marin arts culture &JAN/FEB 2019 San Quentin Arts in Corrections

George Sakellariou A Lifelong Affair with Music CEDARS 100 Years of Creative Living

marinartsandculture.com 1 Marin Arts & Culture

appy New Year! We launch 2019 with an uplifting story on the innovative arts program at San Quentin, showing at the Hwonderful Bartolini Gallery at the Marin Center, beginning on January 10th through March 28th. The press release came to me from Libby Garrison from the Marin Center and I was so impressed that I asked her if I could use her language to describe this show – to which she agreed. So, she is the author of this piece. Thank you, Libby! David Johnson, the first African-American to study with Ansel Adams graces our pages with a wonderful story about his journey from Jacksonville, Florida to the present day with his collection housed at UC Berkeley’s Bancroft Library. . Do you love beer? Everyone loves beer. Even some famous Supreme Court judges. And maybe that judge loves Anchor Steam. How Fritz Maytag started the craft beer revolution is a fun read, and features craft beer locations in Marin. Meredith Griffin, We welcome a new contributor to a new column this month: Daisy Founder and Publisher Carlson. Concerned about the environment and how to do your part? Her column will illuminate and guide you to helping save the planet. How’s that for a New Years resolution? Sent to me by Maddie Jones, 103 – so she should know! Hear now the turning as twelve strikes the bell Hence forth we welcome a new beginning The year gone by on which we shall not dwell Welcome true the year our life is beginning We can’t live in nor can we change the past Let’s not dwell on our forgotten sorrows Look to the future, our year not yet cast What we do today brings new tomorrows Lift our hearts our story now yet told Plan to do what brings us all good measure How we shall live is worth much more than gold Hearts filled with kindness are a real treasure Let’s live our lives and make our feelings real A new year now, we welcome all with zeal So, let’s go forth and live this brand new year to our full measure. And with that wish …. One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite singers! 3 Marin Arts & Culture Just like you, we believe in serving our communities to help make the world a better place.

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Flower and Bee Madison Tarkenton, Marin Catholic High School, 2018 Bank of Marin Student Photography Community Calendar

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FEATURES Arts in Correction Indulgences Take a Seat 8 Featured at Marin Center’s 22 The Carrot, the Solution – Slow 37 Ross Valley Players and the Barn Bartolini Gallery. San Quentin’s Food, Slow Fashion, Slow Judy Wilson innovative arts program Indulgences Daisy Carlson Guitarist George 12 Sakellariou Artful images Guitarist George Sakellariou – a 26 The photographiy of David DEPARTMENTS Marin Treasure. From Bach to the Johnson Judy Wilson Rolling Stones How We Met...... 21 Lily O’Brien 32 Claudia Chapline’s Gallery Wine & Spirits...... 29 Cedars & Sculpture Garden Everyday Heroes...... 35 16 Celebrating 100 years of Living A west Marin iconic institution Creative, Productive, Joyous Lives Lily O’Brien Artists’ Marketplace...... 39 Bruce Burtch

5 Marin Arts & Culture CONTRIBUTORS

Bruce Burtch, called and Digital Media and a minor in Digital Media Producer at the the “Father of Cause psychology. She currently works Community Media Center of Marketing,” Bruce as the Director of Programs at Marin. is an internationally the Community Media Center respected cross- of Marin. Recently, Megan won Ed Schwartz began sector partnership an award at the UN Women’s his career in wine and cause marketing expert. For Film Festival for her feature promotion at New over 40 years, Bruce has provided documentary, Bridging Emcees. York’s “21” Club. As workshops, training and created his interests in wine partnerships between the for- Bente Mirow has grew, he moved profit, nonprofit, education been a professional West to be closer to the grapes. and government sectors which freelance writer Ed has written more than 500 ignited their economic and social for more than 30 published articles on wine, food environmental impact, while years. Somewhere and travel. Mostly recently, Ed focusing on creating a greater in time she went was the wine editor for The Nob good. back to school and backed up Hill Gazette. her profession with a Master’s Daisy Carlson lived and worked Degree in creative writing and Judith M. Wilson in Italy as a leather goods art history. Most recently, she is a feature writer designer for over 20 years, she has built her own publishing who enjoys telling has since focussed her attention platform from where she shares a wide variety of on how to address climate life skills messages: www. stories reflecting change with healthy lifestyle InnerWeather.com. Locally, she life in the North choices. Carlson sees low- is better known as the Store Bay, from art to agriculture to carbon adaptation as a design Manager of RileyStreet Art the mysteries of sparkling wine. opportunity that is evolving the Supply in San Rafael, where she She is a regular contributor to system to be more attractive, has roamed for 10 years. NorthBay Biz, and her work has more inclusive and more appeared in North Bay Woman restorative. Lily O’Brien is a Bay and Marin Independent Journal’s Area writer whose special sections. She also writes Noah Griffin is a articles have theater reviews for telli.com. former weekly appeared in the Previously, she worked as a syndicated San Francisco newspaper reporter and editor in columnist for the Chronicle, the Marin the educational book publishing San Francisco Independent Journal, the Pacific industry. Examiner and a Sun, the San Francisco Classical winner of the prestigious Eugene Voice and Strings Magazine. marin Block Award for excellence Passionate about music and the in journalism. He has been arts, she has performed as a folk, arts culture published in the Boston Globe jazz and classical singer, and and San Francisco Magazine. currently sings with the Marin & He currently writes a monthly Symphony Chorus. column for the Marin IJ and is Support the Arts the Founder of TheCole Mary Rentzel is a filmmaker with your Society. based in Sonoma County, CA. She attended New York University donation today! Megan Loretz graduated from and graduated with a BFA in UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Film Film in 2013. She is currently a visit marinartsandculture.com 6 Marin Arts & Culture marin arts culture Having a Life After Making a Living

An Uplifting INTERACTIVE GUIDE EDITORIAL To Invigorate & Your Later Years Founder/Publisher Meredith Griffin [email protected] Editor-At-Large Noah Griffin [email protected] Copy Editor GLORIA DUNN-VIOLIN Riley Monaghan Leading-Edge Research ▪ Inspiring “People Stories” Your Guidebook to Create a Fulfilling Life Editorial Contributors Maya Bertoff An Uplifting Lily O’Brien INTERACTIVE GUIDE Bruce Burtch Noah Griffin To Invigorate Your Later Years Ed Schwartz Gloria Dunn Violin Change the word Judith M. Wilson and change your world!

