Events Scheduled February 7 & 14 at Old Town La Quinta
By Kathleen Hughes
Art Under the Umbrellas, La Quinta Arts Foundation’s wildly popular series of art events held at Old Town La Quinta throughout the desert season, is on tap for the first and second Saturdays in February — February 7 and February 14 (Presidents’ Day Weekend). The events run from 10 am to 4 pm with free admission and free parking throughout the Village of La Quinta.
Each show hosts over 80 amazing artisans and craftspeople set-up along Old Town’s closed off streets exhibiting their original works of art. Patrons will be treated to eclectic entertainment by members of the Steve Madaio Band as they explore the artist booths and visit Old Town’s boutique shops and restaurants.
In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, an impressive lineup of Fine Jewelry Artisans will be showcased at both February events. The first is German born goldsmith Dorothee Naumburg, renowned for her bold, high karat sculptural designs. Her pieces are created in 18K gold, 14K gold and platinum. They are finished with a variety of surface textures like her ‘crinkled’ gold (which mimics gold leaf) and accented with fine pearls, drusy and gemstones. Dorothee explains, “The aim is to create a sculptural feel for my jewelry, while reducing the lines of my design to the essentials. Editing out unneeded elements and distractions in the process creates contemporary but wearable pieces.” Naumburg creates her exquisite jewelry masterpieces at her studio in Dana Point and has established a large base of collectors at La Quinta Arts Festival.
Also spotlighted in February is La Quinta based jewelry designer Kathy Caldwell whose professional journey in the world of fine jewelry started from a small studio in Chicago, where her jewelry designs quickly attracted the attention of local galleries and jewelry stores all over the city. From there Kathy moved to California and into the corporate world where she served as a vice president and head merchandiser for a series of high-end jewelry stores in San Diego, with a specialty in precious and semi-precious stones. Now in La Quinta since 2004, she returned to her studio creating her successful line of handcrafted silver and gold jewelry designs — first at Art Under the Umbrellas, then onto the prestigious La Quinta Arts Festival. Caldwell was honored by her community in 2010 by being designated as a “Distinguished Artist of La Quinta.”
Jewelry may reign supreme in February, but let’s not overlook the other media categories represented like painting, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and wood. Exhibiting on February 7th will be Ceramicist Fred Stodder from San Juan Capistrano. Stodder’s work is unlike traditional ceramics in his use of extremely hard edges, bright bold colors, and razor sharp glaze delineation. His work is instantly recognizable, mostly inspired by architecture, minimalist painting, and jazz music.
HAVE A HEART” ON FEBRUARY 14TH — The Art Under the Umbrellas show on Valentine’s Day will hold special significance for one of its longtime friends, glass artist Lucy Chamberlain. Lucy has been a participating exhibitor at La Quinta Arts Festival over 10 years and more recently at Art Under the Umbrellas. The event will be designated as the “Have a Heart” fundraiser for Chamberlain, who is struggling with her husband’s early onset Alzheimer’s disease, which has escalated to almost unmanageable levels. With a small adopted child and no means of support outside of her art glass sales, it has become increasingly harder for her to travel and exhibit at shows, as her husband is no longer able to help with the strenuous task of setting-up and taking-down. And then there is the no small matter of providing day care for him and their child.
To help, La Quinta Arts Foundation has waived participation fees for her at this event and will accept donations on her behalf at the LQAF table located in front of La Rue Wine Bar. Contributions in any amount will be greatly appreciated.
Lucy Chamberlain’s vibrant hand blown art glass is instantly recognizable – usually executed in an explosion of color. While primarily known for her table-top sculptures reminiscent of floral and ocean forms, her suspended “chandelier” sculptures and glass ocean flowers have been recently added to her repertoire, as well as multi-layered wall pieces.
Info: LQAF.com or 760-564-1244. See our Art Under the Umbrellas ad for directions to Old Town La Quinta.
