H BLUE LAKE, WILLOW CREEK, HOOPA W T Y 2 9 9
he tiny town of Blue Lake rests near the banks of the Mad River off Hwy 299. It is home to a surprising number of artists, musicians, writers and actors. At the center of its art community is Dell’Arte International, a world-famous school of physical theatre. Their professional training program attracts students from all over the globe, offering the only accredited MFA of its kind in the world. Celebrating over 40 years in Blue Lake, Dell’Arte presents performances at various venues throughout the year, with the summer’s Mad River Festival being the highlight of their season. This month-long extravaganza brings together performers and audiences from “around the world and down the block” for theatre, stories, clowning and music. Dell’Arte is a destination unlike any other on the American theatre map. Also along Hwy 299 sits Willow Creek, a delightful rural community with a distinct and ever-growing art scene. & Its Studio 299 Center for the Arts, a nonprofit community organization devoted to the promotion and development of the arts in the area, offers artists a place to gather and a way to share their work with the community at a variety of local events. The organization provides support for the entire art community on the Hwy 299 corridor of Humboldt and Trinity Counties. Another important art resource is Willow Creek’s Dream Quest, which offers a wide range of programs and activities for local children and teens, including fine arts, electronic media and performing arts. Any excursion inland devoted to arts and culture needs to include the art created by the Native American tribes of the region. The Hoopa Tribal Museum, located on Hwy 96 in the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich
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Humboldt Folklife Festival, Blue Lake, photo by Molly Blakemore
cultural history and artistic practices of Northern California Native Americans. The museum displays one of the finest collections of Hupa, Yurok and Karuk artifacts in Northern California. Their collection includes a fine display of local Indian basketry, ceremonial regalia, dugout canoes, tools and implements. The Hoopa Tribal Museum is a “Living Museum.” Most of the artifacts on display are on loan to the museum by members of the local native community, and are removed annually to be used in the traditional tribal ceremonies.
ARTS ORGANIZATIONS All area codes are (707) unless noted. Information and venues subject to change.
Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre 131 H St., Blue Lake 95525 668-5663 • DellArte.com The North American center for theatre training and performance of original theatre. Offers performances year-round and presents the annual Mad River Festival each summer.
Dream Quest Teen & Youth Center
100 Country Club Dr. Willow Creek 95573 530-629-3564 www.DreamQuestWillowCreek.org A community-supported grass roots organization offering a wide variety of programs that teach youth how to pursue their passions and
TRINITY COUNTY First Saturday Art Cruise, 5-8pm Weaverville art galleries and businesses, plus live music. Produced by Trinity Arts Council, TrinityCountyArts.com
Highland Art Center
PO Box 1270, 691 Main St., Weaverville 96093 • 530-623-5111 HighlandArtCenter.org In cooperation with the Snyder Highland Foundation, HAC presents a new show of local and regional art each month throughout the year in their galleries.
34 / The Palette
follow their dreams. Provides a safe, drug-free environment with access to vocational and artistic resources.
Hoopa Tribal Museum
PO Box 1348, Hoopa 95546 Hwy 96 Shopping Center 530-625-4110 • see on Facebook A nonprofit entity of the Hoopa Valley Tribe created to preserve, and to share, the rich culture and history of the native people of Northern California .
Studio 299 Center for the Arts
PO Box 32, 75 The Terrace Rd. Willow Creek 95573 • 530-629-3488 Studio299.tripod.com Studio 299 is devoted to the promotion and development of the arts in the Klamath and Trinity communities of Northern California.
Trinity Arts Council
351 Main St., Weaverville 96093 530-623-2760 TrinityCountyArts.com A nonprofit corporation with the mission to advance Trinity County through the arts and creativity.
Trinity Players/Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center
101 Arbuckle Court at Industrial Pkwy, Weaverville 96093 TAPACOnline.org Theatre company and community performing venue.
