Festival of Trees 2012 A fundraising event for Gualala Arts     Friday, November 23, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 24, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Gualala Arts' Ninth Annual Festival of Trees will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, November 23, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., kicking off the Holiday Season on the Mendonoma Coast. Admission is free.

The entire Arts Center will be transformed into mid-19th Century Gualala. Highlights include festively decorated booths displaying handcrafted wares and demonstrations in both the Coleman Auditorium and the Burnett Gallery.

The Gualala Arts Interest Groups fill the Burnett Gallery with a display of crafts handmade by our own Pacific Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Clay Studio, Basket Makers, Fiber Group and Beads n' Beyond. This year the Clay Studio will also be open downstairs for demonstrations and for sales.

In the Coleman Auditorium some of our favorite artists will be displaying their wares: Joan Rhine Designs jewelry, Jennie Henderson's Fancy Fibers, Jan Maria Chiappa's Whichcraft pottery and scarves, Bill and Sue Halderman's Birdhouses, Walt Rush Studio's jewelry, Harold Norvald's Viking Pottery, Caz Gal Soaps by Shirley Deggelund, Jendebels Sticks & Stones from Ellen Soule, Socks & Santa's by Judy Riddle, Rozann Grunig's Greetings from Nature, and Mrs. Claus' Bake Shoppe & Confectionery will once again feature holiday cookies, breads, puddings, fruitcake and other confections from favorite secret holiday recipes of local bakers and candy makers.

Outside the Arts Center's front door, Charlie Lorenz will be stocking plenty of fresh wreathes, and Kirby Leary will return to the Jacob Foyer with her unique jewelry and card designs.

On the stage, the Country Store will be back by popular demand, including Mustard Mistress, Bishop Family Farms, Lisa's Luscious Kitchen, Annapolis Winery, Bonanno Family Olives, roasted nuts by Leslie Bates Savory Coast Fine Catering, Flying Noir Art & Chocolate by Karen Ubanek, T-Shirts by Mark & Kim Johnson and Eric Wilder's Kashaya-inspired artwork.

Upstairs, the Magical Gingerbread House has activities and crafts for the children. And Santa will be visiting each day, along with his Spanish-speaking Elves!

The Old Gualala Mill Cookhouse will be serving hearty homemade chili and chowder for lunch, as well as fresh coffee, hot chocolate, chilled apple juice, and hot-spiced apple cider. For the adults, there will be the yummy winter beverage available, called "Scrumpy."

And last, but not least, don't miss the decorated Fantasy Forest Christmas trees which will be available for sale via silent auction.

Come enjoy the Festival of Trees!

Call to Artists:
Fantasy Tree Contest

Artistically decorated trees have always been a highlight of the Festival of Trees, but this year there will be another challenge to the artists. The Festival of Trees Committee is looking for trees that might not be so traditional. How about using some kelp, driftwood, ceramics or a quilt tree? Trees may range from 1 to 4 feet in height. There will prizes offered for first place ($100), second ($75) and third (a Gualala Arts VIP package).

Everyone is invited to participate in this contest. There is no fee and all media are welcome. To be included, fill out the Contest Entry Form which is available online or at the Arts Center; the deadline is November 15. The contest trees will be considered donations to the Arts Center, which will in turn be sold during the Festival of Trees weekend. The judging will occur on November 23.

Past Events
Festival of Trees 2011
Festival of Trees 2010
Festival of Trees 2009
Festival of Trees 2008
Festival of Trees 2007

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.