Art in the Woods will be held Aug. 9 and 10 at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. This is a wonderful, unique location to highlight the talents of local and national nature artists and fine craftsmen.
Award-winning painter Janet Mandel from Kennedy and talented photographer Bill Smith of Cherry Creek are two of the local artists participating in the show. Janet and Bill are also long-time volunteers at the Audubon Center and have dedicated many hours to the festival committee to create this event.
National artists and craftsmen will also be coming to Jamestown. This is a rare opportunity to purchase art work and meet local and national award-winning painters, carvers, woodworkers, jewelers, potters and photographers, among others. Many of these artists will demonstrate techniques throughout the festival.
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Robert Culver and Joan DeSimone of Avoca celebrate nature through the intricate jewelry designs they create, everything from tree frogs to star dancers.
SunDanceCreations, comprised of award-winning jewelers Bob Culver and Joan DeSimone, who are also the show coordinators, will donate materials and teaching time for jewelry making. Visit their booth and learn to create a pendant or earrings. Take the jewelry you make home with you.
Visit Art in the Woods and enjoy artists' representations of nature and the tranquil surroundings of nature at its finest. There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy the wildlife and the calming waters of the wetlands. Besides the many shade trees, tents will be provided outdoors for shade or rain. So don't let the weather stop you.
The two days will include live folk music by John Bowler, a Warren, Pa., native. John will sing songs written by some of his favorite musicians, such as Simon and Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell and Kenny Loggins. Also enjoy live theatre performances by the Warren Players, who will perform excerpts from the "Wizard of Oz" and "Mother Goose," and a local jazz trio will heat things up Sunday afternoon.
For family fun, visit the children's activity tent. The Rhythm of Nature mini drum and rattle-making workshop is sure to keep the kids smiling. Children can create their own instrument; all materials will be provided. At the end of each of the two days, there will be three awards given for the most unique drum or rattle. The awards were graciously donated by Craft World of Jamestown. The whole family and any age are welcome to participate in the workshop.
After the awards are given out, join drum leaders for a rhythm and drumming circle. Everyone is welcome to join in and celebrate the rhythm and "pulse" that is in everything in nature, reminding us that we are all connected. Extra drums and rattles will be provided.
One of the many features of this show is the environmental message to recycle and respect the natural world. Mini drums and rattle forms will be pre-made by volunteers using recycled materials and available ready for all to decorate with beads, paints, ribbons and a variety of other materials.
Enjoy all the beautiful art work, nature, fun and good food that will be available both days. A special "Breakfast with the Birds" is available Sunday morning. Pancakes stuffed with strawberries or blueberries, sausage and a beverage will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for breakfast is $5 per person.
The Chautauqua County Humane Society will also be there. Maybe you might want to take a new furry friend home with you? Audubon is offering free booth space to them and some other non-profit nature organizations.
The Audubon Center is a gem to be cherished and this weekend is about celebrating nature, the arts, creativity and supporting the dedicated mission of preserving and connecting people to nature. Therefore, by attending the festival, you are providing and protecting natural beauty for families of future generations.
Our gratitude to all the generous sponsors of Art in the Woods: The Johnson Foundation, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, United Refining, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Cummins, Ellison Bronze Co., Acu-Rite, Northwest Savings Bank, Weber Knapp Company, Sams Club, Wegmans, The Jamestown Blind Association, Phoenix Metal Fabricating, Jamestown Area Medical Associates, Windstream, Five Star Bank, Hope's Windows, Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, PC, Glass and Frame Shop, and Mark and Mary Ann Alpaugh.
Show hours are Saturday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at the Web site, www.jamestownaudubon.org, or by calling the Audubon at 569-2345.