ART Transform “ReTIREment” Art Director into “ReVIVEment!” Phaedra Strecher [email protected] Gloria Dunn-Violin has coined a new word and a new philosophy. Cover Design Peter Rodgers She advocates ReVivement™ reinventing and reinvigorating ADVERTISING your later years. [email protected] This book offers: • Leading-edge research ADVISORY BOARD • Inspiring information Lloyd Barde • People stories Ken Bloom • Interactive worksheets Noah Griffin Bob Heinen Gloria is a professional speaker Jacqueline Janssen Andree Jansheski and author Richard Jensen Call her to speak and facilitate Mike Morrissey Mary O’Mara workshops for Phaedra Strecher pre- and present retirees [email protected] Special Thanks to our Founding Sponsors: Louis Bartolini, Andree Jansheski, Brian McLaren 415-259-7090 and to our enthusiastic new supporter, E.J. Heinzer. www.revivementbook.com www.havingalifenow.com

7 Marin Arts & Culture Inside Insights: San Quentin Arts in Corrections

Inmate-artist Gerald Morgan pauses in front of his work-in- progress, in the art studio at 8 Marin Arts & Culture San Quentin State Prison. n view at Marin Center’s problem-solving, teamwork and between races and cultural Bartolini Gallery from concentration; the skills acquired groups, and help students OJanuary 10 to March 28th through participation in the arts maintain connections with their Inside Insights: will showcase some 100 works are translated to other aspects of family. including 25 original paintings, one’s life. The Prison Arts Project, San Quentin Prison Arts Project prints, and sculptures by San started in 1977, was the original was established through the San Quentin Arts in Corrections Quentin inmates who are part model for Arts in Corrections, original 1980-2010 Arts in of the Arts in Corrections (AIC) a statewide prison Corrections program, which program; 15 works by Arts arts program which helped was part of the Department of in Corrections instructors; 25 lower recidivism and improves Corrections. After the program photographs by Peter Merts the quality of life for tens of ended due to statewide of inmates participating in thousands of incarcerated funding cuts, San Quentin’s painting, performances, theater, people, their families, and the program continued through the and music; works by former San larger community. dedication of its teachers and Quentin inmates from the AIC Research indicates that the hard work and fundraising program who are now citizens, participants in the Prison Arts of Steve Emrick, former Artist/ and more. Project are less likely to have Facilitator at San Quentin, and Arts in Corrections is based disciplinary problems while Laurie Brooks, executive director on the belief that when in prison and are more likely of the William James Association. institutionalized individuals to be successful upon parole. It’s continued program helped participate in the arts their self- Current research suggests that to revive the current Arts in esteem and outlook on the world art classes provide a haven for Corrections, now administered is significantly affected. Art inmate artists to learn and create through the California Arts workshops teach self-discipline, art with others, build bridges Council.

An origami class in the art studio at San Quentin State Prison. 9 Marin Arts & Culture Also on view will be Prison Life: Reform Activities at San Quentin, 1910-1930, a special context exhibit showcasing historic photographs from the Dr. Leo Stanley Collection of prison life at San Quentin including the annual track and field meet known as the Little Olympics. Dr. Stanley was the prison doctor at San Quentin from 1913-1951. The entire collection belongs to the Anne T. Kent California Room at the Marin County Free Library. Beginning in 1913, the Little Olympics was held at San Quentin Prison on a holiday such as Thanksgiving Day or Admission Day, under the Inmate artists gather around their instructor in the San Quentin art auspices of the San Francisco studio, during a bookbinding workshop. Olympic Club. This was a day when prison rules were Arts Project. Ned Axthelm who has taught art in many settings, suspended, and prisoners could earned his MFA at the Academy including schools, Marin County participate in athletic and stage of Art University and paints the Juvenile Hall and San Quentin events, cheered on by their people of the San Francisco Bay Prison for over 30 years. Katya fellow inmates. area without their knowledge. McCulloch holds an MFA from The meeting was the brainchild Jun Hamamoto teaches origami San Francisco Art Institute. Her of the reformist warden, James at San Quentin and recently work can be found in private and A. Johnston, who was a member was awarded an impact award public collections including the of the Olympic Club. After the from the Asian Prisoner Support Library of Congress. Peter Merts Olympic Club sponsorship ended, Committee. The Artist Hines is a has been photographing inmate- athletic events and field meets full-time artist living in Sausalito artists and their works in various inspired by the Little Olympics who specializes in Contemporary California prisons since 2002. continued to form part of prison Figurative and Abstract His photographs humanize the life. In addition to traditional Paintings. He teaches regular art otherwise forgotten and vilified track and field events, the Little classes throughout Marin County. convicts who desperately want Olympics also included such non- Amy M. Ho leads the Mandala to learn new ways of expressing traditional activities as a tug-of- Project, a weekly three-hour art their emotions and imaginations war between teams recruited workshop that takes place in the as artists. Peter’s photographs of from the San Quentin mill and art studio at San Quentin State inmate art show the remarkable shops, a pie-eating contest, sack Prison. Over fifteen inmate artists talent that is behind bars and races, clowns, and musical and have participated in creating in many cases tell the story of stage entertainment. mandalas that incorporate their discovery and redemption. Peter spiritual and ethnic heritage is a fine art and documentary Instructors for the Arts in with imagery that inspires them. photographer who has exhibited, Corrections program include: Patrick Maloney has exhibited published, and lectured in the his drawings and painting United States and abroad. Carol Newborg, Program throughout the Bay Area. He Manager of San Quentin Prison

10 Marin Arts & Culture The 2019 Contest Is Open! All Marin youth, ages 12-18, are invited to design an art poster that communicates your hopes and concerns about social justice, women’s rights, climate change, immigration, firearms regulation, discrimination, or other issues important to youth. Over $2,000 In Prizes! Matching prizes for both students and their schools.

Samples of Winning Posters 2018 Youth Poster Contest

Submission deadline is May 3, 2019 For Details and Prizes Visit www.youthpostercontest.org Presented in Partnership by RileyStreet Art Supply, Bank of Marin, Marin County Office of Education, Marin Community Foundation, Good Earth, Marin County Fair, The Rock Poster SocietSociety, Haight Street Art Center Bruce Burtch, Producer, pro bono 11 Marin Arts & Culture Youth Poster Contest is a fiscally-sponsored project of MarinLink. Guitarist George Sakellariou A Lifelong Love Affair with Music

by Lily O’Brien

12 Marin Arts & Culture ome people are called to and talked in the comfortable music at a very young age, and cozy living room. It was Sand sometimes life leads captivating. them on a journey that allows How did you get into guitar? them to follow that calling and share their gift with the world. I started the guitar early and just George Sakellariou did not loved the sound of it—the way set out to become a virtuoso it is so intimate—you actually guitarist, but talent, hard work, feel the strings, you hold it near a passion for music, a little luck you, and it doesn’t need an and good timing led him to accompanist. With violin you become a gifted guitar teacher always need one, but the guitar and soloist who has performed in is independent. You can play concert halls all over the world. without anyone, and you can Now, at age 74, he is just as carry it—you can’t do that with passionate about music as ever. the piano. Born in Athens, Greece, he Was there a specific time in started playing guitar at age your life when you knew you five, and went on to study at were going to play guitar the Athens Conservatory of professionally? Music, where he graduated with honors. In 1963 he moved to It kind of happened on its own. I San Francisco, and in 1964 he got married and my wife always attended a master class with encouraged me to do music. I master guitarist, Andrés Segovia, started to teach at the San and had the good fortune to Francisco Conservatory when I Young George become one of his students. At was 20, and then I was offered age 20, he began teaching at the little concerts and performances San Francisco Conservatory of here and there, and I started in Santa Monica, Guitar Salon Music. making some money, so it International (GSI). Basically happened on its own—all of a what happened was, the owner San Rafael resident Roger sudden, I was doing it. of two [Torres] guitars saw the Stoll, who studied with videos and liked my playing and Sakellariou when he was around Did you worry about being able asked the company to see if I 11 years old, and now, almost 45 to make a living with it? would be interested in doing a years later, has started studying Making a living is separate—you CD using these guitars. with him again, says about his may or may not. I never thought teacher, “I think George’s rhythm I was going to make a living out What is so special about Torres is so special—it always sings and of music—I always did it because guitars? dances.” I liked it. No matter what I Torres was a very special guitar I had the opportunity to chat would have chosen to do for a maker in the 1860s to 1880s. He with George recently at his living, I would still have always was the first to produce a guitar lovely home on a hill in San played my guitar. that was a concert instrument, Rafael, where he has lived for You recorded an album in and after that it became the 44 years with his wife of more September, The Sound of Torres, model for other guitar makers than 50 years, Margarita. Warm, Music from Bach to the Rolling to work on and develop. They friendly and unpretentious, he Stones. Tell me about that. are very special and expensive, picked up his guitar (made by and are like the Stradivarius of David Schramm) several times I was asked to do some videos guitars. and played for me, as we sat for this wonderful company

