Art

Opening their doors ART

ART TOUR SanDee Adams will be showcasing her mosaic work along with 33 other artists during the San Benito County Open Studios Art Tour.

Submitted photo

Nearly three-dozen San Benito County artists participating in tour

By ERIK CHALHOUB

For most people, unintentionally breaking a dish results in one of two emotions: sadness, if it was a valuable plate handed down through the generations, or apathy, if the dish was a mass-produced object that would have eventually found its way in the trash.

But SanDee Adams sees opportunity in the accident.

The Aromas mosaic artist uses recycled and found objects in her mosaic work, among other things. And yes, broken dishes are a big part of that.

“I love dishes,” she said. “You can only have so many dishes in your kitchen cupboard. If you have a broken piece, you can reuse it. I have a lot of people that give me dishes that they break, and I make pieces specifically for them.”

Adams will join 33 other artists who will open their doors to the public during the San Benito County Open Studios Art Tour, which runs April 18-19, from 10am to 4pm both days. The Open Studios Preview Exhibition will be on display at the ARTspace ANNEX, 217 Fifth St. in Hollister, from March 6 to April 4. A kickoff party will also be held there on March 20 from 6:30-8:30pm.

The Open Studios, organized by the San Benito County Arts Council, is also made possible by the California Arts Council, Aromas Hills Artisans, Sally Street Studios, Jane Rekedal Pottery, Gayle Sleznick and Vertigo Coffee Roasters.

Arts Council Executive Director Jennifer Laine said the tour is welcoming a number of firsttime participants this year, including muralist David Gutierrez and teaching artist Victoria Murray.

The 34 artists will showcase works in painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more throughout Hollister, San Juan Bautista and Aromas.

Laine said she has seen the tour grow in the decade she has been with the Arts Council. In 2010, the tour had 20 artists participating, and last year it hit a record number of 50.

This year’s 34 is about the average number of participants, as Laine said many of the artists participate every other year because of the amount of time it takes to get their studios prepped for visitors.

The tour sees a mix of people attending from San Benito County as well as from neighboring counties. Laine said visitors on the tour will also check out local establishments while they are in the county. “Not only is it a great way to showcase the talent and diversity we have here in the county, but it is a great event to support tourism in our community as well,” she said.

Adams, who is a member of the Aromas Hills Artisans, will be welcoming eight other Aromas artists into her Carpenteria Road studio to show their work during the tour. With Aromas artists spanning a large geographic area, concentrating them in one space makes it more convenient for visitors, she noted.

Her neighbor will also host four artists.

“I invite as many as I can to my studio to share,” Adams said. “That has been so much fun.”

For information on the Open Studios Art Tour and a map of artists, visit sanbenitoarts.org/ open-studios.

CALENDAR O A &

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MAKERS’ FAIR The public is invited to participate in the art of bringing wool from the sheep to the shawl, with all the steps in between, at the Sheep to Shawl Fair. Participants will be guided through all of the hands-on steps to turn sheep’s wool into clothing, toys and accessories by experts, local businesses and organizations. Enjoy fresh, local food and drinks, booths demonstrating sustainable crafts and face painting at this zero waste event. Saturday, Mar. 21, 10am-2pm at Live Earth Farm, 1275 Green Valley Road, Watsonville. For tickets, visit farmdiscovery.org.

fortunes of this historic hacienda and the family that once called it home at this free event. Attendees can also learn about an unexpected connection to Irish immigrant history in the New World in the form of Saint Patrick’s Battalion. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. Saturday, Mar. 7, 11am-3pm at Castro Adobe State Historic Park, 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ v55vofv.

CORKS & COPPERS The community is invited to attend “Corks & Coppers,” the inaugural benefit for Peace Officer Wives of California. The benefit includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and raffle items and fellowship in a winery setting with proceeds benefiting first responder families. This non-profit organization is devoted to seeing law enforcement families thrive in all aspects of their lives, and provides support and education to help decrease divorce, suicide, depression and PTSD among peace officers and their families. Saturday, Mar. 7, 2:30-5pm at Lightpost Winery, 900 Lightpost Way, Morgan Hill. For tickets and information, visit faithwifehero.com/events.

MURDER MYSTERY Friday the 13th is a fine night for a murder, and Gilroy Sunrise Rotary Club invites guests to don their most fabulous 1920s attire and assist in solving “Murder on the Boardwalk: A 1920’s Mystery.” Tickets are $60 per guest, and space is very limited. This murder mystery dinner also features a cocktail hour. Friday, Mar. 13, 6:30-10pm at Old City Hall Restaurant, 7400 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ tmhhuo3.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAY Recology San Benito County is hosting its March Environmental Day event. Residents of San Benito County are invited to securely shred important documents on site, drop off unwanted e-waste and receive up to 32 gallons of compost while supplies last. Proof of residency is required, space is limited and all services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Saturday, Mar. 14, 9am-1pm at San Juan School, 100 Nyland Drive, San Juan Bautista. For information, visit recology.com.

AGRICULTURAL HISTORY The Agricultural History Project presents Spring on the Farm, a free family event. Attendees can fly kites, snuggle baby animals and visit baby chicks and lambs. Other activities include crafts, a puppet show, tractor driving and hayrides. Saturday, Mar. 14, 11am-3pm at Agricultural History Project, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. For information, visit aghistoryproject. org or call 831.724.5898.

VETERAN’S APPRECIATION American Legion Post 69 is presenting its annual Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner. Attendees will enjoy a menu including tri-tip or chicken, beans, salad, dessert and a beverage. Veterans may attend free of charge; friends and family tickets are available for $20 per person. Saturday, Mar. 14, 6pm at the Hollister Veterans’ Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., Hollister. For information, call 831.637.7011.

KICKOFF PARTY San Benito County Arts Council will host its Open Studios Kickoff Party featuring a sneak peek of artwork from all 34 artists on this year’s Open Studios Art Tour. The community will have the opportunity to view artwork, enjoy food and drinks and celebrate this year’s group of talented artists. The kickoff party is free and open to the public Friday, Mar. 20, 6:30- 8:30pm at ARTspace Annex, 217 Fifth St., Hollister. The special Open Studios Preview Exhibition is also free and on display through Saturday, April 4. For information, visit sanbenitoarts.org.

COMEDY THEATER Limelight Actors Theater will present its first show of the year, Tigers Be Still. Follow the misadventures of Sherry Wickman, who recently moved back home after earning her master’s degree in art therapy and retreated to her childhood bed until an unexpected employment opportunity gives her a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Guests are invited to bring their own dinner and wine to performances Fridays and Saturdays, Mar. 20-Apr. 11 at Limelight Actors Theater, 7341 Monterey St. For information, showtimes and tickets, visit svct.org/limelight.