Event pays homage to Main Street
This year’s Creekside Arts event at the Clayton Library will present varying interpretations on the theme “Life on Main Street.”
From the historic view of old Main Street presented by the Clayton Historical Museum to the “Life on Main Stream” ecological presentation, the events will reflect the commonalities of every community – whether human or animal in nature. Artwork and photos submitted for judging will offer international views along “Main Street” in different countries.
The 14th annual event runs Friday, March 24, to Sunday, March 26, at the Clayton Community Library. Admission is free, with proceeds from art and craft sales supporting library materials for the creekside wildlife habitat.
Clayton artist Tammy Slezak is among this year’s participants. “I use vintage sewing thread, quilting thread and really fine fibers to make small sculptures, dollhouses, textiles and tiny, tiny teddy bears – some of the world’s smallest teddy bears at about 3 millimeters,” she says.
Thirty years ago, Slezak started doing standard-sized crocheting, such as scarves, bedspreads and tablecloths. “I have an aunt who collected dollhouses and she asked if I could crotchet smaller things,” she recalls. “And I gradually got smaller and smaller.”
In keeping with traditional Main Street events, the opening night will include a dog and pony show at 6:30 p.m. To add to the festivities, local artists will paint the show in progress.
“I have Jack Russell terriers, one in particular named Annie Oakley. She rides a miniature horse,” says Faith Taylor of Snowfire Ranch.
Taylor, who lives on the south side of Morgan Territory, is hoping that there will be a safe route for her to get into town by then. “It’s a cute show. People love it, especially the kids,” she says.
Dick Ellis of the Clayton Historical Society is up next Friday night, followed by a short presentation on About Face by Roger Renn. The program for veterans provides a sometimes very emotional outlet for them to paint their self-portraits after serving in war-torn areas.
The evening closes with the announcement of the art winners, juried by Bedford Gallery, Art Concepts and the county Arts & Culture Commission.
Saturday’s full schedule includes crafts and storytelling for kids, outdoor painting, a portrait drawing workshop, and nature and craft journaling. At 2 p.m., renowned wildlife biologist Jim “Doc” Hale hosts “Life on Main Stream,” a slide show and outdoor tour.
“I will give a presentation on the prehistoric, historic and present conditions along Mt. Diablo Creek and Mitchell Creek,” Hale says.
Hale will lead visitors on “an easy saunter” along the creek near the library. “On the interpretive walk, I will discuss the wildlife and the plants – not only just identifying plants, but noting which are edible, medicinal and useful plants used by the Native Americans,” Hale says.
The event continues Sunday with an Open Mic at noon for music, poetry and dance, followed by the always popular ukulele jam, hula and Taiko drumming with audience participation. The weekend concludes with the announcement of the People’s Choice Award winners at 4 p.m.
Held in conjunction with the library’s anniversary, the event is supported by the Creekside Artist Guild, the Clayton Community Library Foundation and the city of Clayton.
Deadline to participate is March 13. Forms can be obtained online at www.claytonlibrary.org or at the library. For more info, contact event director Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen at akiksen@aol.com or 925-864-3805.