Southern Sonoma Country Life

Masterful Strokes: Traditional Chinese Brush Paintings by Judith Cunningham

Judith Cunningham's paintings are rich with traditional Chinese style and symbolism. Her mastery had inauspicious beginnings as she explains: "My interest began at the YMCA, where a painting class was offered as well as free babysitting."  That YMCA class was the springboard to her 12-year course of study with Master Painter Shiou-jang Hsieh. 

 

Today her paintings hang at the Upstairs Art Gallery in Healdsburg, where they provide visitors a rare opportunity to see and learn about the intricacies of traditional-style  Chinese brush paintings. 

Meet Judy at a reception on Saturday, November 8^th, 2-4 PM. 306 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-431-4214. upstairsartgallerysite.com. 

 

Vintage Truth and Beauty — How to Make Friends and Influence People!

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

– Dale Carnegie

It is because that I am so interested in other people that I'm able to do what I do best, share our stories. 

I've been doing my best to keep up with you all these past few months while in the midst of my own big book project. There aren't enough hours in the day! Please bear with me over the coming months as I ready for the arrival of a car-size load of first edition copies of "Fog Valley Crush". 

I can't promise to be able to feature as many posts from Petaluma and surrounds as I normally tend to do. If you'd really, really like something important to you highlighted on Southern Sonoma Country Life, this holiday season, be sure when you send me info, to do so in as succinct a format as possible. That makes it so much easier for me to play with your words and share. Photos are fab.

 

Get Your Glow On With J.Robin Custom Cosmetics — A Fabulous New Southern SoCo Find!

Where but in Sonoma County might you expect to find an artisan cosmetic line? What a perfect place for a hybrid acclaimed visual artist and stylist to put her color expertise together to create a one-of-a-kind makeup line: Petaluma-based author and image consultant Jennifer Robin has done it again by launching J. Robin Cosmetics.

Using her artists palette, each lipstick is custom created for the individual. Tell Jennifer exactly what you want ... a touch warmer, perhaps, a hint of frost, creamier texture, more staying power?

"The problem with most lipsticks," says Jennifer, is that to entice buyers the colors are often too strong, too warm and Orange-y or too bluish. What looks best is a rich neutral that leans toward warm or cool. You probably have a favorite lipstick that was exactly that, until it was discontinued."

She's also custom blending gorgeous mineral foundation and powder.

Jennifer, author of  the book "Growing More Beautiful: An Artful Approach to Personal Style" is hosting a unique Artisan beauty event to launch her new lipstick line with friends Pamela Joyce and jewelry designer Lucia Antonelli. 

Get Your Glow On! Southern Sonoma Country Life readers and friends are invited to attend a Lipstick Launch Party on Saturday, November 1st, 2014 from 1-4pm.

"For a gorgeous afternoon of sparkling beauty and skin care I'm being joined by my esthetician partner Pamela Joyce of Truetone Skincare and jewelry designer Lucia Antonelli," says Jennifer. "Come share in this powerhouse of beauty creativity fueled by champagne and lots of chocolate. Pamela will treat you to the Mystiq’ Vita Brite Refresher, a luxurious skin treatment to brighten, lighten and hydrate. Lucia will present a trunk show of her latest creations".  

All of this beauty deliciousness will take place at Jennifer's West Petaluma home, please RSVP at 707-479-4027.  Jennifer will call you back with directions. 

The Petaluma Skirt

We've all come across familiar regional place names used in context of Pottery-Barn/Williams- Sonoma furnishings and more, but I do think this is the first time I've come across "The Petaluma Skirt".

Anthropologie, based out of Philadelphia, ought to have had this pretty, coral pink skirt pictured on a model on the train tracks down by the 100-year-old Train Depot in Petaluma, or out on a ranch with a bovine backdrop perhaps. Better still, on our (desperately needing funding) historic trestle, by the river, downtown. We don't have too many palm trees in Petaluma, after all.  

Happy 100th birthday to the Petaluma Train Station, home to the Visitors Program, today. The station was built back in 1914 to replace an original wooden structure.

Southern Pacific Railroad architect D.J Patterson designed the $7,000 Mission Revival style building, a style that was popular in the State of Californi since the late 1890s, in reference to its Spanish Colonial heritage. 

Tracks were laid after the building was completed, connecting Petaluma to Eureka in the north and Sausalito in the south. Rail travel was in the region was, sadly, in decline by the end of the 1930s.

Major renovation to the tune of $3.2 took place from 2003 to 2005 when the Sonoma Marin Rail Transit Commission (SMART) leased three buildings on the railroad site to the City of Petaluma for 25 years. 