13 Marin Arts & Culture it.” And that led me to getting what is important is to let the more ideas. One time I had an creativity go on it’s own without idea right in the middle of the any time pressure—just let it night. I woke up and thought, happen, when the moment’s Oh, what if I try that—maybe it right. will work—a counterpoint that How do you choose pieces? I wanted to include, and that’s Do you have any favorite how it developed. composers? And then when we were in the I choose a piece if it touches studio, I said, “What the heck, me in some way, whether it is a why don’t we try that? And the well-known composer or not. I engineer said, “Paint it Black”— am always learning new pieces, sure. and right now I am working Is it important to have an on a prelude from a lute suite expensive or custom guitar? by Bach, an incredible piece. It is very hard, but all the time it Over the years I have bought takes is worth it—it’s fantastic. some very beautiful guitars, like the Hauser, but for many years What kind of music do you listen now I have been playing guitars to? made by contemporary guitar We have a whole collection. We makers who can make a guitar listen to everything from Ray exactly the way I want—the Charles to Latin music—whatever string length is exactly what is we find enjoyable and feel some comfortable for me, and I can connection with, regardless of George and Margarita push them as far as dynamics to the style. a very high level. How would you describe your But basically what you do with style of teaching? a guitar, whether it is a very You do a version of the Rolling valuable guitar or a regular Teaching is focusing on Stones song “Paint it Black” on guitar, is the way one strikes the the individual. We use the the album. How did that come string in order to bring out the fingernails for plucking on the about? best that the guitar can offer. If classical guitar and often you one doesn’t have the ability to I had heard it a long time ago have a student whose fingernails bring out that tone, it doesn’t and liked it, but had never really don’t work very well, and you really matter whether you are thought about it. A couple of have to figure out a way to going to play a Torres guitar or a years ago, our grandson Zachary produce the best tone with the Hauser guitar or even a Yamaha was here playing the guitar type of hands that somebody guitar. and one day he asked me a has. question—should he use one or You mostly play classical music, I always focus on having people two fingers for this line? I told but some of your recordings play the way they would sing him that more fingers would be include pop and jazz. Tell me that melody, because when you better. about that. sing it, you always do it right. So in teaching, I like to have the Then I told him, “Listen, I am I like music—period. I don’t student develop a beautiful tone, going to work on this a little like to put it into categories. I a good technique, strong hands, bit and get some ideas, and can enjoy a country song, a jazz scales, and then learn how to next time we get together I will piece, or a classical piece—I don’t take a piece of music from the show you what you can do with care what style it may be. I think start, and what it takes to master 14 Marin Arts & Culture it and bring it to a high level. It So you practice just for the Are you planning to record takes a lot of work. pleasure of it? anytime soon? What does it take to become a Yes. I try to get a piece of music Yes, I am doing one right now, good guitarist? that I enjoy, and try to make it a wonderful collection of early sound better. And if I have even guitars from John Harris at the It takes a desire and enjoyment a tiny little sense inside that by Harris Guitar Foundation. He has to be able to dedicate the time practicing, I can get this little an exhibit at the Conservatory of that it takes without considering segment a little smoother, or this Music so I am doing a recording it to be a really difficult task. difficult passage a little better, using some of his guitars, and When I was a kid, I always it’s a wonderful, exciting feeling. it will be ready sometime in the enjoyed taking my guitar out spring. and playing. The earlier you start, the more chance there is of What’s important to you in your It’s amazing that you still feel reaching a very high level. life right now? that way after all these years. If you could have played another Margarita and the grandchildren. Well, as you know, it takes an instrument, what would it have I want to continue to do what incredible amount of practice, been? we are doing for as long as and if one does not enjoy it, possible, and enjoy what we can When I was a child I was very it would be hell—it would be do right now. And good health. interested in violin. Another absolute boredom. I have always Life is perfect as long as you are instrument that fascinated me loved the feeling of the guitar, healthy. I believe that the most was the harmonica. Even now, I ever since I was a little boy. important thing is for people love it. It is the most beautiful, I remember playing my teacher’s to know when they are going warm instrument. There are guitar. He had a magnificent through wonderful times—and some songs that have harmonica instrument [by Hermann Hauser] appreciate and enjoy them. that bring the emotion out. that he often loaned to me to do “The Sound of Torres” can be I was the youngest of eight small performances in Athens, purchase through GSI, bought children, and my older brothers and I would touch the strings, and/or streamed through played guitar and would often and it would be like magic. Amazon and iTunes/Apple Music, have gatherings. At one of the What does music do for you? and streamed on Spotify and gatherings someone was playing YouTube. harmonica, and he gave it to When Margarita and I are me and I played it a little bit. I here together, we always have was probably five years old, and music playing, because it makes I have never forgotten. I just everything more pleasant. It loved it. is extremely relaxing and can alleviate tension. Music can Are you still teaching and transfer you to another level—it performing? is almost like magic. Very little, though I just accepted Do you miss performing? a performance in a master class at Fresno State University in No, I don’t miss it. I’m February. But I am mostly here absolutely happy with what I am at home with my wife, taking doing. I wouldn’t want to be care of grandchildren, and I like anywhere else or doing anything to practice a lot, so I practice very else than what we are doing day for several hours. right now.

15 Marin Arts & Culture Painting by Harold Boxer Cedars Celebrating 100 years of Living Creative, Productive, Joyous Lives by Bruce Burtch

16 Marin Arts & Culture he directions were foreboding - drive Tthrough the entrance of Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery in San Rafael, circle around until you see a small road that leads deep into the woods. OK, this is strange. Then as I turned another corner, I entered a verdant landscape that was simply magnificent - rolling hills, gardens and neatly-trimmed buildings. I had entered the wonderful world of the Cedars Textile Arts Collaborative. Here amid this secluded Cedars Fine Arts Studio setting was one of the many inspiring programs of Cedars, Further down the road, I came which are sold at local farmers which since 1919 has offered face-to-face with a white alpaca markets. They also run a innovative support services for named Eli, part of their animal landscape maintenance business individuals with intellectual husbandry program which raises for private homes. and developmental disabilities. alpaca, sheep, mohair goats, and th Every inch of this property is 2019 marks its 100 anniversary, fluffy angora rabbits. The natural highly productive, as a learning and enthusiasm oozes from fibers from these animals are and growing experience for its all corners of this amazing cleaned and dyed and become participants. As importantly, organization. part of their weaving program. it serves as living testimony As I toured the property with In this fertile setting Cedars’ to the exceptional abilities of Lauren Sockler, director of the Hands and Earth Co-op maintains people sometimes considered Textile Arts Collaborative and a two-acre fruit and vegetable lacking in “normal” abilities. Jeanne Lipson, development garden. Co-op members raise Indeed, as Lauren describes director, we encountered the and harvest their own crops, “Cedars’ participants are fine Art Barn, which includes an arts and crafts program, and a comprehensive weaving program. I stared, simply fascinated, as Becky Vogt fed the stick shuttle with its multicolored thread through the loom. Thread by thread she was meticulously creating a blue and white woven cloth that would later be cut into placemats and table napkins for sale at their store. As I moved loom to loom, each artist flashed me the most brilliant smile and introduced themselves. Such warmth, such talent … I was Shermae Randle making Becky Vogt making placemats. humbled by the experience. decorations.

