America’s Top Artists and Craftmakers
Present Their Latest Creations
Menlo Park’s charming downtown will be transformed into a stunning visual feast of fine art and one-of-a-kind crafts when Connoisseurs’ Marketplace comes to town, July 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Santa Cruz Avenue. Meet and chat with 250 of America’s finest artists and craftmakers on hand to show and sell their original work. Wander through well-stocked booths filled with shimmering glass vessels, handpainted tiles, vibrant paintings, one-of-a-kind jewelry, recycled metal work, unique embroidery wallhangings, chic clothing and accessories, whimsical sculptures, handmade quilts, handthrown ceramic pieces, dramatic photography, handcarved wooden furniture, gorgeous leather goods and much more — with great variety and price points to satisfy every budget — at Menlo Park’s renown festival of the arts.
Wearable Art
Soni Bergman earrings |
Wo Schiffman handbag |
Louis and Melinda Whisler sandal |
Menlo Park jewelry designer Soni Bergman makes unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. She uses pearls, semi-precious stones, glass and natural material beads, silver, vermeil and gold metals. Bergman is known for her precise knotting, wire wrapping and hammering techniques. What woman can resist an unusual pair of shoes? From high-heeled boots to strappy sandals to perfect pumps, Sausalito residents Louis and Melinda Whisler make gorgeous leather shoes in 70 colors of kidskin. San Francisco artist Barbara Ramos creates small collages on fabric and paper using painting and printmaking techniques. She later fashions these unique collages into necklaces, brooches and earrings. Her pieces are embellished with vintage and modern glass, natural stones, pearls, shell and metal. Zen-inspired Menlo Park aritst Wo Schiffman has created and taught textile art for 40 years. She combines strong design principles and socially responsible practices to create gorgeous bags and accessories.
Fine Art
Artist Tom Marlatt describes his work as “nonobjective abstract,” meaning that nothing specific is meant to be seen. The Los Gatos resident begins with oil on canvas and adds an oil wash. Each piece is painted in multiple layers. Landscape photographer Dennis Kohn travels all over the world to capture breathtaking photos, His work is modern and unusual. Various images are juxtaposed to add dimension. Soquel resident Amy Glover Martin said she has found her “joie de vie” in pastel and watercolor mediums. She combines her painting with more than 16 years of Feng Shui study to help her clients attain a healthy and peaceful environment. San Francisco street scenes are Michael Rodman’s favorite subjects. The Brisbane artist uses a palette knife to add texture and embrace the urban environment of the City by the Bay.
Tom Marlatt painting "Dreamscape"
Michael Rodman painting "Venticello"
Dolly Cahill Johnson mixed media "Phoenix"
Diana Ahrens painting "Iris"
Steven Andersen cedar garden furniture |
Jeff Owen sculpture "Garden"
Jen Norton painting "Bow Down"
Aileen Cain glasswork
Philip Van Ornum woodwork box
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Sculpture and Mixed Media
San Jose artist Jeff Owen makes unusual sculptures from discarded metal. He travels to scrap metal yards throughout California to find interesting pieces of steel in all shapes and sizes. His modern art pieces are colorful and thought-provoking. Dolly Cahill Johnson focuses on color, light and rhythm. A trained pianist, Johnson’s love of music flows through her mixed-media modern art. The Los Gatos artist combines watercolors, acrylics, soft pastels and colored pencils. Her graphic art background reflects the simplicity of line and color. Rolling hills, lazy days riding bikes and vintage signs are just a few of San Jose artist Jen Norton’s favorite things. The artist begins with hand-drawn lines that are enhanced digitally with pre-painted textiles and colors. Her work is printed on a die-sublimation substance and heat pressed onto sheets of aluminum. Reno artist Diana Ahrens combines wood, pastels and dichroic glass to create multi-dimensional paintings. Her favorite subjects are wine, martinis and florals.
Functional Art
With summer soirées in season, it’s the perfect time to purchase sturdy red cedar furniture designed by Stockton resident Steven Andersen. Choose from Adirondack and rocking chairs, dining tables, glider benches, planter boxes, trellises and storage benches. Moss Beach artist Aileen Cain has worked as a painter, ceramicist and tile mosaic artist for 25 years. Her art begins with coefficient of expansion (COE) compatible glass. Each piece is fired twice. The first firing fuses pieces of glass together. The second firing slumps the piece into a mold. All colorful glass art pieces are food safe. If texting and video games are driving you crazy, get back to basics with old-fashioned wooden toys made by Doug and Bobbie Gold. The Atascadero residents made planes, trucks, trains and custom items. They also sell personalized clothes racks and bookends. Sunnyvale woodworker Phillip Van Ornum enjoys taking raw materials and turning them into functional objects. He creates unusual patterned wooden boxes and custom furniture for his clients.
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