12 Hours in Sacramento

As the child of a professional photographer, I certainly know my way around a camera! I spent many hours helping my father develop photos in the darkroom. So when Vox Sacramento posted their call for artists for a very unique photography show, I jumped at the opportunity to participate.

54 photographers were assigned different time slots on the same day - Saturday, June 2. Each took to the streets of Sacramento to capture the image that moved them. My time slot? 2pm. And I'm excited to soon share with you the little piece of my home town that capture my heart at that exact moment in time! 

Drop by Vox Sacramento on Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 4-9pm to see "12 Hours in Sacramento."

2nd annual Bent Twig art show

I am thrilled to curate an upcoming art show and benefit fundraiser at Vox Sacramento Gallery! The "Bent Twig" art show's opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 5-9pm.

The Bent Twig art show will feature a family tree of artists helping artists - an event in which established artists are coupled with emerging artists to display their work side by side. Major and established artists from the Sacramento area are invited to participate in this art show by selecting a newer or relatively unknown artist (their "Bent Twig") to partner with and hang hanging their art next to during the run of the show, thus creating a family tree of support in the local art scene.

Also, during the evening's art show, a silent auction fundraiser will be held to benefit Vox Sacramento. As you may know, Vox just moved into their own space, so expect lots of great things to come there! Please also consider donating art work for the night’s silent auction items.

As some of you may recall, the Bent Twig art show was first held to support Danny Madsen, who a year ago lost his battle with Leukemia. Danny was such a huge supporter of the Sacramento art scene, so it is an honor to continue this art show in his name. Plans are already under way to have the Sacramento BloodSource on hand to host a mobile blood and bone marrow drive during the art show’s opening reception.

If you are interested in participating in the Bent Twig art show and the Vox fundraiser, please let me know.

Painting for Paws - Art Call

The 7^th annual "Painting for Paws" fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, 2011. The Happy Tails cats and dogs have been busy painting one-of-a-kind pieces of original artwork with their paws for this year’s fundraiser! Pieces will be matted and framed, and accompanied by a photo and bio of the furry artist so that you can not only buy the paws painting, but you can adopt the artist as well!

In addition, there will be "human artwork" donated by local artists, a silent auction, complimentary food and wine, live music, a prize drawing and animal-themed jewelry for sale.

If you would like to be a "human artist" for this event, please send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than August 11, 2011 and I will follow up with further details. Artists who donate to this fundraiser will receive complimentary admission to the event.

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 6pm - 9pm
Dante Club – 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Howe Avenue
Entrance fee: $20 to benefit Happy Tails

"Unleashed" - No stopping us now!

And here's the mention of "Unleashed" in the Happy Tails e-newsletter!

"Unleashed" - We are on a roll!

Here's another mention of the "Unleashed" art show! Many thanks to Downtowngrid.com for featuring Jared Konopitski's piece in their Second Saturday Art Walk promotions! Click here to see the details.

"The Bunny Who Wanted to be a Bird" by Jared Konopitski.

"Unleashed" art show mention

Our upcoming "Unleashed" art show has been mentioned on A Blog from the Dog House! Click here to check it out. And does this mean that Izzy is in the doghouse?

"Unleashed" art drop off

Tonight was the art hanging for the "Unleashed" art show. I loved seeing so many artists who are eager to support this fundraiser with their art donations - and the pieces are amazing! Here's a sneak peek of a few of the pieces of original art that you will be able to bid on.

I own quite a few pieces of Cinder's art. This new piece called "Catnip" especially makes me smile!




This piece by Cathryn Reynolds, the Happy Tails special events volunteer, is her first attemp at working with acrylics. I so love the vibrant colors!




Here is "Desert Elephant" by Maya Murphy-Cook, my high school friend's 12-year-old daughter. This will be her very first art show and I'm so humbled that she has allowed me to mentor her during the process.




This quilted wall hanging was created by Carolyn Hess, a member of the River City Quilters Guild. She's worked for several local quilt shops creating their display samples. Her work is not only warm, but her attention to detail is meticulous!



You'll be able to bid on these pieces and about 50 more at the "Unleashed" animal art show.

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located inside the ThinkHouse Collective
at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

"Unleashed" - Saturday, July 9

This fundraiser focuses on the bond between humans and animals. A silent auction of original art will benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located inside the ThinkHouse Collective
at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

Robert Jordan, all the way from Ireland, will delight listeners with his guitar, harmonica, and vocals from 6:30-7:30pm.

