In addition to experiencing art and culture there will be fun events for children and adults of all ages.  Tooling Metal Art?  YES!  Junk-A-Sketch?  Oh yah!  Click here for a schedule of the free, hands-on workshops that will be offered: http://www.el-cerrito.org/gov/artsdayworkshops.html

Meet and talk with painters, photographers, jewelry makers, film makers and musicians, plus artists that create origami, wooden African Art sculptures, Lego models and more. Some items on display will be available for purchase.

If you are an artist and would like to showcase your work, or for more information, click here: http://www.el-cerrito.org/gov/artsday.html

This event is being held in conjunction with California Arts Day.

http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/09/13/in-law-units-east-bay/

Last year the carnival was a great success.  This year they have taken the successes and added in more bang.  In addition to the typical carnival games like milk bottle knock-down, cake walks, tic-tac-toe, and golf putt-putt, the Harding Dads Club filled in the blanks by adding elements to appease not only the kiddies, but parents, too.  Clearly they are trying to cater to the parental crowd because every postcard I saw had a sticker on the front that said “beer garden.”  So, without further ado, this year’s added attractions include a beer garden sponsored by the new El Cerrito brewery, Elevation 66, live music, and a pumpkin patch with pumpkins donated by Marvin Gardens Real Estate.

So come one, come all!  Tickets are $5 for guests ages 5 and up, and I think I saw somewhere that you get one ticket free if you bring a baked good.

www.942Norvell.com

Why would I go on opening day?  Because I want to see how this *hopeful* institution will progress.  Will I go back?  Yes, but probably not for the food anytime soon, and definitely not with my kids.

I remember when I first met Richard.  It was in 2000 and I had just received my MFA from the Academy of Art in San Francisco.  I saw an ad on Craiglist where this funny little amusement park-in-the-making-thing was looking for some muralists to volunteer their time.  So I went.   I showed up in my overalls (I was an artist after all) with my paintbrushes and said “where to?”  and I went to work.

There were lots of volunteers there, some from schools, and many from the community.  It seemed like everyone wanted to help out.  Richard offered free lunch and free use of his collection of pinball machines.  He played music, laughed, and told story after story about his collection of amusement park artifacts.  I was intrigued.

I haven’t gone back since.  But the experience was one-of-a-kind, and Richard’s generosity and friendliness was also one-of-a-kind.  Perhaps it is time to venture back.

Click here to read the original article from the Contra Costa Times.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_17836993?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com&nclick_check=1

http://www.5416BarrettAve.com

First 33 Revs, now Eclectix.  It is heartbreaking watching these small businesses continue to close.  Many of you know that I am also an artist so it is especially heartbreaking watching an art space close.  I’ve been to Eclectix, it is really a shame.

Here is what Eclectix has to say:

“Unfortunately, the economic climate to operate an art gallery has been very challenging. Thanks and appreciation to everyone for the opportunity to display all the fantastic art works and I wish all you wonderful artists lots of inspiration and success. The last four years have provided a great opportunity to contribute to the SF Bay Area art scene.

The website will evolve, into what, I am not sure. It will certainly continue to share some interesting art, commentary, events, with hopefully some additional virtual exhibits to cruise through.

A warm, warm thank you to all of you who bought art here at Eclectix and those who purchased items in the store on a regular basis. You know who you are.

The support you showed kept us going for a good bit in a hard economy.

About other small businesses: The key word here is “support” , the reality of “support” for a small business, means actually spending money there. Compliments and words are wonderful, yet do not support the unique culture of thriving, connected small businesses.

So if you like a small business, go out of your way to patronize them. Now and forever.

To those who didn’t take the plunge and add a little more art to your lives, there are still many great galleries giving you a chance to support local artists and add some personal style to your life.

And Eclectix still has available art up for sale, just follow the links on the toggle bar.

Art matters. Art makes a statement. Art influences, shapes and molds modern culture and perspectives. Some of the most significant people of each and every era became interested in art, purchased art and involved themselves in their art world. Those considered leaders in our modern culture today, whether of finance, entertainment and every other industry, understand that art is one way to explore their own unique perspective. When you take the time and effort to strengthen your own curiosity around an artist, their art or style, especially by getting to know the artist personally through various art venues and acquiring their art and displaying it on your walls, it gives you joy for years to come. As well as an inspiring conversation piece identifying you as someone in tune with what is happening around you… Art records and defines our cultural history in a way only art can.”

Why am I posting this?  Because the owners said something that I feel is so important: SUPPORT.  Support the small businesses.  If they can make it through this year, they will make it.  I LOVE Peet’s Coffee, and would go out of my way to find a Peet’s.  But I feel better supporting my local coffee shop, Well Grounded in El Cerrito, and others like it.  I want them to thrive.  I want them to succeed. 

Click here to read the article from their website.

Good by Eclectix, sorry to see another local gem go.

If you have ever driven down Carlson to head towards the freeway, you know why this is a good thing.  At any given moment, someone coming off of the 80 east side will come to a rolling stop, try to jut out into oncoming traffic swiftly so that they can get into the immediate left lane to turn onto Tehama.  Or perhaps you are heading down Carlson to get onto the 80 west on ramp, getting ready to turn left onto the freeway, and someone comes racing down Carlson at the same time you are ready to turn at the same time someone coming off of the 80 west offramp decides that they are tired of waiting and they scoot out. 

Collision.

In my opinion, this is the 2nd most dangerous intersection at a freeway on/off ramp in the area (the first being the Gilman/I-80 interchange- although that isn’t really as dangerous, just crazy congested.).  I am so relieved that this will be coming our way.

If you think there is another intersection that you believe is worse than the Carlson @ I-80 one, let me know!