17 Marin Arts & Culture artists, textile artists, gardeners, weavers, animal caregivers, food service providers, and much more.” It is a community of productivity and love. Jeanne added, “Our mission is to help our participants create lives of dignity and purpose, and to have a choice in what they do. They are contributing members of society, just like you and me.” Next stop was the Cedars Fine Art Studios in San Anselmo, an environment exploding with color. Paintings hung on all the walls, mobiles dripped from the ceilings, tables were covered with every conceivable creation. Artists were working on jewelry, sculpture, fine art, puppetry and more. Every square inch of any surface in any direction was covered in color, right down to the multicolored paint splats on the floor. I was particularly taken with the magnificent paintings by 76-year- Harold Boxer and his painting old Harold Boxer. Resplendent in his bright yellow Special Olympics T-shirt, Harold toured

Artist Within store items for sale. David Wiener

18 Marin Arts & Culture “Volunteering helps our participants develop skills, new friendships and very often, they discover themselves.” —Natasha Annenkova, Community Connections manager

Kim Summers and her puppets

me around the studios and a program which provides said that “Volunteering helps stood proudly in front of a large volunteers from Cedars for our participants develop skills, painting with its energetic pinks, community projects, such as new friendships and very often, vibrant blues and multitudes of helping at St. Vincent’s De Paul, they discover themselves.” red hearts. Harold is a true talent working in the Marin Headlands, Jeanne added, “It really turns —and everyone said so. and helping clean up the waiting the paradigm on its head. Our rooms at Marin General Hospital. volunteers show up on time, Just up the road from the with a happy face and they do a Fine Arts Studio is the home Community Connections really good job.” of Community Connections, manager Natasha Annenkova Completing the full circle of the exceptional Cedar’s programs is their gallery, Artist Within, in downtown San Anselmo. Walking through the front door visitors are greeted with a hearty and sincere: “Welcome to Artist Within”, delivered by one of the artists. Everything in the store/ gallery is made by the artists of Cedars. Gallery Manager Michelle Williams explained. “We have approximately 160 artists involved in selling their work at the gallery. The artist gets

Lori Manfredi

19 Marin Arts & Culture 50% of the sale and 50% goes back into supporting the Cedars’ art programs.” Artists Within operates similarly to a traditional art gallery and each of their artists is considered a professional artist. The perfect closing perspective comes from Katherine Manning, whose son Alex is a participant at Cedars. “Alex has learned new skills with weaving, gardening, and animal husbandry, and he has been able to explore his continuing love of music and dance with wonderful in- house productions. Cedars has provided a productive Monica Farwell community and encouraged at her loom. his sense of independence and responsibility.” Yes, we all have a lot to learn from the artists and participants of Cedars, especially about community, making connections and giving love.

Finished paintings

Eli the alpaca

20 Marin Arts & Culture How We Met Game on!

EJ and Walt Heinzer

he late 1980’s early balloons bobbing, invaded already 90’s could be called the packed Irish pubs in Mountain Theyday of Silicon Valley. View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, all the Telecommunication firms were way to San Jose, where the end wooing employees by offering of the line was the Three Flames more perks to prospective on Bascom Avenue. The nightclub employees, semiconductor was in full swing with a rock band companies were flying their blaring the latest disco tunes as we teams around the world to attend all marched in, single file, across seminars, field training and the dance floor to the bar. As personal visits to far away clients, the crowd thinned, I squeezed in while the computer manufacturers between two patrons to place an were amazing low tech folks with order with the bartender. The guy everything they were producing. to my right, in jeans and sweater, had a “meat market” attitude; to day “cheer” but being a Tuesday In the middle of it all were the my left, slacks, coat, tie and the night most people were anxious service companies, working deals crowning glory of a full head of to get home; he decided to stop in to get their share of the “pie”. I graying hair. anyway. Walt learned I too was in was employed in the hospitality Marketing and not as crazy as he industry as Director of Sales and Of course, I was drawn to the first thought when he watched all Marketing for a well- known hotel silver-fox, but he was rather of us troop in as we did. chain, trying to keep my hotel and reluctant to pick up on my meeting room occupancy higher conversational cues while the By now it was nearing “last call” than the competition. However lounge lizard leered at me. It took and I looked around for my friends on many evenings, after that a while but persistence finally won to catch that ride, but they were last cold call, after the final site- and Walt introduced himself and nowhere in sight! I asked of their inspection, my colleagues from eventually asked me to dance. whereabouts from some folks who other hotels, travel agencies, knew them and heard they got catering firms and hospitality Shortly thereafter word went into a “lover’s quarrel” and left, related companies who were around that our bus was leaving, mad at everybody. No problem, notorious for party-hardy get- but it was entirely too soon for me I was a big girl, had cash, credit togethers would meet for our own to leave Walt. As luck would have cards and could certainly take a Happy Hour. it, a friend said her boyfriend just cab to my car, but Walt was having showed up and they would give none of it, he would drive me and In the weeks leading up to March me a ride later. that was that. Once at my car, a 17, 1987, a handful of girlfriends Game on! tentative goodnight kiss and an and I decided to organize a St. invitation to drive up to the City Patty’s Day Pub Crawl for other Once the band packed it in for the the following Saturday afternoon friends and associates. We sold night and the room quieted down, where we could then take a ferry tickets, rented a mini bus, made Walt and I were finally able to over to Sausalito, grab a bite and snacks and sandwiches, filled have a conversation. I discovered catch the last ferry back. It turned bins with ice and sodas, bought he was a UC Berkeley electrical out to be a very successful date; shiny green cardboard top hats engineering graduate employed we have been together ever since. and blew up dozens of big green at a local semiconductor company, Almost 32 years and still counting. balloons. At 5:00 p.m. on 3/17 as a Marketing Manager and we boarded the bus in San Jose that he didn’t usually hang out and took off for our first stop at bars alone but had attended a The BBC (British Banker’s Club) ballroom dance class nearby. He in Palo Alto. Twenty five people tried to invite some class members bedecked in “Irish” regalia with to join him for a little St. Patrick’s

21 Marin Arts & Culture Indulgences

The Carrot, the Solution – Slow Food, Slow Fashion, Slow Indulgences by Daisy Carlson