Phase 1 SMART train passenger service from Airport Blvd. in Santa Rosa to downtown San Rafael is slated to launch in late 2016. According to the latest SMART updates, active pursuit of funding for the Larkspur Extension is in the works and numerous opportunities for additional rail and pathway segments are being explored.

 

River City Style — Chic New Petaluma Home & Garden Grand Opening Saturday October 25th, 2014

Photos: Gilles O'Kane

Oh, I love a Grand Opening! Don't miss Petaluma's newest offering for home and yard wares, lots of nice looking & useful gifts for the gardener, cook and espresso lover, too! 

Petaluma Home & Garden is located at 516 Petaluma Boulevard South. Plenty of roadside parking. Doors open at 10 am through 6 pm. 

Store owner and style maven, Alonda O'Kane brings a fresh range of international wares to this chic new market place. Stop by and say hello! 

Last Call for Tickets for Pumpkins on Pikes — Saturday October 25th, 2014

One of the loveliest annual Halloween events in the North Bay is Tara Firma Farms' Pumpkins on Pikes. 

There are still a few tickets available for this year's gathering on Saturday October 25th. A hugely popular family event, it's always a sell out. Click here for tickets.

Details

• Hours: 3 pm - 10pm

• Cost:  Farm members -$15 Non-members -$20 Children 5 and under- FREE

• Make sure to bring your pumpkin carving tools, dancing shoes, and a good attitude! The farm provides the pumpkins for carving and its very own corn maze for your enjoyment!

• Carved pumpkins will be displayed on pikes in the field.  When the sun goes down the pumpkins are lit.  The lit pumpkins provide a stunning spectacle.

• BBQ dinner available for purchase - $10.00 per plate

• Bring: Carving tools, blanket (if staying after dark), favorite dessert (if participating in the annual dessert potluck)

• FREE pumpkin included with admission

 

An S.O.S from Petaluma Based Movable Movie House —Excesior Electric Theatre —Vintage Film on Reels

Southern Sonoma County-based actor/musician and empress of the world of classic moving pictures, the one and only Annie Lore is currently hard at work to put her cornucopia of a movable movie house, the Excelsior Electric Theatre, on the map.

As Annie Lore says: "Real film on reels has real magic!" I've known Annie Lore for many years as one of the West Coast's most ardent historical researchers/educational entertainers. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate for the arts, quite brilliant and very deserving of support in launching her one-of-a-kind movie theatre company to the next level. 

As director of the Excelsior Moveable Movie Palace, she is dedicated to bringing silent movies on real film to old-movie fans far and wide (or at least in Northern California, to start). "Silent film festivals are often located far away and don't always fall on ideal dates, but Excelsior can provide a custom movie show just about wherever and whenever it's wanted, with live accompaniment and other period trimmings," says Annie. 

Her shows enhance public and private events such as festivals, fundraisers, conventions, reunions, parties, classes, historic reenactments, period balls and a host of other appropriate gatherings... anywhere they'll be enjoyed as great old-time movie entertainment tha offers a splendid window, almost a door, to the past. 

Annie Lore's recent move from one rural location in the Petaluma area to another has led to a predicament of where and how best to store the remarkable treasure trove of film history that she has collected, curated actually, over the years.

She has launched a crowdfunding campaign with some pretty nifty incentives for vintage film fans to spread word of her unique entertainment business enterprise and to boost the necessary coffers for taking care of her heritage film trove, projectors, costumes, musical instruments, song sheets and slides.

"We can set up in clubhouses, small theaters, homes, garages, barns, classrooms, auditoriums, hotels, restaurants, libraries, churches, museums, historic houses, wineries, B&Bs, offices, community centers, senior facilities, parks, even tents — if there's electricity and a way to dim the lights," says Annie.

"We can make a Movie Palace. We have a wealth of wonderful things planned, but for some time now we've been stalled and struggling! It's a terrible waste of a great resource, and we're not giving up yet".

Have a good look at what it's all about: Visit ExcelsiorCompany.com 

"We love giving movie shows for people who love movie shows; what's a more perfect match? We also love giving movie shows for people who don't know they love our movie shows till they see one," says Annie. "We have special programs for children, too, for whom the non-digital movie experience can be a real revelation. And many of Excelsior's shows provide a showcase for period entertainers".

With a boost from supporters the Moveable Movie Palace will  be up and running full-time and spreading celluloid (well, acetate) joy far and wide.