Featured artists: Abby - the min pin, Ann Ranlett, Betty Warmdahl, Carolyn Hess, Cathryn Reynolds, Christina Edmondson, Cinder, Evie Turner, Jared Konopitski, John vanDusen, Johnny Dismal, Karen Colbourn, Kate Dana, Kelly Elizabeth ONeill, Kim Brownell, Leslie Cobb, Lori Ann DeLappe-Grondin, Maya Murphy-Cook, Melody Claussen-Furry, Moises M. Castillo, Nicolas Caesar, Oh Boy Cat Toys, Steve Grondin, Tiffany Dare Turner, and more!

Presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing.

"Unleashed" art show hanging

“Unleashed,” an animal art show benefiting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2011 and will feature art that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. In addition, a silent auction of original art, gift certificates, and pet related items will benefit Happy Tails.

If you would like to be a participating artist who displays their original pieces at this fundraiser, please respond no later than June 30, 2011. Your art can be of any medium and size. However, the subject of your piece must include an animal of some sort. You will be responsible for creating your own art tag for the show. Be sure to include your name, the title of your piece, the medium, price, and contact info. Artists will keep 100% of the sales for their displayed art.

Participating artist are also asked to donate a piece to the Silent Auction area as a benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. There is no limit to the number of pieces you can donate. Any size and any theme will be welcomed – the silent auction donations do not have to be animal related. Please include the following for each donated item so that I can create bid sheets:

Your name:
Name of piece/item:
Medium/Description:
Stated value:
Include a Jpeg photo of each piece for promotional purposes.

The art hanging for participating artists and silent auction donation drop off date is Tuesday, July 5 from 6:30 – 8:30pm at Vox Sacramento, 1726 11^th Street. If you do not live in the Sacramento area and would like to mail your items to my home, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for your support of the “Unleashed” art show! This fundraiser is going to be a huge success because of your involvement!

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

Presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing.

"Unleashed" art show

"Unleashed"

An animal art show benefitting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

This fundraiser will feature art that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. The proceeds from a silent auction will benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

If you would like to participate as an artist or make a donation of goods to this fundraiser, please send an email to eviesark@gmail.com no later than June 30.

Presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing.

Call for Art - "Unleashed"

When Vox Sacramento asked me to curate an art show this summer, I knew exactly what to do!

"Unleashed" is an animal art show that will benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. Held on Saturday, July 9, this art show will feature art that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. The proceeds from a silent auction will benefit local animal groups.

If you would like to be a participating artist for this fundraiser, please send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than June 30 and I will follow up with further details.

"Unleashed" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

See you there!

"Painting for Paws" is almost here!

The "human art" has been turned in, the cat and dog paintings are being framed, and gift baskets are being assembled. The final details for the Happy Tails "Painting for Paws" fundraiser are almost complete!

This annual fundraiser is always a favorite of the supporters of Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. And here's what you can expect this year. Nearly 40 pieces of art valued at more than $3,000 were donated by local California artists. More than 60 pieces of art were created by cat and dog paws and tails. The animal paintings will be auctioned off this year, rather than a flat purchase price as has been done in the past. So get your bids in before 8pm when that art section closes! And gift baskets, and jewelry, and wine - oh my! It's going to be a fun night!

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 6pm - 10pm
Pavilions Shopping Center, Fair Oaks Blvd., Near Howe Ave.
Entrance fee: $10 to benefit Happy Tails

A special thank you goes out to the following animal lovers and artists who generously donated to this fundraiser. You make my job so easy and I'm forever grateful!

Ann Tracy
Carlos Villez
Carolyn Hess
Cinder
Evie Turner
Gayle Rappaport-Weiland
Ilsa Hess
Jacquelyn Bond
Jared Konopitski
Juli Nocita
Kate Dana
Kelly Croisdale
Kelly Elizabeth O'Neill
Kim Scott
KimJMartin Dog Photography
Leslie Cobb
Nancy Bradley
Nicolas Caesar
Priya Ramchandran
Stacey Lamothe
Tiffany Dare Turner
Tj Lev
Yelena Kopylov-Alford


"Homeless No More" cat paw painting.




















"Hakofish" created by Cinder.

























Silent auction goodies.

The art is arriving!

Here's a sneak peek at a few of the pieces of art that were dropped off for the "Painting for Paws" fundraiser!


"Asswipe!" by Tiffany Turner.




















"Black Grey" by Priya Ramchandran.

























"Feline Groovey" sterling and copper pendant by Stacey Lamothe.




















"Old Crow" by Kim Scott.

























"Look Behind You!" by Jared Konopitski.




















I'm having such a difficult time deciding on which piece is my favorite!