22 Marin Arts & Culture cristina Gottardi s frequently Europe, for me, evokes to its historical relevance and long lunches of local happens, I woke to the seasons and climate. delicacies, lazy afternoons In Europe, place of origin is up longing sipping Campari Orange by default more important A while watching well-clad than the corporate mandate. for Rome and the people on bicycles. I love Pushing a profit agenda to sell European lifestyle in reading newspapers on fast for sale’s sake is considered general. I often miss trains filled with business gauche. travelers and school children. the unquestionable Socializing from lunch on I would argue that a low- good fashion, good into the afternoon work carbon life can become a well- hours seems not only lived life of a more European meals, and good pace. acceptable but to be a style. It is just a given that In Europe, art and secret mandate that I wish good style is determined by the quality of natural fiber culture are inextricably I was privy to. I love seeing children in museums and in your clothes, the natural connected to family, contemplate how different it ingredients in your food and the curation of the quality to food, and to style. must be to grow up against a backdrop of architectural of experience in your life. I am also reminded history reaching back a This seems preferable to the that the average millennium. Is it because gluttony of shopping for they see themselves in the sake of filling big bags. carbon footprint of history that they are more Mindless consumption has this lifestyle is less than able to address the risks of been sold to us as often as the products themselves. half that of the US the future? Do they invest in good clothes rather We are simply not allowed national average. Good than fast fashion because to feel satisfied in America taste may be our most it speaks to time in both directions? Europeans seem compelling guide to to unanimously choose aligning our lifestyles style over consumptions for consumptions sake. They with appropriate carbon wait for good cheese and footprint. pass on packaged chips. They discuss food more often than they eat it. Farmers arrange their vegetables at the open-air markets like jewels on display. You can watch discerning women carefully inspecting the quality of care taken to display the fruit as much as for the quality of fruit itself. Food and clothing in Europe have a terroir, a place of origin that determines its quality, flavor, and cultural history. It connects the food, fashion and lifestyle to both the soil the and landscape as well as 23 Marin Arts & Culture We cannot allow the bad news of climate change take over the stage that was once reserved for the likes of Shakespeare. In the climate story, we are both the perpetrator and the victim. Collectively, we are reinforcing its destructive unfolding by failing to actively redesign the culture that perpetuates our demise. By failing to act, we write ourselves out of the story and become the silently-enduring spectator. Gripping our seats as this grim story marches on toward a horrendous conclusion, our eyes widen but many of us haven’t leaped onto the stage. Heroes in this story seem to lose momentum time after time. That is because the only possible hero is collective action, making local food, natural fiber and restored habitat fashionable. We must remember that we are actors in the greatest improv session ever to take place. Lines are written as we go, each of us can poke at the outcome and twist the story’s fate. We can turn the headlights onto a manageable course that does not go off the melting cliff of an iceberg. Imagine John Towner the power of showing up in the tangle of this mutiny for if we were, we would of our culture and personal on stage eating a carrot and stop shopping. We are rarely lives, we often forget the reveling about how delicious invited into the curation of simple principles of what it is. On this stage we change experience as something that a well-lived life looks like. the outcome when we opt gains nuance in its restraint. It is full of experiences to up to our 100% renewable From my perspective, the remember, not storage units energy program available at restraint of one’s consumption to stuff. A well-lived life is MCE, drive an electric car and is a sign of civility and the surrounded by family and donate to restorative carbon presence of mind. As we all good food and art worth offset projects. We change the muse on the complexity of seeing. narrative when we support climate change in the context carbon farming and the oh-

24 Marin Arts & Culture so-delicious organic carrots. electric car. We install insulation Surely, we are attracted to and smart thermostats and the tension and the drama choose to put on a sweater and conflict of this epic tale instead of raising the heat. None on earth, but are we truly of that costs us more, but more ready to accept the outcome? importantly, it sets a precedent. Do we want to succumb to By shopping at the Farmer’s the dragon’s breath or do we market for the flavor of fresh want to set the table for a produce, we lower the carbon delicious healthy meal shared footprint and get the freshest together? food possible. This sets a trend that expands. We grow our The most exciting part of the own food in our backyards. We story for me is that each of us avoid plastic packaging and we is David conquering Goliath in bring real silverware to lunch our own way. We must take as a matter of civility. We sign careful and exacting aim to up for cooleffect.org and make pinpoint what in the end is an tax-deductible carbon offsets for unbelievably elegant solution your air travel. to conquer the societal Jessi Pena demons. What will defeat this We have more impact by great Goliath of a challenge walking the walk by wearing our lifetimes, preserving and is a civil action, a curation of natural fibers, tasting the restoring the planet. quality over-consumption. future of carbon farming, The climate Goliath will be and indulging in the slow For more information: defeated by accepting natural food, slow fashion, and slow Daisy Carlson limits and realizing that none culture of timeless good taste. [email protected] of us are above the laws of Take your place as an actor www.coolhive.com nature. in the most important play in We don’t win by wallowing in crisis and failing to act on the Events: moral imperative to protect our atmosphere. Facts about Environmental Forum of Marin parts per million don’t suddenly Register at https://marinefm.org reverse themselves. What will January 15, 2019: Biomimicry: Nature inspired Solutions to overcome climate change is an Environmental Protection. 6:30 PM evolution of culture that curates rather than consumes, that Friday, January 25: 2019 Film: Wasted! The Story of Food Waste celebrates nature rather than bulldozing it for profit. As special Tuesday, January 22: One Tam Event: Wildlife Picture Index Workshop actors brought to the stage, we begin by taking steps toward ONE TAM – Register at https://www.marincountyparks.org a carbon-restrained life and Saturday, January 26, 2019, 10AM-4PM: ONE TAM Fungus Bioblitz: become the timeless style mavens Later winter remix – Hosted by Marin County Parks and One Tam. of our future. We go online and spend two minutes to opt-up Saturday: February 16: 9 am -12 pm: Habitat Restoration at Creekside for our 100% renewable energy Marsh – Hosted by Marin County Parks and One Tam. and MCE (www.mcecleanenergy. org). We educate our neighbors. Saturday, February 23: 1pm-3pm: One Tam member hike: Salmon and We make sure our next car is an Turtles: The Restoration of Redwood Creek at Muir Beach

25 Marin Arts & Culture Artful images

by Judith M. Wilson

child’s view of the world and then when he reached high was particularly noteworthy, is an unlikely starting school, “I decided to play around because he couldn’t fit the entire Apoint for a career, but with photography,” he recalls. skyscraper into the picture and once David Johnson peered When he had an opportunity settled for a portion of it from through a viewfinder, his path to take a side trip to New York an unusual perspective. When as a photographer was set. It City while visiting a cousin in he returned to school in the fall began when he was growing up Washington, DC, one summer, and talked about his vacation, he in Jacksonville, FLA, and won “I took my camera and starting showed his photos, but no one a camera. He started taking snapping pictures,” he says. believed they were his. Clearly, pictures of his neighborhood, One of the Chrysler Building he had talent, and it was his

