World-Class Art, Cool Crafts, Affordable Prices
Nelson de la Nuez mixed media
Richard Vest wood carvings
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NOTE: Content below is from 2009 event. Check back 3-4 weeks before the event for updated information.
Contemporary pop art, stunning jewelry, handthrown ceramics, gorgeous photography, silk wall hangings, handcarved woodwork, handblown glass objects, vibrant mixed media art, recycled metal work, chic wearables, slate fountains, whimsical sculptures, handmade quilts –– you’ll find all of this and more affordably priced at the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival, September 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Castro Street. Enjoy a sun-splashed weekend browsing and strolling among colorful, well-stocked booths and meet 600 of America’s finest artists and craftmakers showcasing their latest work in glass, ceramics, metals, fiber, leather, wood, jewelry, and fine art at this nationally renown festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on gifts.
Sculpture and Mixed Media
Simi Valley mixed-media pop artist Nelson de la Nuez has many famous customers, including Jay Leno, Steven Spielberg and Paris Hilton. He is the 70th anniversary artist for “The Wizard of Oz” movie. The artist also sold three paintings to Michael Jackson shortly before his death, the most famous of which is “The Wicked Witch of the West.” Petaluma artist Mary Kuder loves color and texture. Her shimmering silk wall hangings are gorgeous additions to blank walls. Diamond Springs artist Richard Vest carves unique ocean and wildlife creatures from wood. The son of a commercial salmon fisherman, Vest is inspired by the natural beauty of the sea. Need a special gift for the person who has everything? Anderson artist Phyllis Schwerin makes hanging wooden signs with funny sayings such as “You’ll always be my friend because you know too much” and “Instant Human: Just add Starbucks.” All signs are made from natural pine.
Marty Bobroski jewelry
Lisa Moreno toe rings |
Brian Gleser tie dye
Gracie Howell beaded jewelry |
Wearable Art
What began as a hobby at her sons’ Little League games has become a thriving jewelry business for Campbell artist Gracie Howell. She travels to Italy for Murano glass and all over the United States for pretty beads. It just wouldn’t be summer without tie-dyed clothing designed by Brian, Heather and baby Onyx Gleser. Brian was born and raised in a school bus on a hippie commune. His parents started the family business 30 years ago and they introduce new designs every year. Jeweler Marty Bobroskie of Santa Cruz is influenced by fantasy, fairytales and the magic of nature. Using the lost wax casting process, her whimsical designs are cast into gold, sterling silver and bronze. Nothing shows off pretty summer sandals like a toe ring from Once Upon a Toe. Modesto resident Lisa Moreno sells trendy designs in 14K gold and sterling silver.
Functional Art
Randy Pearsall ceramics |
Philip Van Ornum
wood lantern |
Pasa Robles slump glass artist Michael Barnett fires colorful glass in a kiln until it “slumps.” After it cools, he combines it with paint, foils and metal to make wall art, vases, lamps and tables. Manteca resident Randy Pearsall was chemistry major in college but loved spending time in ceramics class. He combines his science background with his love of the arts when he fires his beautiful white stoneware pottery. Each piece is lead free and safe in the oven, microwave and dishwasher. Sarah Anderson sells relaxing Sky Chairs. The family sky chair business has been popular since 1973, when Anderson’s cousin won the International Canvas Furniture Design Award in Tokyo. Philip Van Ornum makes trinket boxes, checkbook covers, mirrors, lanterns, furniture and bottle stoppers from exotic wood. The artist said his craft is rewarding and he enjoys bringing warmth to his customers’ hearts.
Fine Art
Mary Beier metal
sculpted painting
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Ora Tamir painting
Woo Bong Yi painting |
Sacramento artist Mary Beier etches and paints on aluminum with heat. Her fine art pieces are breathtaking. Imagine one in a foyer or on a wall that needs extra punch. Ora Tamir started painting at the age of 5 while her friends played hopscotch. Her surreal oil paintings are her interpretation of people’s emotions. San Jose photographer Michael Sheridan has traveled to more than 130 companies to take pictures of people in everyday life. Whether it’s a cheroot smoker in Burma or in or an African tribe celebrating, Sheridan’s work is amazing. Woo Bong Yi of San Bernadino will be selling beautiful acrylic landscape paintings. He prefers soft colors and loves to paint Mediterranean archways and architecture.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to meet and buy from artists actually doing the work,” said Nancie Allie of California Artists, the company in charge of managing the artisan exhibitors. “Everything you see is handcrafted from beginning to end by each artist … we call it ‘art with soul’ and what’s special is festivalgoers get to take a piece of that home and make it part of their life.” |
