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by the 2012 Paso Robles Festival of the Arts Committee
A Series of Fortunate Events
Momentum is a thing of beauty. When we started this adventure four years ago, we had no idea if the public would embrace it.
 So you can imagine our surprise when the very first Paso Robles Festival of the Arts attracted 5,000 people to the downtown city park. Imagine our further surprise when, in 2010, the number of participating artists nearly doubled. Then, in 2011, when the eminent art historian Jean Stern of the Irvine Museum agreed to be our guest speaker, we got an inkling that this little art festival of ours might turn into something big. And boy, has it ever.
Between sheer courage, lucky connections and lots of hard work, the 2012 Festival of the Arts has grown to THREE DAYS! Our art palette runneth over.
Art in the Wild
2012 is a turning point for the festival in terms of artist participation. We have over 100 artists participating throughout the weekend and 30 of the best plein air artists in California in our Quick-Draw.
 Plein air artists are a rare breed of individuals. They insist on being outdoors as much as possible; they take in the details of life and set them down for posterity; they sometimes go to tremendous lengths to produce their art.
Thirty of the bravest and most talented plein air artists in the state will converge on the Paso Robles downtown city park on Saturday, May 26th at 9am for the Quick-Draw, with two hours to complete a painting. Many of them will also be showing off the best of their existing work in a special exhibition at Studios on the Park called “Plein Air Masters” and will be the subject of the keynote address on Friday that promises to delight and entertain.
We could not have imagined the success of this event to this degree when we started this dream. And it gets better.
The Collaboration of the Titans
Our committee of 14 hails from all walks of life and business industries. As a result, there is a unique mix of connections that have led to an AMAZING lineup of surprises at this year’s festival.
Friday’s guest lecture series leads with a talk on African American quilting called “Quilting a Culture and All That Jazz” by Dr. Denise Sheridan of Cal Poly. That’s followed by an avant-garde panel of local artists moderated by New Times’ editor Ashley Schwellenbach entitled “Don’t Feed the Artists.” The keynote address, “Plein Air Painters. Crazy About Nature, or Just Plain Crazy?” given by Stephen Doherty, editor of Plein Air Magazine, will round out the all-star mix of guest speakers.
 For Saturday’s Main Event the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters will be building gigantic sandcastles on Pine Street and teaching our children how to do the same – all sponsored by PG&E. The Paso Robles REC Foundation has commissioned a giant sculpture to be placed on the river walk trail and the artist who is building it will bring it here for the public to see the work in progress; the Dragon Knight Stiltwalkers are back; there will be aerial ribbon acrobats performing; the fun local band the Mother Corn Shuckers will perform in a newly upgraded River Lounge on Pine Street; in addition to 70+ talented artists displaying and selling their work, 9 environmental partners, 10 youth activities and over a dozen live performances throughout the day!
 Sunday now kicks off with the Art & Soul Awards Brunch. Guests will munch on delicious treats, both savory and sweet, and enjoy the inspirational gospel music of the Karen Tyler Trio. Immediately following is the self-guided Exclusive Westside Art Tour that is being put on by the Paso Robles Art Association. The first tour if its kind in Paso Robles, it will pass through the private collections of two local home owners and promises to delight and inspire the art lover as well as the curious.
This feels like having a tiger by the tail. In a good way.
A Community Thanks You
 This Festival of the Arts is a symbol of the spirit of Paso Robles on so many levels: It’s not afraid to think outside the box and take chances; it stepped up to fill the Memorial Day Weekend event gap to help keep the local economy healthy; it continues to thrive in the face of a recession; it is bringing something new and amazing to the community because it’s the right thing to do. None of us take for granted that 200 volunteers help us pull this off, that dozens of sponsors support this event and most of all, that locals and visitors come out to the event and continue to support the arts in Paso Robles.
For all of you that are planning to attend the 2012 Festival of the Arts, this community – both Paso Robles and its art community – thanks and welcomes you. We will be right there with you, having the time of our lives at The Little Art Festival That Could.
 by Sasha Irving
Families and children: make plans to attend the most talked about community performance of the spring season! Dreamweaver brings dreams to life through song, dance, and theatre. Be part of the journey at The Templeton Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 27th at 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 28th at 1 pm & 5 pm, and Sunday, April 29th at 1pm.
The story will center on an enchanting dreamer, played by local artist/dancer, Ali Giroux, and jesters played by Michael Mclean and Michael Scribner, and many talented singers, dancers and actors who will join them on their trip through lives hopes, dreams and accomplishments.
Organizers have announced additional acts, costumes and scenery. Popular characters such as the jesters, fire-twirler and silk acrobatic artist Brenda Hamilton will be featured again alongside new mimes, spiders, and carnival scenes and other surprises.
