Here are the latest updates from Black Bear Mosaics, the studio of Barbara Bussler.
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April Happenings -- and there are many! My last weeks have been busy due to a very packed program this month, with several of my works on exhibit as well as activity at the studio, so let's go right to the action: |
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| | Visit Tuolumne County will host the 4th Annual Tuolumne County Art Week April 13-21, 2024. Art Week is a celebration of artists of all kinds and the creativity that is deeply rooted in Tuolumne County. Throughout the week look for exhibits, live demonstrations, music, activities, and more from local artists and businesses. To honor Tuolumne County Art week Black Bear Mosaics is offering a mosaic planter workshop during this week. Available are three different sessions to choose from, each lasting two days. Beginning dates and signups are on the website in the Workshop Section and in the paragraph below. | | |
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| | The InFocus Photography Competition and Exhibition was first held in 1987 and has become one of the Tuolumne County Arts Alliance’s most successful events. The show draws both amateur and professional entries and over the years we’ve seen a steady increase in both the number of entries and the quality of the photographs accepted into the show. InFocus offers both cash and merchandise as prizes for the winning photographs. A new category, the Excellence in Photography Award, was added a few years ago. It is named for the former resident, and nationally renowned photographer, Charles Moore. InFocus is a program of Tuolumne County Arts (formerly the Central Sierra Arts Council), and as such, it is a non-profit exhibition. Barbara is proud to have two of her Yosemite photographs accepted into the landscape category of this show. | | |
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| | Last Earth is an immersive, environmental art experience opening Earth Day weekend 2024. Artists are invited to create art from repurposed or recycled materials. Barbara created a black bear cub with recycled plates and mugs on a fiberglass base which will be on display/for sale there.
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Mosaic planter Workshop/s |
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You requested this loud and clear, so let's do it. We will make mosaic flowerpots (or planters) over two days. You can choose from three different sessions, (one weekend 4/13 and 14, one during the week in the evening 4/16 and 18 and one during the day 4/17 and 18; each lasting two days). Maximum 6 participants per session, so book early. Some accommodations for different times can be made but need to be discussed asap. Day 1 consists of 4 hrs, introduction to the technique and tools, selecting and adhering mosaic materials onto a terracotta planter Day 2 consists of 2+ hrs of grouting and cleaning the planter. The workshop costs $85 per person; Payments to be made at Black Bear Mosaics studio by check, cash or credit card before the workshop starts. You get one 6" clay planter (other sizes available with surcharge), all other supplies are included. Due to the nature of mosaic making and use of special tools, the minimum age for attending this workshop is 10 years old; any minors must attend with a parent/guardian chaperone. Details and signups are on the website in the Workshop Section If you have any questions please contact me asap at blackbearmosaics@gmail.com I am very much looking forward to some familiar and new faces at these workshops. If those dates or the theme does not work for you let's talk when and if we can get together at another time. |
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Also in April Camp Tuolumne Trails will have a Volunteer day to take care of some maintenance and preparation for the campers. I'm thrilled that one of the activities you can volunteer for is helping me to prepare the 100+ mosaic dragonflies the campers have made for installation. This will include using a carpet knife and handling fiber glass (gloves provided), just a heads up. Here is the official flyer, and you can signup here. |
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Then there is a second opportunity for mosaic enthusiasts to volunteer for the actual installation in May. The dates are May 22 to 24, at Camp Tuolumne Trails, and this will involve the process of adhering and grouting the mosaics onto the wall. I'm thrilled that some of my experienced mosaic friends from the Bay Area plan to join us for those days. This is a big job over several days, so if you are interested please contact me asap and I will give you more details. We have use for experienced and non mosaic experienced volunteers. Contact me at blackbearmosaics@gmail.com or just reply to the newsletter email. Below some of the dragonflies to be installed. |
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And lastly some more short news: The big "Cupertino Garden Rabbit" that Duygu, a high school student from Cupertino had painted, had a successful photo opp appearance at the yearly Groveland Rotary Clubs Easter Egg hunt, held indoors at Tenaya School due to a late winter weather. It looked like everybody had a good time! The mosaic murals for the new public restroom building at the Old Jail/Tesla charger station public parking area on Ponderosa Ln is a bit delayed, so the mural/mosaic work will continue later in the summer, after the building actually has been installed. But design research with the locals in this neighborhood is in the works. Your thoughts about what could be included in the design are very welcome, and you may contact me for questions and input any time.
Needless to say that the next months are going to be busy, but I'm always welcoming you to pop into my studio to see what I'm working on. So, I hope to see you around and if you like, come and take a class or volunteer sometime. Stay dry and go enjoy some art this month! Cheers, Barbara PS: Photos below are of "Knuth, the bear cub"; photos at InFocus: "Morning Fog in Yosemite", and "Vernal Fall was mighty in 2023" and the Easter/Garden Bunny
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