50th Annual Summer Arts & Crafts Fair July 18, 2009

The Mendocino Art Center will host the 50th Annual Summer Arts and Crafts Fair, in its beautiful outdoor garden setting, Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sixty arts and crafts booths, a food court and live local music will be featured in this free event.

The Summer Arts and Crafts Fair plays host to a juried selection of talented Northern California artists and craftspeople showcasing an exciting array of handmade artwork. Shop among a variety of unique wearable art, including hand-painted silk scarves and garments, felted and knitted caps and hats, children's clothing, leather bags and accessories, and gold, silver, mixed metal and enameled jewelry. Choose from a number of creative household and garden items, including rustic wood birdhouses, ceramics, wood accessories and furniture items.

Browse a diversity of two-dimensional artwork, highlighted by photography and silk painting, and three-dimensional works, including sculptural and functional ceramic work, and fused and leaded glasswork. There will also be a selection of books by local authors.

Popular local musicians will provide a live soundtrack both days, highlighted by the calypso steel drum band Kevin and the Coconuts, playing on Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday's musical lineup includes acoustic originals by Renee Burnett, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; blues performed by Sue Sisk and Philene, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; the acoustic folk and pop sounds by Carrie and Isaac Fishman with Rowyn Kaminsky, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; eclectic guitar and vocals by Helene Eve, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and original folk performed by Antonio Lamb and Tommy Grattan, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This year the food booths will be operated by long time participants Ruby and Dawa Sherpa with their Himalayan cuisine and Steve and Shirley Mangini serving food with an Italian flair, including meatball bread bowls, minestrone soup, pasta salad, biscotti and more. Mendocino County beer and wine, Jennie Zacha's traditional delectable blackberry sundaes, shaved ice and cotton candy by Bob's Shaved Ice, handmade ice cream and other sweet treats will also be served.

For more information call 707-937-5818, ext. 10 (toll free at 1-800-653-3328, ext. 10) or visit www.MendocinoArtCenter.org. The Mendocino Art Center is located at 45200 Little Lake Street (at Kasten Street), Mendocino.

Official Website: http://www.MendocinoArtCenter.org