26 Marin Arts & Culture destiny to continue pursuing photography. Next, Johnson, who is now 92 and lives in Greenbrae with his wife Jacky Sue, was drafted into the Navy. It was during World War II, and he headed west for pre-deployment training on a long train trip, toting his camera along with his gear. He was stationed at Treasure Island first, and when he had some free time, he hopped aboard a bus to San Francisco to explore the city. He got off at Seventh Street and asked where the colored section of town was, and the driver directed him to Fillmore and Geary. “It was so busy,” he says, but adds, “Fillmore Street became a point of interest for me.” He went on to serve in the Philippine Islands, and after the war, he embarked on studying photography seriously, taking advantage of the opportunity the GI Bill gave him to go to school. He enrolled in the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Zion Hospital, where he met he went, he had his camera with Institute) and became the first his first wife Lucy. She knew him, and “I learned to be very African-American to study he wanted a studio, and later, sensitive to the moment,” he with Ansel Adams, earning the with her encouragement and says, explaining that viewing life equivalent of a bachelor’s degree inspiration from a radio show through the lens of a camera in photography. Adams’ area of featuring motivational speaker made him appreciate what a interest was natural landscapes, Ben Sweetland, he walked into a wonderful world we live in. “It’s while Johnson was drawn to vacant storefront on Divisadero like God has provided a set for people in urban settings, but Street, negotiated terms with the us. You capture a moment and “Ansel had all the technical owner and got his studio, which a history we can reflect on.” He knowledge,” he says, explaining included an apartment for him adds that photography took that Adams taught students the and Lucy in the back and a little him to many places he never chemistry and how to capture an darkroom. “I couldn’t hope for a imagined. Among the highlights, image and transfer it to paper. better dream. If you can dream he photographed many “We were in the darkroom and it, you can do it,” he says. illustrious individuals, including produced a negative and labored poet and social activist Langston Johnson marvels that the idea on getting the tones correct,” he Hughes, politician and diplomat he could snap pictures grew into says. Adlai Stevenson and California a major career and recognition Governor Edmond “Pat” Brown. While he was still in school, he never imagined. Wherever Johnson took a job at Mt. 27 Marin Arts & Culture he appreciates the convenience, he explains that the image is what’s most important. “If you can see a photograph, it speaks volumes,” he says. The Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley, is now home to Johnson’s collection. “They saw something that needs to be preserved for future generations. What’s important is that I leave behind something that people will look at and talk about,” he says. “I’m sensing that I don’t have forever on this earth, but I will continue to do and leave the world better.”

Click here to see David Johnson’s He also took part in the historic reflecting that photography has photographs! March on Washington in August made his life very rich, although 1963 to document the event and not in material goods. advocate for civil and economic These days, Johnson uses the rights for African Americans. “I digital camera in his phone to don’t know what else I would’ve take photographs, and while chosen as a career.,” he adds,

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29 Marin Arts & Culture Wine & Spirits

ALE TO THE CHIEF How Fritz Maytag started The craft beer revolution by Ed Schwartz

hese days, there are Iowa, purchased new equipment, over 900 craft set very high quality standards Tin California alone! and had an obsessive desire to It all started in 1965 when learn everything he could about San Franciscan Fritz Maytag how to make great beer. He purchased the failing Anchor read every book on beer making Company. Then, took courses in and with great skill and fierce consulted with leading beer determination, he made Anchor experts. One of his consultants the first and foremost craft was Joseph Lawrence Owades, beer in the United States and a noted biochemist, brewing inspired dozens of others to consultant and expert in quality make distinctive brews. And it control. wasn’t easy. Maytag had to start Maytag’s efforts paid off and from point zero. He knew that how! Anchor Brewing Company, he had purchased a with on , became the a load of debt, with outmoded first modern microbrewery in equipment and a bad rap for the United States and inspired often making sour beer. Add to hundreds of others to make those problems, Maytag knew great craft beer. Anchor was a absolutely nothing about the art success in every way. of making beer. He had been an American literature major at Next into the craft beer mix Stanford. Brewing 101 was not a came in 1977, with Jack subject. McAuliffe, a home brewer. He had tasted great beer in Scotland That all soon changed. In a short when he was in the Unites States time, Maytag, whose family Navy and had visited Anchor. founded the noted washing So he was inspired to build machine company in Newton, his New Albion Brewery from scratch, using old dairy tanks and other second hand materials. New Albion began brewing in Sonoma, California. The name came from Sir Francis Drake when he claimed the land north of Mexico for England in 1579. Jim Stitt and Fritz Maytag, 1979. Three years later, in Chico, Ken anchorbrewing.com Grossman, inspired by the success

30 Marin Arts & Culture of both Anchor and New Albion, “like the onrush of the Tigris and So much for history—what’s wanted to start making his own Euphrates” which is taken to happening today. Here are just beer. He drove all over California mean that, like those two rivers, a few of the many fine North to find used equipment and beer brought life to those who Bay craft breweries. There are so took welding lessons so he drank it.” Here is the link for the many fine breweries, you should could build his own brewery and entire poem—it’s fun to read. get cracking! equipment. He ventured to the https://www.beeradvocate.com/ state of Washington to purchase archived-articles/304/ good hops, a key ingredient in beer, His Sierra Nevada Brewing Russian River Brewery Co., also was a great success. It’s in a brand new location in Windsor that costs $50 million to In the meantime, Maytag was build, with a 200-seat restaurant. Known for very hoppy ales like pushing forward-- adding Blind Pig and the outstanding Pliny the Elder named after the marketing genius to his beer famous Roman author and naturalist. making skills. To commemorate the 200th anniversary Lagunitas Brewing Company of the beginning of the This brewery in Petaluma makes its famous Lagunitas IPA and Little American Revolution, Sumpin’. Maytag crafted Liberty Ale, a Headlands Brewing Company very hoppy beer; it also was Great and a brew pub in Mill Valley. a notable success and is one of my favorites. beers. That Marin Brewing Company was just the start of Anchor’s In Larkspur, with an excellent selection of draft beers and a pub. procession of off-beat beers. 101 North Brewing Company After Liberty Ale came Anchor In Petaluma with two wonderfully named beers—Golden Naked Porter in 1972, Old Foghorn, Ale and Heroine IPA. a , in 1975, and a special, seasonal Christmas Ale Iron Springs Brewing Company with a new label and year-to- An attractive pub serving lunch and dinner in Fairfax with many year differences. But the odd different beers including, Comet Baby Light My Fire. How could one ball beer of all time was made resist? in 1989 when Anchor produced a limited edition of beer Moylan’s (known in Sumerian as sikaru) In Novato, serving 20 different beers at any one time. which it named Ninkasi, after Mill Valley Beer Works the Sumerian goddess of beer. Has 14 beers on tap and serves dinner nightly. It was based on a scholarly reconstruction of an ancient State Room Sumerian recipe known as the A San Rafael spot with a very good restaurant. “hymn to Ninkasi” from around Marin Beer Company 1800 B.C. A very pleasant place at Larkspur Landing with notable beers like The hymn provided an easy Mt. Tam and dozens of specialty beers. way to remember the recipe Bear Republic Brewing Company for brewing beer. It began with The Hargrove family started this brewery in 1995 with locations in fresh water, used to make barley Healdsburg and Rohnert Park. It’s Racer 5 is justly famous and one bread, then mixed with honey of my favorites. and dates, then fermented. After fermentation is it was placed in Sonoma Springs Brewing Company a filtering vat then poured into This brewery, located in the town of Sonoma, makes a wide range jars. The pouring of the beer was of ales and German-style beers.