The dress rehearsal on Thursday, April 26 will be open to students. It serves as a fundraiser for a local food bank. All students are admitted into the performance with a canned food item.
Continue reading "Dreamweaver Returns" »
It's just about time for this week's Friday Giveaway. Submit an answer to the following question for a chance to win TWO HEARST CASTLE TOUR PASSES*.
 Q: What is the name of the guest cottage at Hearst Castle, location for the upcoming Twilight on the Terrace event that will allow the public to stroll around Hearst Castle at their leisure while sampling sumptuous tastes from some of the Central Coasts finest wineries and gourmet caterers, pictured at right?
Continue reading "Friday Giveaway - Enter Now to Win Hearst Castle Tickets! " »
By Matt Browne 
I’m sure everyone that loves Paso Robles would come up with a different set of answers to that question. I’m hoping some of you leave your answers in the comment section below…for now I will give you my answer.
I moved here in November of 2003, right before the big earthquake hit the Central Coast. I think that Paso Robles has truly come alive since then. The downtown is a vibrant center filled with wonderful food, wine, beer, art, and small boutique shops all surrounding the beautiful park that is home to Friday nights concerts (photo below) through the summer as well as many holiday-related events throughout the year.
This town has become known for its wine but one of the most impressive things about this place is all the OTHER stuff that there is to do. There has been an annual cigar event, a hot air balloon festival, home shows, ag and ranch events, an art festival, classic car events, food related events; we’ve had the Amgen Tour come through twice, we have upcoming beer events, well known entertainers at the Mid-State Fair, the Olive Festival, the Lavender Festival and several other things I know I must be forgetting; but I think you get my point.
 After living all over the state of California, Texas, and Kentucky…Paso Robles is the first place in my 35 years that I would call "home". The diversity in events and activities along with the warmth of the community really gives the individual an opportunity to connect. All this along with the rolling hills and vineyards allow you to hop in your vehicle (or on a bicycle) and head in any direction for an amazingly beautiful drive.
My advice to visitors and new transplants…get involved, go to the events, meet new people, be part of the community rather than a bystander, and do all the adventuring you can in this paradise called Paso Robles!
Now it’s your turn; what is it about Paso Robles?
Matt is a 10-year Paso Robles area resident. He and his wife Annie love exploring the Central Coast looking for food, drinks, and adventure. You can follow their adventures on their blog at HootnAnnie.
An interview with Kimber Black
The Horsemen's Re-Union is a brand new event that is bringing together world-famous horsemen for a 6-day clinic in Paso Robles. Chris Cox, Martin Black and many more famous names in the equestrian world will be on hand throughout the week to pass their amazing horse knowledge on to attendees.
 Q: So we hear that your event is causing some major excitment in the horse world, can you tell us about it?
A: The Horsemen’s Re-Union is 20 Horsemen, 40 un-started colts, 6 days and a whole lot of fun packed into the Paso Robles Event Center, April 2-7, 2012. There will be 2 main sessions of colt starting daily. The morning session will run from 9a-12noon with a break for lunch and back to the arena for the afternoon session that runs from 1pm -4pm. Horse enthusiasts from all over the world are making their plans to attend. Check our website www.horsemensreunion.com for weekly updates.
Q: You have packed some action into the week, can you break down the schedule?
 A: In addition to the daily colt starting, you will find the Horsemen’s Market Place open daily from 11am -7pm with plenty of western paraphernalia. Chuck Wagons will provide 3 square meals every day. If that’s not enough to get you going, each day at 4:30pm you can meet and greet, rub elbows, chat, and get an autographed picture with the Horsemen. All the while, Western Jam sessions will be taking place in and around the arena. The music will be improvised in cowboy fashion with talented friends from near and far.
Tuesday at 5:30pm come listen to Dr. Stephen Peters talk about Evidence Based Horsemanship, where real information is gathered by observation, tested in the field and validated by science.
Next on Wednesday don’t miss your chance to join the Calcutta in the Horsemen’s Calf Branding and your chance to rope a calf with your favorite horsemen.
The Horsemen’s Re-Union event revs up on Thursday with the Calcutta and Horsemen’s Goat Roping at 5pm followed by a Country Music Concert featuring Dave Stamey and J. Parson at 7pm.
Friday is a big day. The afternoon colt session will be followed by a CampDraft competition, then on to the Horsemen’s Benefit Dinner. There will be a silent and live auction followed by live performances featuring Baxter Black and Red Steagall.This dinner will sell out! Go online and purchase tickets before March 15th at www.horsemensreunion.com/tickets.php
The final colt session will take place Saturday morning from 9am – 12noon. The Grand Finale will be a live auction of the colts at 2pm in the main arena.