Click here to support this wonderful Sonoma County-based venture.  Donate from $10 to $1,000. If you live within 100 miles of Petaluma, for a $250 donation treat yourself to a visit from Excelsior Company with a movie screening of your choice. At the $750 level, expect a piano and costumed piano playing host, too! 

I'd love to see a winter series of vintage film screenings here in Petaluma. 

 

Volunteer Call for Interior Painting Crew for Fabulous New Community Project — Professional Clothing Closet For COTS Clients Returning to Work

Do you have a few hours to spare to volunteer on a great-cause painting crew this week or next? If so, you'll be part of a very special space being created for helping others move forward with major life transition.  

Albert Einstein said: "Strive not to be a success but to be of value". These are wise and simple words to live by, especially for those who are readying to re-enter the workforce after a period of significant personal struggle, such as homelessness.

Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) Work Ready Program Leader (and Rapid Re-Housing Program Manager) Jenna Garcia knows more than most how a person's self-esteem receives the biggest boost when dressed the part and re-trained for job interviews.

It has been two years since the dynamic former corporate recruiter hired on in the non-profit world, at COTS, having made her move to work on the flip side of big business, placing former transient people back into the workplace. Hundreds have gone through the shelter's Work Ready Program, striving to be of value, in the past year. Though hugely gratifying to Jenna, she had even more developments for this outstanding program in mind. "Apart from computer skill training, the biggest need is work clothes," she said.

 This holiday season marks the visualization of  Jenna's dream to create a Professional Clothing Closet for Work Ready clients to come shop in for free. Thanks to collaborative energy within the community, a bright and brand new streetfront store space in Petaluma's riverfront warehouse district (generously donated for use by Basin Street Properties), is currently under interior construction and design.

Jenna knew just who to call on as community-consultant on design. Petaluma-based, award-winning Do-It-Yourself blogger and long-time COTS supporter, Kate Riley of Centsational Girl  is donating her (and husband, Matt's) time and resources to the ambitious project.

"Volunteering with COTS on transitional housing remodels has been extremely fulfilling, over the past few years" said Kate. "The new Work Clothes Shop is another wonderful way for COTS to provide suitable attire for clients to show up as available work candidates".

Professional work attire is not restricted to office clothing. Chefs coats, trades outfits and footwear, all sorts of employment outfitting will be available at the all-volunteer-run, specific-hour or appointment-only store that was previously used as a storage space by COTS.

"No cash will change hands," said Jenna. "Purchasing professional clothing is beyond the income level of our clients, who will be able to come in and try on work clothes in a comfortable environment, with fitting rooms". 

 Jenna and Kate utilize technology with a Pinterest Board for design ideas for transforming the formerly bare-bones space. Volunteer tradespeople have created a space that is soon to be painted, carpeted and fitted out with garment racks.  Kate utilized her website sponsorship connection Lowes for much of the materials for this otherwise completely unfunded project.

 "We'll be looking for help during two volunteer weekends to paint and set up display cases," said Kate. "It is our goal to have the store ready for a holiday open house (to be announced)".

The time is right to step up to help. If you have a few hours free over the next couple of weeks, pull out your painting gear.

St.Vincent de Paul High School art students are readying large, colorful canvases for wall decoration.

COTS does not need additional work clothes donations this fall, but will put out a call for specific items in 2015.

Three Saturday work days, start the weekend of October 25th. On Saturday 25th, volunteers are needed from 11am-4pm and will be cleaning, scraping pipes and painting the space.  On 11/15 and 12/6, volunteers willl be building racks and shelving units, so if you are are handy with power tools, this is your moment to shine.

For anyone interested in joining for any of these work days, here are the steps:

1. Fill out an online volunteer application (unless you have already): https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CommitteeontheShelterless/Volunteer.html.  

2. Email Jenna  directly to let her know to expect you (jenna@cots-homeless.org.)

3. Wear clothes you are comfortable in and are okay with getting a little dirty!

 

Holiday Season Shows at Petaluma's Cinnabar Theater

Celebrate the holiday spirit with Sonoma County’s Cinnabar Theater. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, and all the way into 2015, Cinnabar offers uplifting activities for local families:

The Wizard of Oz: November 28 – December 14

Follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. Come over the rainbow with Cinnabar’s Young Rep to enjoy this classic musical live on stage... starring your favorite munchkins! Tickets are $10 for youth and $15 for adults.

