Montclair's 15th Annual Montclair Fine Arts and Crafts Fall Fest October 3, 2009

The 15th Annual Montclair Fine Arts and Crafts Fall Fest returns to Oakland Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. to 6p.m. and Sunday, October 4 from 10 a.m. 5 p.m.. Sponsored by the Montclair Village Association, this free event offers works from more than 80 artists and crafters who will line the streets of the Montclair Business District on Mountain Avenue at LaSalle, off highway 13, between Park Boulevard and Thornhill Drive.

The fall celebration features a wide array of garments, sculptures, photography, watercolor and oil paintings, jewelry, ceramics and more. Adding to the charm of the event, patrons will have the opportunity to meet these talented artists and speak with them about their creations.

Among the artists participating in this year’s event is Enrico Antiporda of Oakland who will be showcasing his vivid oil paintings including Caribbean and Asian Pacific landscapes, nudes and still lifes. His newest paintings were inspired by French Fauve artists and can be described as a merging of pop art and folk art. Enrico says, “Art is an emotional outlet for me and if I can make someone smile when viewing my art, then I have accomplished what I have set out to do.”
Artists Kelvin Curry from Oakland will feature his original pastel or pencil drawings. “I have followed an irresistible desire to represent profound tenderness. What interest me most is neither still life nor landscapes, but the human figure,” says Curry. “My treatment of a woman for example, is endowed with grace and charm, yet I know that something more is necessary. The essential lines are drawn to condense meaning. My choice of colors is based on observation, on feeling, on the very nature of the experience.” Curry’s work is framed in 22 by 28 inch frames.

Jeannie Haydon of Berkeley will display her award-winning line of jewelry made of mixed metals, including gold and silver, and precious and semi-precious stones. Her intricate designs have a contemporary look resulting in exquisite necklaces, earrings, pins and bracelets. Most of her pieces are fabricated by hand in a variety of metals, although sterling silver is her favorite. She also uses a variety of precious stones to add color and texture to the pieces.

Other artists participating in the 15th Annual Montclair Fine Arts and Crafts Fall Fest include Laura Blacona and Alberto Toscano of Berkeley who will be highlighting their watercolor paintings and illustrations along with their decorated salt and pepper shakers and glow-in-the-dark switch plates; Karen LeGault of Oakland with her paintings that feature a refined traditional Asian technique and aesthetic; and Kysha Mitchell of Oakland with displaying her infant accessories and children’s apparel for boys and girls sizes 2 through 8.
The 15th Annual Montclair Fine Arts and Crafts Fall Fest is sponsored by the Montclair Village Association with support by Bay Area Newsgroup and InsideBayArea.com. For more information, contact the Montclair Village Association at (510) 339-1000 or Pacific Fine Arts at (209) 267-4394 or www.pacificfinearts.com.