31 Marin Arts & Culture Continuously Creative Claudia Chapline has Art in her Heart

by Lily O’Brien

f you have ever walked or driven through the town of IStinson Beach, you probably passed by or maybe even stopped into Claudia Chapline’s Gallery & Sculpture Garden, a colorful and iconic institution that has been a steady fixture in town since 1987. Founded by artist, writer and curator Claudia Chapline, it is filled with an eclectic and wildly creative array of sculptures, assemblages, paintings, drawings and more by her, as well as by other local

32 Marin Arts & Culture artists. Her extremely prolific said, “I don’t want to be a lady— the people!” Another piece she and diverse career has spanned they don’t climb trees.” So in points at, called “Opposites,” many decades, and her work addition to her art degree, she is a collection of book pages has been shown in hundreds of earned a master’s degree in made of metal with her poetry exhibitions throughout the U.S., dance therapy, and went on to on them, standing upright on a Canada, Europe, Latin America perform and teach dance. base. She explains that she had and Asia. the pieces for a long time, trying But even that was not enough out different arrangements, until Chapline, 88, is someone who for Chapline, who also took up she suddenly had an inspiration. never stops working, finding writing; she has written and “Finally, I thought, ‘Oh, make inspiration for new projects published several memoirs, six it into a freestanding sculpture every day. “I walk down the books of poetry and hundreds of book that people can read road and I always have a little articles. Eventually, she began around,’” says Chapline. She said piece of paper somewhere, and I to combine her art and poetry. that it represents people who make a note for haiku, or I make “That took a long time to put are opposites, but are talking to a note for a new sculpture,” says together,” says Chapline. “They each other now, “because we Chapline, who is well known were on separate tracks most of all need to respect each other’s for her sculptures that utilize my life because people didn’t point of view.” recycled and found objects. She respect artists who did more has walked the beach for years than one thing, but now that’s Chapline says that most people picking up objects, and collects okay.” look at these pieces and think things on the street that look they are spontaneous and An early feminist and activist, like they might work in one of quick projects, but that most of many of her pieces have political her pieces. Sometimes it takes 10 them take her a very long time messages, and almost all have or 20 years before she finds a use to complete, anywhere from a humorous feel. As we walk for some of them. months to years. When asked around the gallery, she points to where she gets her inspiration, Chapline was born in Oak Park, one of her assemblages and says she replies, “I make art in my Illinois and says that her mother, with a laugh, “This is business dreams—and then I know what a housewife, “was beautiful, lunch—and the fruit are eating to work on when I get up.” and made everything around her beautiful.” On rainy days, she gave Claudia and her sister pencils and pads to draw on, “and I never stopped,” says Chapline “When I was six, I knew I was going to be an artist and teacher, and that’s all I’ve ever done. I earned my living with teaching and making art.” Chapline graduated cum laude from the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at George Washington University and began teaching. But her creativity was not limited to art. “I wanted to study dance too,” says Chapline. “I wanted to learn everything.” And when her parents told her that dancing wasn’t for ladies, she Business Lunch

33 Marin Arts & Culture Right now she is working on a in her mind, many of which are found objects that were created hot new project. “I just got a dictated by weather. “Some of between 1988 and 2018. commission for a CD cover for the work I do needs to be done Chapline enjoys teaching and pianist Jean Alexis Smith, and she outside because it is messy, like mentoring her helpers in the is in a hurry because the music if I have to drill or hammer,” says gallery, because most of them is already done,” says Chapline. Chapline. So when it gets rainy, are also artists. She recently She is playing Bach preludes on a she stays inside and paints. opened up a pop-up gallery very high quality Steinway piano, In the main gallery, the shows room, which features young, so the concept for the cover will are changed seasonally, and her new artists. It took about six be a collage of images of both newest project is cleaning out months to get it going, but Smith and Bach. a room that had been used as a now it’s booked into most of Chapline often has to juggle workshop and storage area for next year, including a show in projects and set priorities to get her large volume of work, and February that will feature mono them all done. Two days before turning it into a gallery. The prints by Nicole Frazer, who has she got the commission, she had first show, which will feature worked in the gallery for the an idea for a series of paintings just Chapline’s work, will open past year. she was going to start, but right in the next few months, and These days, Chapline says she now that project will have to will include a collection of wants to spend more time at go on hold, along with a long three-dimensional sculptures home, making it less cluttered list of projects she has cued up and assemblages made from (from all her found objects), more comfortable and more efficient, so she can continue working on all her projects. And she is not slowing down. She recently finished a new book, and already has ideas for the next one, which will likely be a collection of her favorite poems. When asked why she thinks the gallery has been so successful for so many years, Chapline questions the meaning of “successful.” “Many gallery owners think they can make money at it,” says Chapline. “I never thought to make money at the gallery— only just to keep it open. Every day that I open the doors—it’s successful.” To learn more, visit cchapline. com

34 Marin Arts & Culture Everyday Heroes by Carolyn Swayze

atching CNN’s recent the saw. No sooner than I tribute to “Heroes,” began cutting the plywood, did caused me to reflect the table saw (which was not W Kent Kohler and William Chang on the fact that I have a couple mounted down, I mean I worked of heroes of my own. Let me on little stuff) fall off the stand introduce you to Kent Kohler towards me. Jumping back, the and William Chang. These two saw caught the index finger of and he took my finger, placing it wonderful men might be my my left hand before hitting the in a baggie, as I was whisked off reason for being able to write garage floor and gouging the to UC Davis. this message tonight. Not to be concrete. too dramatic, I might just owe I am a person of faith, and Feeling the blood gushing from them my life. God wasn’t done passing out my body, I knew I needed to blessings to me on that day. It It was July 2011, and I was get help and quickly. Unable to just so happened that the head working in my garage call 911, I hit the garage door surgeon was on emergency room enjoying my hobby work as a opener, and in a daze, calmly duty that afternoon, Upon being miniaturist. I built dollhouses walked outside holding my wrist admitted, I was immediately and manufactured dollhouse in an attempt to control the whisked into the operating room furniture. I had previously built bleeding. Getting to the corner where I underwent a 12-hour a 15 room Georgian mansion, intersection, I saw a pickup surgery to replace the finger, from scratch, wired it for truck stopped at a light as the including the rebuilding of electricity and spent many years two passengers engaged in a bone and reconnecting nerves. furnishing it. No matter where vigorous conversation. Standing The surgery was a success, and I traveled, wherever I went, I on the sidewalk, I calmly said, after a year of physical therapy, always found some item for my “Excuse me, would you help today I have about 70% use of dollhouse. Once the house was me?” It wasn’t until I saw the the fingers on my left hand. completed, which took almost 20 look on their faces that I realized Although Will did all the work years, I began making miniature I must have been drenched in sitting me down and controlling beds, complete with to scale blood. the bleeding, it is Kent with mattresses, and beds dressed in They parked, got out, and called whom I have developed the the finest Egyptian Cotton and the paramedics who showed up lasting friendship over these silks. within minutes. Now in shock, past nine years. I adore them, To help with the projects, I I recall the paramedic asking however, equally. So, on this invested in a table saw and took me to open my hand to which evening, when everyone is a class on how to use it.So it was I replied I couldn’t, because my honoring heroes, I wanted to on that summer afternoon that I finger was in my hand, and I honor mine, Kent Kohler and had just cut a piece of plexiglass might lose it. He very patiently William Chang. “If we can help after which I began to cut a said that was a good thing, as somebody as we pass along, then piece of plywood, not realizing they wouldn’t have to go looking our living will not have been in the rough plexiglass had shifted for it. I slowly opened my hand, vain.”

