Artists Take the Stage at Belmont’s Carlmont Village Shopping Center during Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival

Belmont’s Carlmont Village Shopping Center will serve as center stage for more than 25 artists during the Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, 2007. The free event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, will give visitors the opportunity to purchase unique artwork as a gift, or as an addition to their home or office collection. On hand will be a variety of intriguing pieces including paintings, photography, ceramics, fine jewelry and much more.

Among the featured artists in the Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival is Karen Hale of Jackson, California who will be displaying her new series of contemporary acrylic paintings. She describes her paintings as a self-expressive application of paint with a combination of other elements such as bits of fabric, found objects and various papers. The colorful, abstract paintings are presented on a 1 ½-inch deep gallery-wrapped canvas and are sure to attract attention in any environment.

Christopher Roscoe from Castro Valley started his career of blowing glass in 1987 at Southern Connecticut State University. His interest in historical glass led him to the techniques of the German glass marble makers of the 19th and early 20th century and to creating a contemporary twist on marbles of his own. In addition to marbles Christopher creates art glass vases, paper weights, bowls, ornaments and sculptures. His art glass is in collections both national and worldwide.

Deanna DeChauron of Carmel, California uses original handmade paper as the medium to create paper collages inspired by her own personal journey in ZEN and TAO thought. Her work captures inspiration from the sea and Asian themes and aims to promote an inner sense of serenity. “To fully appreciate my work, one must look beneath the visual image, whether sea-inspired or Asian in theme, and respond to the inner sense of serenity and layered thought that gives birth to the creation,” says Deanna.

Additional artists participating in the Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival include Delia Bradford of Carmel, California displaying her oil paintings of California scenery; Laddy Barnett of Colfax, California featuring his creative ceramic vessels; and Gayle Mayhew of West Point showing her whimsical jewelry that includes rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

The Festival is sponsored by the Carlmont Village Merchant Association. Carlmont Village Shopping Center is located on Ralston Avenue at Alameda de las Pulgas. For more information on the event, contact Pacific Fine Arts at (209) 296-1195 or visit www.pacificfinearts.com.