The 52nd Annual Petaluma Arts Association (PAA) Art in the Park is around the corner, Sept 12-13.  It promises to be another great showing of our local artists & the talent in the local art community!  Over 5 dozen artists will be there to show their creativity!

On September 1st, a committee showed up at Copperfields book store downtown to adorn one of the many windows with raffle donations from the PAA members.  There was an uncertainty in the air… a sense of longing.  As I worked with the volunteers, we realized what was missing, JoAnn Naylor.  JoAnn, a local artist who passed away in March of this year, was not there to help.  JoAnn was the person who brought the hangers, hammers, mounts & leadership to the task.  It was one of those moments when tears swell in our eyes & we realized how much we miss her.

Chris & Julie Cort are involved this year in Art in the Park.  Chris’ late grandmother, Dora Sherwood, would have turned 100 years old this year.  Chris used to help Dora with her Art in the Park set up as a youngster.  Dora, a founding member of PAA, painted as part of “Art in Action” in the early years of Art in the Park.  In the window at Copperfields, you’ll be treated to a portrait of Dora and a floral painting she had done years ago.  If you look close in the scrap book below the portrait, you’ll see a picture of the actual sitting when the portrait was painted.  It’s a very fun addition to this year’s event and we thank Chris & Julie for their enthusiasm for this very special occasion!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday & Sunday, Sept 12-13 from 10-5!  Also that weekend are 3 other great reasons to spend the day downtown on September 12th.  Family Day at the Petaluma Arts Center celebrating their “All Aboard” show,  at Steamer Landing in support of the Friends of the River in a heritage event and Cinnabar Theater’s Dance in the Streets at Theater Square.

Basically, be downtown the weekend of 12-13 Sept!  See you there!