August 8, 2006 > Art in the Park

by Pushpa Warrier

"Whether it is the beautiful that brings to our hearts the love of truth and justice or whether it is truth that teaches us how to find the beautiful in nature and how to love it, in either case art does a noble work."
-Helena Modjeska, 19th century Shakespearean actress.

The upcoming 5th Annual Art in the Park event on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ardenwood Historic Farm, promises to be a fun-filled extravaganza for the entire family. This extraordinary event, focusing on art, education and music in a genteel country setting, is sponsored by Fremont Parks & Recreation, Fremont Cultural Arts Council and East Bay Regional Park District. There will be a variety of interactive activities including hands-on art for children, fine art, historical craft demonstrations, Patterson House tours, films from the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, children's lawn games and tours of Ardenwood gardens. Historic displays will include railroading, farming, quilting and spinning.

"Our 5th Annual Art in the Park event promises to be an entertaining and enlightening event for all!" says Irene Jordahl, city of Fremont recreation supervisor. In addition to 25 artist booths, special activities will be available along with a full schedule of music acts, ranging from accordions to Dixieland jazz. Frank Fonseca will be doing his popular airbrush tattoos for kids and adults.

Since it is Art in the Park, there will be plenty on display, all from local artists, many who will be present to display, discuss and demonstrate the creative process. Art chosen for this show includes renderings in acrylics, oils, inks and watercolors. Visitors will view works on paper and in ceramics, handcrafted jewelry, sculptures, photography and even pyrography, the art of burning wood. Numerous crafts will also be on display. Show attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite artist's work. At day's end, votes will be tallied and a People's Choice Award will be presented. Browsing is encouraged and offers to purchase will be enthusiastically received.

"Art in the Park is one of the best family bargains in the greater Bay Area. The admission price is very moderate, the setting is beautiful, and there is something enjoyable for people of all ages to see and do. I'm very pleased to have the Fremont Cultural Arts Council join with the East Bay Regional Park District and the City of Fremont Park and Recreation Department to host this fine event," says Margaret Thornberry, president of the Fremont Cultural Arts Council." She also noted that the Celebrate Fremont Art Car will be on display and community members are encouraged to bring coins and tokens to be applied to the vehicle.

For more information, contact Irene Jordahl at (510) 494-4228 or (510)791-4196. You may also email her at ijordahl@ci.fremont.ca.us. Or visit www.fremont.gov/recreation/ardenwoodpark/artinthepark.

5th Annual Art in the Park
Ardenwood Historic Farm & Patterson House
Saturday, August 12
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(off Highway 84 at Ardenwood Blvd, just west of I-880)

Entertainment Schedule:

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - "Side by Side" accordion duo.
12 to 2 p.m. - "Marty Atkinson" storytelling with guitar and mandolin.
2:15 to 3:45 p.m. - "Jazzinators" East Bay Traditional Jazz Society Youth Jazz Band.

Admission is $5 for ages 17 and over and free for youth 16 and under. Parking is also free.