(Here is a copy of the Daily Schedule so you don't miss anything.)
 Q: And we hear there is a worthy cause involved.
A: Yes, part of the Proceeds from our Dinner will benefit The Western Wishes Charitable Fund. Western Wishes helps children and their families who are met with adversity by granting wishes and making dreams come true.
If you have any questions about this event please go to www.horsemensreunion.com or contact Kimber Black at 805.440.4693 or thekimberblack@gmail.com to get more details.
By Sasha Irving, Studios on the Park
Ready to get in touch with your artsy side? Here is a list of new exhibitions in Paso Robles: 
Clayhouse Wines
Paso Robles resident artist and photographer Donald Walker displays his landscape photographs in color and black & white and much more at Clayhouse Wines during February. His interest in photography began in high school with the Kodak, an early Agfa and Brownie 35mm and 120 mm cameras. Enjoy his images at 849 13th Street.
EarthTones Gifts & Gallery
“Unbridled Love” is a powerful retrospective of Judy C Thomas’ views on life. Her acrylic, oil, and mixed media pieces celebrate a love of the natural world. To view her intoxicating landscapes and animals, visit EarthTones Gifts & Gallery at 1319 Park Street.
Orchid Hill Vineyard
This month the award-winning wines of Orchid Hill Vineyard are complemented by the works of Daniel, a mixed media artist of paintings and prints displays his interpretations of “the unseen.” Born in Miami and raised in Los Angeles, Daniel, a Cuban-American, is an architectural designer by education and an abstract artist by nature. His works will be on display at 1140 Pine Street.
 Studios on the Park
“Love Songs: Musically Inspired Art,” a collaborative exhibition with ARTS Obispo, includes works in acrylic, oil, watercolor, metal, printmaking, silk and wood by artists from throughout San Luis Obispo County. Find the perfect Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart at 1130 Pine Street.
Paso Wine Centre
Take your choice of tasting 48 Paso Robles wines while viewing the works of two Cambria artists. Discover the colorful spiritual new world art of Sandy Dent and portraits by James Kelly at 1240 Park Street.
Pianetta Winery
Visit Pianetta Winery and experience the original works by local artist Joan Scott. Enjoy their premium red wines, which include Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, while viewing Scott’s mixed media and original canvases. Pianetta is located at 829 13th Street.
Vale Fine Art
For her first annual Winter Group Show, Vale Fine Art proprietor Madeline Vale presents works by local artists working on an international level of excellence. Don’t miss exquisite art by Neal Breton, Todd Carpenter, Hope Kroll, Aleah Koury, Wendy Marvel and Mark Arnon Rosen, Peter Holmes, Eric Segurd, and Edward Walton Wilcox at 619 12th Street.
The Gallery at Vina Robles 
The Gallery at Vina Robles is currently hosting the first ever all-Chinese Brush painting show on the Central Coast. “The Dancing Brush” features both paintings and calligraphy done by regional artists on rice papers in the traditional Chinese manner.
The art of traditional Chinese brush painting has been evolving for over 2000 years. It developed from and with the art of calligraphy, but is linked to 3000 years of culture based on poetry, religion, and music. It is a unique and fascinating art form.
Experience the heart and mind of this ancient tradition through April 2nd at The Gallery at Vina Robles, 3700 Mill Road.
Sasha Irving is the Programs Director of Studios on the Park and the Coordinator of the annual Paso Robles Festival of the Arts. Proud to be a native Paso Roblan, she is also a member of Balet Folklorico Cachanilla and an usher at Old Mission San Miguel Arcangel. For more information please visit www.studiosonthepark.org or call 805.238.9800.
by Tina Swithin
Come to Downtown Paso Robles on Saturday, February 4th from 5 PM - 8 PM for First Saturdays Wine & the Arts.
This First Saturday, bring your sweetheart to Studios on the Park for the opening reception & awards announcement for Love Songs: Musically Inspired Art. Presented in collaboration with ARTS Obispo/SLO County Arts Council, this multimedia exhibition features original works by artists from throughout the Central Coast.
Enjoy fine wine tasting with Anglim Winery and jazz standards (and not-so-standards) performed by Jessamyn Lynn's jazz trio, Blame It On The Bass,
while you find a unique Valentine's gift for that special someone in your life!
First Saturdays Wine & the Arts promotes artists, galleries, wine tasting rooms, and other venues that showcase the arts and we hope you'll join us!
Download the current list of participating First Saturdays: Wine & the Arts venues here!
PS: It's not too late to participate in Paso Robles Hotel Month - Buy two nights and get one FREE! Wine, arts and a mini-vacation to Paso Robles. Could it get any better?
