Artists open house in Markleeville

Eighteen Markleeville artists open their studios to visitors 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 6 and 7.

October in Alpine County finds the aspen trees awash in a sea of autumnal coloring. Along with glittering incandescent yellow leaves, iridescent hues of gold, orange, and russet can be seen set amidst dark pine trees.

The event is a gift from the artists to the public. The map and guide to each artist's studio may be picked up at the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce in the Visitor Center, in Markleeville, six miles from Woodfords on Highway 88.

Celebrating its fifth year, the Markleeville Artists Autumn Open Studios welcomes the addition of more local sponsors and new artists.

New sponsors are Carson Ridge, Indian tacos, Kyle's Kabin and Odd Pony, along with The Deli, Hope Valley Outdoors, Markleeville Grocery, Sunrise Construction, Villa Gigli, Yonker Construction and Wolf Creek.

Joining the other 15 artists are Suzanne Barr with clay sculptures often reflecting female roles in the world; Russel Ketenjian who creates music, high-fired pottery and paintings and Dianna Mitzner with wearable art and original clothing design.

Designer Sandy Baenen will be unveiling her 2007 Mountain Goddess, photographer Todd Branscombe will show new portraits of bears and cubs, Jan Brees has created unusual leaves of metal mesh. Sit in Jeff Brees' stargazer chair or see his topiary sculptures at the Community Park. Peter Chope's watercolor landscapes are inspired by his surroundings. Stop by Debra Esteban's studio to see her chocolate creations. Admire feminine forms sculpted in metal by Susan Flakus, aka the Steel Magnolia. See Gina Gigli's new traveling trunk show. Kaye Jobst will have new painted gourds and pine needle baskets. Oil painter Charles Muench will display paintings from his recent Sierra pack trips. Visit the Vaughn studio where Carolyn and Mark have their kiln for raku pottery and daughter Jennifer shows her imaginative photos. Fiber artist Deirdre Wallace has designed hats and pouches and Evelyn Yonker creates realistic abstract clay sculptures and paintings.

Since one of the goals of the Markleeville Artists is to provide scholarships for emerging artists, this year they are offering Native Americans the free opportunity to display their crafts at the Markleeville Community Park adjacent to the Alpine County Library. Dale Bennett will be selling Indian tacos at the park.