The California Fiber Artists, a partnership of twenty-five independent fiber artists will exhibit their "Rhythm & Blues" themed work at Gallery One, 209 Western Avenue, Petaluma from July 24-September 3, 2006. A public reception will be held on July 29^th from 5-7 pm.

California Fiber Artists www.cafiberartists.com describe their work as fusion art using fiber as well as other mediums to develop texture, shape, design and color. Although this artwork may resemble quilt-like constructions, none are meant to lie at the foot of the bed, but rather to hang on the wall like an oil or watercolor painting. The artists reconstruct fiber with dye, paint, and wire to develop their images. The final step, stitching through the layers of fiber, brings a depth to their artwork that mere paint cannot. Collage and other three-dimensional work have been created to inject this exhibit with some sculptural elements as well as to showcase the artists' versatility.

As an artist, it's very gratifying to have people give me positive feedback on my artwork. There are few things more motivating for me than to have someone select my art to give as a gift to themselves or a loved one. This week, I have the very humbling honor of having one of my paintings selected as the logo image for the US Naval Academy conference and celebration for "30 Years of Women at USNA". Part of this is timing and the stars alignment. I am a graduate of the great Class of 1982 from USNA (third class to include women). Last year, one of my classmates saw my midshipman series of paintings and suggested to the coordinators of the event that they use my painting of a women's cover (hat for you non-military types) with the first class (senior) shoulder board set in front of the US flag. You can find out more about the event at http://usna.com/WhatsNew/2006/30Years.htm

Call for Entries
Art Around Town at
Petaluma Valley Hospital

Show dates: Wednesday, August 16 -  Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Criterion for Entry:  Theme:  Healing Art:  Many artists create to encourage and 
support their own healing and the healing of others.  This show will highlight 
these images and help to create a more healing atmosphere in our hospital. 
  Artists may submit up to five pieces.
  Works must be appropriate for a hospital venue.  Please, no nudes or
violent images.  Keep in mind that we are encouraging healing in our community. 
  Artwork can be no smaller than 14 inches in width or length.
  Accepted work must be on view for the duration of the exhibit. 
(Arrangements will be made if a buyer is unable to wait for the closing date of 
theshow.)          
  All work must be securely wired.  The top of the wire should be three
inches below the top of the painting.  Saw tooth hooks and anything but wire
will not be accepted.
  Attach a label to the back, upper right side including the title,
artist's name, phone number, and medium.
  All sales transactions will be between the artist and buyer.
  In Lieu of a commission, a 15% tax-deductible donation to the Petaluma
Arts Council is requested.

Submission Deadline:  August 1, 2006.  Send photographs of specific work
to be entered.  Applications must be post-marked August 1, 2006.  Include: 
size, price, name, current address, phone, and email address.  Please include an
SASE for notice of acceptance.  You may email entries to 
aat.marilee@yahoo.com and you will be notified of acceptance by email. 

Mail your entries to:
Petaluma Arts Council, Art Around Town
At Petaluma Valley Hospital
P.O. Box 750661
Petaluma, CA  94975-0661

Wow! What a great time in the cultural history of Petaluma. The Petaluma Arts Council (PAC) has much to be proud of in their quest for and achievement of establishing an art center for Petaluma. The driving members of the PAC worked very hard to reach this dream for the community. It's time now for the artists & art lovers in Petaluma to step up and help keep this art center a reality.

Sponsored by Petaluma Arts Council and Poets & Writers
July 20 7 pm - 9 pm $10
Petaluma Community Center 320 No. McDowell Blvd

Sonoma County Poet Laureate and artist, GERI DIGIORNO, will conduct a
workshop exploring the creative correlation between poetry and collage two
similar disciplines in that each strives to create a whole greater than the
sum of the parts. This workshop will be a positive, inclusive "cut and
paste" atmosphere where participants of all skill levels are welcome.

Bring glue, mat board, scissors, images, photos, colored paper, printed
poems, etc. to be used for collage.

Geri Digiorno is the founder and director of The Petaluma Poetry Walk, an
annual event that celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. Her most recent
book of poems is White Lipstick. Other publishing credits include I'm Tap
Dancing, a chapbook of poems, Paterson Literary Review, The Noe Valley
Voice, Carbuncle, 33 Poetry Review, Cyanosis, North Coast Review, Tomcat,
Tight, Women's Voices, Sonoma Mandala, and Haight Ashbury Literary Journal.

This event is supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has
received from the Hearst Foundation.