arts since 1990 and plein air painting through Orinda Recreation. He has also taught design and illustration classes at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill and at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He was president of the California Watercolor Society and on the board of the San Francisco Society of Illustrators. He was an artist in the United States Air Force Art program.

He is an avid runner, photographer and reader. His work can be seen in galleries around California and on his studio paintings website is www.JohnFinger.net.

In Coming! Grapes that is....

Ironstone's first grapes coming in!  This year Ironstone has brought the mechanical harvester up from Lodi to have some fun in the foothills.  Caught between fields, this bright yellow monster can harvest cleaner and faster than the old hand picking style.

Today the Muscat came in off the vines, tomorrow comes the Verdello.  Stay tuned for more photos as they come in.

There is actually a great video on youtube by BioNetwork's NC Community Colleges on how the picker actually works. See the link below:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv-AnyvWL7g

Guess who's at Ironstone tonight!

Ceramic Artist June Vaughn Meet 'n Greet Demo

Mark your calendars!  Ironstone is excited to announce that Saturday, September 28th. Ceramic Artist June Vaughn will be on site!  From 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, June will be in Ironstone's Heritage Museum for carving demonstration along with Meet n' Greet.

Internationally known Vaughn Pottery has had the distinction of representing American Ceramic Artists at the International Ceramic Exhibition for many years. Known for their distinctive hand thrown vases intricately carved and decorated by June Vaughn, Vaughn Pottery draws collectors from around the world to Ironstone's Heritage Museum.  Here, they have found their one of a kind Vaughn masterpieces from our outstanding collection. 

June Vaughn will be collaborating with Murphys own Quyle Kilns, demonstrating her carving & decorating techniques on a vase provided by Quyle Kilns.   Do make a point to stop in to visit with June that Saturday. 

New Trio joins the Heritage Museum team

Meet Fu Lu Shou, our new trio joining us in the Heritage Museum.

Fu Lu Shou - The Three Star Gods represent happiness & Prosperity, status and authority, and health and longevity. The Chinese term is San Xing. San means three in Chinese and Xing means star.  They are referred to collectively as Fu Lu Shou.

If you are into Feng Shui, these three are considered lucky symbols.

Shou, often called the "Old man of the South Pole", is the star god of longevity. Images of Shou Xing are often found in birthday cards as it is said he has the power to fix the date of every person's death.  I guess that equates to a long and happy life?

Shou Zing

Next in line is Lu Zing. Lu is dedicated to the sixth star of the Wen Chang cluster, in the West known as Urs Majoris. To receive Lu is to receive wealth and Social status.  It is said Lu Xing might originally have been the Prince of Fen-yang Wang, a most honored General. He died in 781 AD at the age of 84.  (in this photo he has forgotten to put on the wings of his headdress. They are very impressive)

Last but not least, if Fu Xing.  The star of Fu is dedicated to Jupiter which is considered very auspicious. Fu has proven to bring happiness, prosperity and good luck to those who need it the most.

This ceramic deities are 36" tall. As legend states they must be in proper order and at eye level. One should never look down on them. So, here they are, looking you in the eye making promises we hope they keep!

They are actually extremely detailed and stunning to look at.  Two of the Xing's carry children that have very distinctive features.  Even if you are not into Feng Shue, you would find these interesting to observe.  Stop on by and have a look. 

They are also available for purchase should you need all the happiness, wealth and longevity they are proposed to offer.

Calaveras Transet Concert Service

Calaveras Connect just announced a new service for Ironstone Vineyard's Concert goers.  For the following concerts, July 20, July 27, August 24, August 31, Sept. 7 & Sept. 14, Calaveras Saturday Shuttle will be adding a 10:00 pm - Midnight shuttle service from Ironstone to downtown Murphys, Angels Camp and Arnold.  There will be two busses dedicated to this evening route with exact departure and arrival times depending of traffic conditions.

Great opportunity to jump on the shuttle and head out to Ironstone for a wonderful musical evening where you can relax knowing you have a ride back to your car.  Angels Camp pickup points are Raspberry Lane, Historic Downtown, Bret Harte High School, Travelodge and WorldMark.  Pickup points in Murphys is the Black Bart Playhouse and of course, Ironstone Vineyards. Arnold pickup is at the Big Trees Market.

Check out more details like fares and special pricing at the link below. 


http://calaverasconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Ironstone-Concert-Transit-Schedule_final-7.12.2019.pdf

Ironstone Gold in Quartz and Natural Nugget Jewelry now for sale online!

You may now check out Ironstone's excellent line of Gold in Quartz and Natural Nugget jewelry directly from our website.

Ironstone is proud to have been working with Orocal for the past 20 years.  Their stunning designs have been a hallmark for Ironstone's best selling line of Jewelry.  Unique in design and one of Mother Nature's most elegant creations, Gold in Quartz jewelry is an heirloom worth investing in.

Check out the line now...

Ironstonevineyards.com  shopping!

First Fridays in Murphys Back for the Summer!

First Fridays in the Park 2019 Starts this Friday, June 6 at 5:30 pm

Brian Jirka and the Cabby Band will blend their stylish creations of pop, rock and soul into a unique experience for the whole family when they kick off the Murphys Community Club’s popular First Fridays in the Park series on Friday, June 7, 5:30 pm. From June to September, First Fridays in the Park will feature performances by a variety of musical groups playing in the familiar gazebo starting at 5:30 p.m.  Friends and neighbors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a small town America gathering in the cool confines of Murphys Community Park.  The park’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license prohibits the bringing of wine or liquor into the park but wine and beer will be available to purchase with the proceeds going to the Murphys Community Club. . Each event will have a community sponsor. Murphys Pour House and Murphys Irish Pub are the June sponsors.  Beginning at 4 p.m. music lovers can purchase food from two food trucks. Lorenzo Neto and his Food Shack sells hamburgers, burritos, salads and more. Mary’s Taco Truck offers a variety of Latin favorites. There will be a featured local wine, beer and other beverages for sale at “The Hut”.  All proceeds will go to maintaining and improving the park. There is no admission charge and ample free parking is available nearby. Donations to help maintain the park are always gratefully received. The featured bands for the rest of the First Fridays series are:  July 5, Two Hoots and a Holler; August 2, The Iconics; September 6, Leilani and the Distractions. The park will also be the site for the Calaveras Arts Council’s Wednesday, August 7 Music in the Parks performance featuring Cantamos, starting at 6:30 p.m. Murphys Community Park is located on Algiers St. in historic downtown Murphys.  Membership in the Murphys Community Club is open to everyone and contributions are tax deductible.  For further information, call 209-728-8093. MBA, P.O. Box 2034, Murphys, CA 95247 - visitmurphys.com