The Burnett Gallery will feature the Gualala Arts Interest Groups from the opening Saturday, November 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. through November 30. During the Festival of Trees Marketplace, November 28 and 29, the exhibit will transform into small shops townscape circa Gualala 1850. Many of the artisans will be present, some doing demonstrations, both for the opening and the Marketplace.

Basketmakers will be showing fine hand-crafted baskets, felted creations, gourds and other unique gifts. Gualala Arts Basketmakers began in 2005 with a class in pine needle basket making. Shortly after this class a group formed to gather to work on projects, get input and help from others, and share new ideas. It is an exciting, eclectic, and energizing group of artists.

Gerda Randolph, who originally organized this group, says, "Each of our baskets is an original and represents the uniqueness of the individual basket maker. For those of us who make them, baskets represent not only something aesthetic, but sometimes magical and spiritual too. As we work on our baskets, they often take on a life of their own, dictating what should come next."

"You only need to hold a basket in your hands to realize the work that has gone into creating this one of a kind piece. Gently pick up a basket and cradle it and feel the magic contained within."

The Basket Weaver Group meets the second Thursday of the month at Gualala Arts Center from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and welcome visitors and new members.

Beads N' Beyond interest group members are creating miniature tabletop trees covered with beads, crystals, trade beads, hand-made Fimo beads, ribbons, seeds and shells - anything that can be thought of to bring delight and memories of old-time holidays. Also the members will offer necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Their finest and newest ideas as well as special items for the holiday season will spread like gifts around their decorated trees.

The group started meeting in January, 2007, and now has over 25 members. Meetings are on the third Saturday of each month from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the upstairs classroom. There are no officers and no dues for the group. Anyone with any level of interest in beads is invited to join us. Suzanne Hansen sends out an email each month to remind everyone of the next meeting. Some months there is a demonstration of a new technique and other times everyone works on her current project.

The Pacific Piecemakers Quilt Guild will have their annual display of Holiday Quilts, many available for sale.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.