It's always fair weather at Kings Mountain Art Fair It's always fair weather at Kings Mountain Art Fair (August 25, 2004)

By Jane Knoerle
Almanac Staff Writer

Kings Mountain folks are proud of the fact there are no sound stages, no wine tastings and no corporate sponsors at Kings Mountain Art Fair -- "just our tiny 450-household community putting on a great art show in a spectacular redwood forest setting," says committee member Kathy Kennedy.

A favorite Labor Day weekend outing for 41 years, the Kings Mountain Art Fair will be held at Kings Mountain Community Center, 13889 Skyline Blvd., near Woodside, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, September 4, 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The setting in a redwood forest provides a day of outdoor leisure and quality art.

"You'll feel as renewed as if you took a trip to Tahoe, but without the drive," promises fair chairman Sybil Plank.

The fair is a juried multi-media show restricted to 135 artists. There will be a wide range of oil paintings, watercolors, serigraphs, sculpture, photography, wearable art, leather goods, furniture, quilts, basketry and fiber arts.

Stephen Osborn of Atherton, noted for his "twisted landscapes," is one of this year's new juried artists. He has been a painter for 45 years, but has focused on his art full time for the last four years. A graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in graphic design and illustration, he has had a long career as a designer with such clients as Apple, Bank of America, PG&E, Sunset Publishing Co. and Visa.

Mr. Osborn describes his landscapes as "non-traditional" and "designy."

"I'm very intrigued by the natural beauty of abstract patterns in nature and landscape," he says. "I twist and pull them just for the fun of it."

His landscapes include scenes from the Napa Valley, Tuscany and Provence.

A favorite part of the fair is the "Mountain Folk Art" section, reserved for local residents. Twenty-five Kings Mountaineers display their arts and crafts, ranging from fine garments to beaded jewelry. Deb Rockmore will show beaded chunky jewelry made with semi-precious stones and resin. Kim Ward will show her flowing chenille fashions.

Each day will start with an outdoor pancake breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Food, wine, beer and beverages will be served from 11:30 a.m. There are still no concessionaires at the fair.

Kings Mountain parents are baking "Grandma Jenny's" cookies, and volunteers will cook and serve hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and chicken sandwiches.

A "Kiddie Hollow" crafts and play area will provide entertainment for children in a shady area. There will be spin art, glitter crafts, games, reading, and tree climbing under volunteer supervision while parents shop. There is a $2 per child per hour charge.

The Kings Mountain Art Fair was started in 1963 by local homeowners as a fundraiser to held create a volunteer fire company for the village. The first fair, held in a local barn with mostly local artists, raised $50.

All the funds in the early years were used to buy fire equipment and building supplies for the community center. Today, proceeds are used to support the fire brigade, the community center and fire station, and the public Kings Mountain Elementary School.

INFORMATION

The Kings Mountain Art Fair will be held at Kings Mountain Community Center, 13889 Skyline Blvd., near Woodside, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, September 4, 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the fair grounds. Bicycle racks are available. Parking is available on the shoulder of the road. A free shuttle will travel along Skyline to take people to the fair. For more information, call 851-2710 or go to www.kingsmountainartfair.org.

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