Call For Artists - Danny Madsen Celebration of Life Event

On August 11, 2010, we lost a beloved friend. For more than 10 months, Danny Madsen fought a hard battle with Leukemia. He passed away quietly on that Wednesday afternoon with his wife Michele by his side. Danny's drive to beat his cancer is an inspiration to all of us to persevere in our lives.

To celebrate Danny's life, his wife Michele invites you to attend a memorial celebration in his honor on Saturday, September 25 from 1-6pm at Beatnik Studios, located at 17th and Broadway. The tribute will feature music, food and beverages, and a silent auction of art. Proceeds from the evening will be raised on behalf of Danny and Michele Madsen and the National Transplant Assistance Fund.

To donate art to the Danny Madsen Celebration of Life Event, please contact Evie Turner at eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com by September 11 for further details.

Thank you.

Call for artists - "Painting for Paws"

The annual "Painting for Paws" fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2010. The Happy Tails cats and dogs have been busy painting one-of-a-kind pieces of original artwork with their paws for this year’s fundraiser! Pieces will be matted and framed, and accompanied by a photo and bio of the furry artist so that you can not only buy the paws painting, but you can adopt the artist as well!

In addition, there will be "human artwork" donated by local artists, a silent auction, complimentary food and wine, live music, a prize drawing and animal-themed jewelry for sale.

If you would like to be a "human artist" for this event, please send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than August 14, 2010 and I will follow up with further details. Artists who donate to this fundraiser will receive complimentary admission to the event.

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 6pm - 10pm
Pavilions Shopping Center, Fair Oaks Blvd., Near Howe Ave.
Entrance fee: $10 to benefit Happy Tails




Zoey and Izzy – both Happy Tails success stories!




Zoey and Izzy - yin yang kitties!





Founded in 1993, Happy Tails rescues abandoned, abused and unwanted companion animals in the Sacramento area, and finds them safe, permanent, loving homes. All proceeds from the event will benefit Happy Tails, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. www.happytails.org.

Vox Sacramento's "She" art show

I'm thrilled to be a part of this upcoming benefit art show!

Vox Sacramento presents its 3rd annual women's show, "She." This Second Saturday art show, hosted by Byuti Salon located at 1414 H Street in Downtown Sacramento, will be held on May 8 from 6-10 pm and is a benefit for the Sacramento Komen Foundation. "She" showcases female artists from Sacramento and the Bay Area.




"She" features Vox Sacramento artist members: Meagan Moore, Amelia Lewis , Susan Raines, Dawn Blanchfield, Lala Ortiz, Elaine Hudson, Evie Turner, Nicole Roberts, Jill Allyn Stafford, Kathy Blackburn, Deborah Brown, Hilda Tonarely, Kim Brownell, Rachel Young, Ilsa Hess, and Jamie Castaneda.

In addition to the art that will be up for the month of May at Byuti Salon, there will also be artists showing for the evening of the opening reception only. These artists include Laura McCall, Gayle Rappaport-Weiland, Angela Saldana, Erica Yoshino, Brenda Rios, Yelena Kopylov-Alford, Juli Nocita, Joslyn Newens, Heather Shetrawski, and Virginia Dorman, among others.

Artists Jamie Castaneda and Jared Konopitski will create live art that evening. Music includes live performances by Reggie Ginn and others and will begin at 7 pm. Also, a raffle of original art and other items will be held to benefit the Sacramento Komen Foundation. All proceeds go toward Komen. This art show is free to attend and open to the public.

As a part of this fundraiser for the Sacramento Komen Foundation, Vox Sacramento will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on the morning of May 8. You can support this cause by joining me and the Vox Walk Team or making a donation through my personal page here.

Thank you for your support and I hope to see you on May 8!

"Let Me Count the Ways" art show

I'm thrilled to participate in Vox Sacramento's upcoming Second Saturday art show "Let Me Count the Ways." This art show is a benefit for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and will feature music by The Kimberly Trip, Kevin Seconds, and David Houston.

Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 6-10pm
Vox Sacramento at 1931 H Street in Midtown
Live music begins at 7pm
Free and open to the public




Original artwork by more than 35 local artists will be on display. Featured artists include: Jill Allyn Stafford, Dawn Blanchfield, Amy Fort, Christian Cinder, Elizabeth Wocasek, Evie Turner, Krissi Sandvik, Kathy Blackburn, TJ Lev, Jill Matsuhiro, Justin Buell, Susan Raines, Rachel Young, Long Lim, Jennifer Young, Tom Spaulding, Terry Tyson, Catherin Thomas, Andrionni Ribo, Jenvy Fox, Jerome Love, Hilda Tonarely, Michael Perry, Lawrence Rillera, Michele Whitnack, Elaine Shaefer Hudson, Lob, April Fredrikson, Juliana Pfeffer, Tony Allen, Lala, Danielle Searcy, and more.