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36 Marin Arts & Culture 10 MARIN ARTS & CULTURE barn is an unusual spot for a drama company to put A down roots, but Ross Take a Seat! Valley Players has made the Barn Theatre in Ross its home by Judith M. Wilson for almost nine decades. “Ross Valley Players formed in 1930 as an antidote to the Depression,” says business manager Alex Ross, an actor, board member and past president. who has been involved with RVP since 1971. Initially it was comprised primarily of community members, and in the early years, St. John’s Ross Episcopal Church and the Kent estate in Kentfield, which had a platform for a stage, served as venues along with various spots in San Rafael. Then in 1939, the Kittle family, who had a barn on the property where the Marin Art & Garden Center is now, offered it to RVP. The company moved into the barn in 1939, built a stage and presented it first play, Life with Father, in 1940. The property was rent-free, and RVP continued putting on plays, skits and musicals during World War II to entertain soldiers who were home for rest and recuperation. In the 1940s, Caroline Livermore and Gladys Smith shepherded purchase of the property to create the Marin Art & Garden Centre, and in 2020, MAGC and RVP will celebrate milestone anniversaries: their 75th and 90th respectively. Now in its 89th season, RVP is the longest-running theater company west of the Rocky Mountains, and over the years, The Barn has seen significant changes. The Marin County Fair took place at on the grounds of MAGC from 1946 until

37 Marin Arts & Culture photo by Beppe Sabatini 1971, and the main power for were scheduled for installation Ross Alternative Works, or RAW the grounds was on the side of shortly after, but that didn’t production. Ross explains that the barn. Although MAGC now go according to plan, when RAW features an original work owns the property and the barn, the manufacturer, a reputable that has never been produced RVP is responsible for funding company in Laredo, Texas, and is by a Bay Area playwright, improvements, and “In 2008, experienced a lengthy delay, but otherwise, RVP usually does Ross Valley Players completely forcing RVP to use temporary more recognized work. For the revamped the main power to seating for the first two plays six major plays, the program The Barn,” says Ross, explaining of the season, Twelfth Night committee reads 60 to 80 scripts that it cost $25,000 to convert all and The Odd Couple. By mid- each year, comes up with ideas the power in fuse boxes to circuit December, the chairs were ready and presents them to the board breakers and put in new lines to and slated to arrive on January with a synopsis for each. Board serve the pond pumps, Redwood 3. RVP expects to complete members decide whether to give Amphitheatre and Pixie Park, installation on January 5, in time them the go-ahead to get rights as well as The Barn. Next came for the opening of Ira Levin’s and interview directors. The a new bathroom wing, with Death Trap, directed by Chloe board has also adopted a policy ADA-compliant facilities. Before Bronzan, on January 18. “We’re of gender equality in hiring that, “Our intermission was all very excited about that,” directors, actors and playwrights. controlled by how long the line says Ross. With new seats in “We’ve been very conscious to the lady’s bathroom was,” says place, RVP is looking forward about achieving gender parity,” Ross. RVP renovated the lobby to additional upgrades. Next Ross reports. and converted the old bathroom up are technical improvements, These Shining Lives by Melanie space into offices, a meeting including a hearing-device Marnich, Scott & Zelda, the room and storage space in 2010, system for patrons who are Beautiful Fools by Lance Belville, and in 2012, it redid all the hearing-impaired and new and Moll Flanders by Jennifer lighting for the stage. computer systems. “Most of that LeBlanc round out the 2018- is not going to be that visible, When it comes to improvements, 2019 selections, and RVP is but it’s to improve the quality of “A lot of the impetus comes already looking forward to its our productions,” says Ross. from our longtime donors and 90th season. And with a lengthy subscribers,” says Ross, and RVP does seven shows during a history entertaining Marin that’s how RVP’s recent seat 12-month season, including six audiences, it’s something to campaign came about. “We main-stage productions and one celebrate. were under the gun for having old seats and platforms,” says Ross, explaining that volunteers built the platforms in the 1990s, and the seats came from the Fairfax Theatre and were old and narrow with tight space between rows. “Our donors thought the auditorium should be upgraded and ADA-compliant,” he explains. That led to a three- year-fundraising campaign, and in early 2019, RVP will unveil the results. “We did get our permit from the Town of Ross,” says Ross, and RVP had the platforms replaced in August. The seats A scene from Death Trap. Photo by Robin Jackson. 38 Marin Arts & Culture This is our forum for Marin creatives to get together and share their talents. To hear or see a video of these artists, click the arrows below. Click on the headshots to go to their websites. For more information on submitting a listing please contact [email protected].

Désirée Goyette-Bogas lightchild.com Grammy–nominated vocalist, cabaret artist, composer, arranger, inspirational speaker and voice-over actor, Ms. Goyette, is best known for her work on the Garfield and Peanuts animated shows. In addition to a two-year run as a television co-host with famed impressionist Rich Little, Ms. Goyette has appeared on numerous television specials, animated series and talk shows. Favorite voice-over roles include Barbie, Betty Boop, Petunia Pig, Garfield’s nemesis Nermal, the voice of Danse on the classic animated series Jem Noah Griffin and the Holograms and numerous voices for Disney, Fisher- thecoleportersociety.org Price, V-Tech and Leapfrog toys. Noah, since the age of 7 has Patrick Leveque delighted audiences with his marvelous voice. From patrickleveque.com 1953 to 1958 he sang as a soloist with the San Francisco A baritone and voice teacher, Mr. Leveque has returned home Boy’s Chorus, later with the to Marin County after a six-year run of Phantom of the Opera famed Jubilee Singers, the in Las Vegas. In Marin he has played many roles including Curly Philadephia Philharmonic, in Oklahoma! in Marin's Mountain Play and has been a soloist the Nashville Symphony, the at Davies Symphony Hall. He holds a Master of Music degree Harvard University Choir and from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and currently as his career progressed, teaches voice in the MFA program at American Conservatory with Duke Ellington, the Blue Theater, Dominican University and in his private studio. Note in New York, as well as Boston, London, Rome and Paris. The Cole Porter Society Jonathan Poretz was the only ensemble asked back to perform at the jonathanporetz.com Fairmont for two years in a Born in New York City but a proud Marinite since 1995, row since Tony Bennett. He Jonathan has had the honor of portraying Frank Sinatra in has written the official ballad several Rat Pack tribute productions, an experience that has of the , taken him cross country, and most recently on a three-month the opening song for the tour of Germany. Locally, Jonathan has headlined several of the Giants and has recorded a Bay Area’s top jazz and cabaret nightclubs, including Yoshi’s highly popular Christmas CD Oakland and Feinstein’s at the Nikko. He currently can be seen which includes two original and heard as himself in “Sex, Swagger & Swing: Sinatra and songs. In 2014, Noah founded Darin in the Concert That Never Was,“ and “When Vegas Was The Cole Porter Society which VEGAS!” brings the Great American Songbook into the lives of our younger generation. Noah has produced sold Deborah Winters out performances including deborahwinters.net The Lost Songs, Cole Porter in Paris, A Tribute to the Ed A Bay Area native, vocalist extraordinaire Deborah Winters is a Sullivan Show, Frank Sinatra longtime favorite among jazz-savvy San Franciscans. Deborah At 100 and most recently, Cole began her career over two decades ago as a singer/songwriter/ Porter Salutes Motown. Noah guitarist performing a stunning array of original songs. Her is a sought after performer reputation as one of Marin County’s top voice coaches was for private events, specialty recently acknowledged in the Pacific Sun’s annual Best of songs, emceeing, and large Marin awards, where she was voted as one of the top three in concerts. the Best Vocal Coach category.

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