River Reflections Exhibition in Moke Hill

Mar 4, 2015 by editor

If you missed the previous two showings of “River Reflections,” the exhibit that features over 40 artists’ interpretations of the Mokelumne River, you have a chance during the month of March when it will be installed in Calaveras County.  The Historic Hotel Léger in Mokelumne Hill will host the exhibit starting March 3^rd, with the Opening Reception on Saturday, March 14^th, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

A highlight of the reception will be a human Mokelumne River waterfountain, the outrageously-creative performance art created by Leslie Vasquez and titled “The River is a Woman.”  She will beckon guests in front of the hotel starting at 2 pm. Her large granite looking statue incorporates hidden tubes and mechanisms to hold and gracefully spout water.  Like the fountains in Las Vegas, hers will also move to music that her husband musician David Vasquez composed, performed and recorded.

The March 14 event will also feature music entered in the “River Reflections” project, including a song created and performed by Adam Gottstein and a composition by Lee Davis, performed by the 20-member women’s chorus, Mountain Melody.   Ed Cline, Marilyn Pinnow,  and Monika Rose will read their poems about the river.

Some of the best artists in Calaveras and Amador counties answered a Call for Artists last year to create original work to produce awareness and appreciation of the Mokelumne River, source of drinking water for 1.4 million people, irrigation, power, recreation, and beauty. The result is a major art exhibition that’s entirely provocative, different and new. “River Reflections” displays mostly paintings and photography but also features ceramics, jewelry, glass, wire sculpture, and mounted poetry. The month-long show has previously been in Sutter Creek and in Oakland.

Exhibit guests may cast ballots and additional cash awards will result in this Popular Choice Vote which is based on these four themes:  Recreation, Beauty, Resource, and Conservation. Most all of the artwork is for sale; some have already sold, and will prove to be highly regarded collector items.

“River Reflections” is a landmark arts endeavor created by AmadorArts, aka Amador County Arts Council, as a “Creative California Communities” Project funded by the California Arts Council.  Project partners are the Calaveras County Arts Council, the Foothill Conservancy, and East Bay Municipal Utility District.

The best times to visit the Historic Hotel Léger, 8304 Main St., Mokelumne Hill, is when the White Water Grill and Saloon is open which is any day but Tuesday.  Restaurant hours:  Lunch on Friday, Sat., and Sun from 12 – 4 pm; Dinner on Sun., Mon. Wed., Thurs. from 5 – 8pm; Fri. and Sat. 5-9 pm.   The Saloon is open Mon., Wed., and Thurs. 5 – 10:30 pm; Fri. and Sat. 12-12:30 am; and Sun. 12 – 10:30 pm.   The hotel’s phone is 209-286-1401.

For additional information visit:  www.amadorarts.org or call: 209.267.9038