The Jewelry Box, A Genuine Christmas Story: Sunday, November 30 at 7:30 PM

Renowned solo performer Brian Copeland returns with a hilarious and heartwarming holiday show. In this prequel to his blockbuster hit, Not A Genuine Black Man, Copeland applies his wit and wisdom to the time he tried to earn $11.97 to get his mom a Christmas gift. Tickets are $15 for youth, $20 for adults, and $5 more at the door.

 

Holiday concert with the Cinnabar Singers: Sunday, December 14 at 2 PM
Welcome the winter season with this beautiful concert from our community choir. Enjoy cheerful harmonies and seasonal selections such as Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Vivaldi’s Gloria. The Cinnabar Singers perform at the United Church of Christ in Petaluma. Tickets are $10 for youth and $15 for adults.

 

New Year’s Eve Under Paris Skies: Wednesday, December 31 at 9:30 PM
Ring in 2015 with a romantic cabaret celebrating the passionate and profound music of Edith Piaf. Enjoy delectable desserts before the show, with party favors and champagne at midnight. Tickets are $56 for youth and $66 for adults.

 

Cinnabar’s Fresh Crab Feed: Tuesday, January 13 at 5:30 PM
Is there someone crabby on your shopping list? Invite them to Cinnabar’s upcoming feast at Lagunitas Brewing Company, where they can get their claws on unlimited fresh crab. All tickets are $55, which includes Dungeness crab, cole slaw, pasta salad, bread, and dessert.

 

Holiday giving
Get a gift certificate to Cinnabar for the arts lover on your holiday list – and, in this season of giving, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to Petaluma’s nonprofit theater. Its youth programs and professional shows depend on donors like you. Call 707-763-8920 for details.

 

Every year, Cinnabar Theater produces a thrilling mix of plays, musicals, operas, and concerts in a remarkable range of genres. Cinnabar’s Young Rep offers extensive activities for local youth, and the Cinnabar Singers welcome anyone who wants to be part of a choir. All these events take place in the iconic red schoolhouse perched atop a grassy hill on the outskirts of Petaluma.

 

Audiences have flocked to performances in this intimate setting since 1972, when Marvin and Jan Klebe established an arts center for the community. Along with their sons, they transformed a charming 1908 schoolhouse into a jewel-box theater that has hosted successful shows for four decades. Now Cinnabar is preparing another year of lively performances for its loyal audience.

 

Cinnabar Theater is located at 3333 Petaluma Boulevard North, just off Highway 101 and only minutes from historic downtown Petaluma. There’s ample parking up on the hill… and a friendly herd of goats grazing in the neighboring field. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 707-763-8920 or visitcinnabartheater.org.

America's Wine: The Legacy of Prohibition — Free Documentary Screening, Mystic Theater, Petaluma, Sunday November 16th — Petaluma Viticulture History & Heritage Series

Petaluma Viticulture History & Heritage Exhibit continues its run at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum through fall. If you only step foot in your local museum every once in a while, this should be the "once" this year! Especially if you are a wine lover.

Co-curated by Jim McCormick of the California Wine Museum and Paula Freund, this fascinating and informative exhibit chronologically documents the history of grape growing and wine production in Petaluma.

With many vintage artifacts from the California Wine Museum and private collections, the exhibit tells the story from its beginnings in the second half of the 19th Century through Prohibition and today's renaissance of grape growing and wine making under the influence of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance. 

Exhibit Hours: Thurs. – Sat. 10 – 4
Sundays, 12 – 3
Admission: Free to Members!
Seniors $3.00
General $5.00
Children and Military Free
For Questions or Information Call: 778-4398

 Click here for full story on the history of this most stunning local art history treasure "California Yesterday and Today" by artist Eugene Urbain, on display for the first time in the museum during the Viticulture exhibit.

On Sunday, November 16th, 2014, Emmy-award-winning tv and documentary maker Carla De Luca Worfolk will be in Petaluma in person to introduce her Bancroft Library commissioned documentary "America's Wine: The Legacy of Prohibition". 

Covering a span of 100 years of winemaking and up to present day, the documentary tells the story of how leading California wine families overcame obstacles to rebuild the American wine industry, after its decimation during national Prohibition. 

Featured by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Repeal, the film features never-before-seen archival photographs and film clips and interviews with those who experienced Prohibition, historians, members of Congress, public policy experts and winemakers, including Rovert Mondavi and Ernest Gallo in their last on-camera appearances.

This free screening at The Mystic Theater in Petaluma at 2.30 pm will be followed by a wine and cheese reception at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum on the corner of 4th and B Streets.

Please click here to rsvp at Brown Paper Tickets to attend.