One of the great thing about living in Madera County is the sheer number of artists throughout the region. We've been told the area boasts more artists per capita than anywhere else in country. Considering how many amazing works of art you can find at the numerous galleries throughout the region, we're inclined to believe that little stat. 

There are a couple of special events coming up in the art community that we thought we'd pass along.

During the next eight months a painting entitled "A Day At Fresno Flats" will journey to participating businesses and community sites in Oakhurst. This watercolor painting was donated by artist Diane Astier as a fundraiser for roof repairs in the Historic Village and Park at Fresno Flats.

Raffle tickets are $1.00 each and are available from SHSA Board members or businnesses where this painting is shown.  The drawing will be held in December 2011 at Fresno Flats.

The painting is on display at Sierra Telephone  business office at the present time, and will move to community sites throughout the coming months.

 
For further informatiion call: 683-7071.

The Madera County Arts Council will soon be resuming their popular concerts in the park series. These concerts in the beautiful Lions Town and Country Park. The concerts range through nearly every genre of music you can think of, from country to rock, blues to big band. They are a great way to meet up with friends, enjoy the beautiful settings and some great music, all for free.  

If you're looking for arts-related attractions, the Madera County Arts Council has just recently released their much-anticipated Cultural Arts map of Madera County. The beautiful brochure details popular attractions, and a few hidden gems, to help you get acquainted with all the amazing art opportunities throughout Madera County. You can pick it up at many attractions throughout the region, including our visitor centers in Oakhurst and at the Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla. It will soon be up on their website as well. The brochure serves as a great reminder that we live in an amazing area, and why so many people love to visit. 

Lots going on in California's Gateway to Yosemite

As I type this, the sun has returned, as well as that feel of spring.

Despite winter's little attempt and reminding us she can still return whenever she wants, there is so much going on throughout Madera County right now, and it serves to remind us how lucky we are to live here.

Right now in Oakhurst two groups have filled pretty much hotel room in the mountain area. The National Association of Women in Construction from throughout Central California are meeting here and really enjoying what the area has to offer. Also in town are hundreds of high school students and their parents competing in the Destination Imagination competition. Kids come together to learn team building and problem solving skills, helping their future and, because of the skills the develop, all of ours as well.

In Chowchilla you can experience the ways of the west as the annual Chowchilla Stampede is taking place. If you missed the annual cattle drive down Robertson Boulevard Thursday, you can still see plenty of rodeo action at the Chowchilla Fairgrounds today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the abilities of our federal legislators to come to an agreement has guaranteed that there will be no government shutdown, keeping Yosemite open. It's been all good news recently, and we're excited about life in California's Gateway to Yosemite. Come here for yourself, to see what we have to offer.