Guests can also enter a drawing for a chance to win original art or an iPod Touch. Proceeds benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians with illness, disability, or age-related problems.

The art will be on display through March 8, 2010.

Home for the Holidays art show

I'm thrilled to be one of the participating artists in the upcoming "Home for the Holidays" art show at Vox Sacramento! I'll have the following new pieces on display during the December Second Saturday Art Walk.

"Soul Mates" is based on the pair of mourning doves who nibble for food in my dewy backyard each day. I enjoy the soothing sounds of their cooing while I sit on my back patio drinking coffee. Acrylic on canvas. Measures 11 x 14.




"Family Reunion" was inspired by a conversation that occurred during a road trip from South Carolina to Florida with my mom. Whenever we saw a group of birds gathered along the telephone wires, my mom would shout out, "Look! It's a family reunion!" Acrylic on canvas. Measures 8 x 10.




"One" was inspired after a recent journal entry. One lone bird sits upon an old and barren tree. And while there is sadness at that exact moment, the rising sun sheds light on a new beginning. Acrylic on canvas. Measures 11 x 14.




"Proud." This wintery cardinal is happy that it's almost Christmas! Acrylic on canvas. Measures 8 x 10.




This reunion art show will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 5-10pm and will feature many of the artists who have shown at Vox since its inception. And for the art collectors, this is a great opportunity to get a deal on some original art for those on your holiday gift giving list! Also, proceeds from a silent auction/drawing that evening will raise funds to support Vox and the work that they do in our art community.

"Sisters," newest art

Here's a peek at a new piece that I just created and will donate to the Pit Bull awareness fundraiser on October 10, 2009. "Sisters" is based on my dog Betsy, who was by far the best dog that a little girl could have while growing up!




When I was very small, family friends would comment to my mom about how much she and my little brother looked alike with their blond hair and green eyes. Then they would look at me with my red hair and blue eyes and say nothing! After developing a huge complex, I did what any normal 5-year-old would do and started telling people that my parents had kidnapped me! So after several parent-teacher conferences, many conversations about how red hair is a recessive gene, and a quick trip to the pet store for someone who looked a little more like me, I decided to stay with this family.

I'll always remember the ride home from the pet store in our brown station wagon holding this tiny, squirmy ball of puppy breath and telling her that her name is Betsy. My dad explained to me that I shouldn't call her Betsy just yet because she might get used to her new name on the ride home, even though it was only a 5-minute drive. And if we all decided to call her by another name, the puppy would then be confused. But I wouldn't listen.

Betsy turned out to not be just a dog, but instead became a member of our family. My mom always laughed when I would roll the dog over on her back and dig through the hair on her stomach. Apparently, I was looking for the zipper because I knew that she was really a person inside that fur coat! I also gave Betsy my middle name because I imagined that's what a big sister would do. Betsy and I spent countless hours of my childhood digging a large hole in the backyard in order to get to China, reading Encyclopedia Brown mysteries together by flashlight in our blanket fort, and sharing a bowl of popcorn while watching Saturday morning cartons.

Betsy lived a long and happy life and died in my mom's arms at the age of 18-years-old. And while there have been countless other dogs since her, Betsy will always be my first love. Red heads share a bond that can never be broken.

In honor of Betsy's memory, this piece will be donated as a silent auction item to the "Pits and Fash" Fashion and Trunk Show Fundraiser promoting the documentary, "Beyond the Myth." The benefit will be held on Saturday, October 10 at 7pm at the Retro Lodge located at 1111 H Street.

Call For Artists - Byron Blackburn Celebration of Life Event

On September 18, 2009, we lost a beloved friend. Byron Blackburn fought a fierce battle with Sarcoma, and he always said that he had cancer, but that cancer did not have him. Byron's brave spirit and his kind soul touched so many of us. His passion for music had a monumental impact on our community. And his love of the arts was obvious in his support of the Second Saturday art scene.

To celebrate Byron's life, his wife Kathy will host a public memorial service on October 16 at Beatnik Studios, located at 17th and Broadway. The tribute will feature performances by local musicians and a silent auction of art. Proceeds from the evening will be used to set up a scholarship fund for a local music charity in Byron's name.

To donate art to the Byron Blackburn Celebration of Life Event, please contact Evie Turner at eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com by October 5 for further details.

Thank you.