Tina Swithin is the PR Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.
 By Coy Barnes, The Wine Wrangler
Want to get away? I recommend taking an extended Valentine’s Tour in Paso Robles.
Due to the new incarnation of Paso Robles’ Hotel Month (book a two nights stay and get the third night free PLUS a bottle of Paso Robles wine), exploring our wine region just got easier. In additon to wine, there are lots of things to do in the area to fill your days and evenings… here is a sample itinerary for you:
Day 1 (Saturday February 11)
There are many leisurely events that you can take part in during the day starting on Saturday.
 For those romantics at heart, Edward Sellers Vineyards & Wines has a special music event “Sax in the Vineyard”. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Le Vigne Winery, and Twilight Cellars are offering chocolate and wine pairings to please your palate. Or, Sextant Wines is offering a Harbor Cruise with wine and food pairing from 1-4pm in Morro Bay.
On into the evening there are many wineries offering Valentine dinners such as: Croad Vineyards, Calcareous, Mitchella, Graveyard, Christian Lazo, and Eberle who is currently planning their annual Black Tie Valentine Dinner in the Caves.
If a Valentines Dinner is not what you are looking for, Saturday evening, D’Anbino Vinyards and Winery has a jazz band playing from 8-10pm.
Day 2 (Sunday, February 12)
Make reservations in advance for a Brunch at the Grill at Hunter Ranch – brunch is served from 9 to 2pm. Kelly, the restaurants’ chef, serves up her special bacon, sausage, prime rib, cheese blintzes, cheesecakes and more. There is something for everyone in the family. Don’t forget the bottomless Mimosas! Unbelievable!
After that, continue to Twilight Cellars where they are still offering chocolate infused appetizers and wine or any other winery you didn’t get to the day before.
To top off the day – return to downtown Paso Robles for Movie Night at the Theatre where they will show a 1938 movie “Bringing up Baby” starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Day 3 (Monday, February 13)
Take a break from the wine and visit the coast or Hearst Castle. We're only 30 minutes away form Morro Bay and Cambria, and 40 minutes from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center.
Day 4 (Tuesday – Valentine’s Day)
If you decide to extend your stay, celebrate Valentine's Day at Robert Hall Winery or Pear Valley Vineyards for their special dinners.
Anytime during your stay from February 11-14th, complete your oenophilic journey with a special chocolate and port tasting at the Paso Robles Wine Club featuring a variety of wineries ports or make reservations for the Wine Wrangler’s Valentine Tour that visits between 4-6 wineries.
Isn't it lucky that Valentine's Day falls during Paso Robles Hotel Month? See you next month!
For more information on Paso robles lodging, dining, wineries and attractions, go to www.TravelPaso.com
Coy Barnes is the owner of the Paso Robles Wine Club, a wine club that sends an assortment of Paso Robles wines; and The Wine Wrangler, Paso Robles’ longest running wine tour service. Both businesses are located at the Paso Robles Train Station.
by Patty Thayer
“Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes.” – Ludwig van Beethoven
 Chamber Music Concerts, featuring small groups of classical musicians, has been likened to “an intimate conversation between friends.” And it’s true.
A couple of hundred years ago, when Mozart and Beethoven were composing and performing, chamber music was primarily performed by amateur musicians in private homes (and palaces!) for their own pleasure.
Even today, when most chamber music performances have moved to the concert hall, and entire festivals are dedicated to the art form, there are still many musicians who simply gather together to play for their own enjoyment. Fortunately for us, members of the San Luis Obispo Symphony are inviting a somewhat larger audience to share their “musical conversation” here in Paso Robles.
Continue reading "Toast of Paso: Great wine…great food…great music" »
 By Sasha Irving, Studios on the Park
The Symphony of the Vines is a professional chamber orchestra based in beautiful, vineyard-rich northern San Luis Obispo County. The mission of Symphony of the Vines is to engage and enrich the audience with music and artistry of the highest caliber. Their passion for performance draws the listener into the music creating a powerful and profound concert experience.Founding the Symphony of the Vines in 2010 was the fulfillment of Dr. Gregory Magie’s lifelong dream to be the music director of an orchestra. Dr. Magie made his conducting debut with the Redlands Symphony in 1995, and was later appointed Associate Conductor. He has conducted the Rochester Philharmonic, Port Angeles Symphony, Pasadena Lyric Opera, and orchestras at Houghton College, San Francisco State University and Pomona College. He has conducted opera productions with the Pasadena Lyric Opera, UCLA, Houghton College and San Francisco State University.
Continue reading "Symphony of the Vines - Bach at Old Mission San Miguel" »
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