Come out and enjoy a delectable evening of art, music and chocolate in downtown Bishop on Saturday evening, October 22nd, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM!

Now in it’s 4th year, the DOWNTOWN BISHOP CHOCOLATE ART WALK is set to feature a multitude of special presentations, dozens of artists, art openings & musical performances, and last but not least, free unique chocolate treats at every location. Many artists will be present at the various locations to share stories and insights about their work.  Please join us for an entertaining, tasty and stimulating evening!

This year the event has grown to include 30 different locations, the largest number of participants to date.

We welcome the addition of many new businesses that have been establishing themselves in the past year in the Downtown Bishop area: John and Gina Webber’s Free Form Woodworking Micro-Gallery in Whitney Alley; Neal and Geni Sliger’s Tea Cozy Antiques on Line Street just west of Main Street; Art and Soul Gallery at the Cavalry Chapel next door to the Inyo Council For The Arts on South Main Street; Cami Ellis’s Paint it Away painting studio at the corner of Line and Main Streets; Lindsay Dalrymple’s Good Earth Yogurt parlour on North Main Street next to the Bishop Twin Theatre; and Jeannette Bachman’s Pupfish Cafe behind Spellbinder Books on South Main Street.

And of course, the Chocolate Art Walk could not have been the success it has been the past  three years without the participation of those businesses who have been involved since it’s inception three years ago: Steven White Woodworking, Bishop Art Supply, The Inyo Council For The Arts, The Project Room at Independent Project Press, John & Gina Webber’s Free Form Wood Working, Black Sheep Coffee Roasters, Spellbinder Books, along with a host of other businesses and artists who have participated (and some who continue to participate) in the Chocolate Art Walk each year. That these businesses come together each year with dozens of artists and musicians to share the finest creative talents of the Eastern Sierra is a testament to the spirit of the community here in Bishop.

This year’s Downtown Bishop Chocolate Art Walk also includes two “pop-up” gallery spaces: Kyle Holland & Jasmine Amara’s “Water & Time, The Power of Seeing,” photography exhibit outside of Independent Project Press on Willow Street; and Elaine & Janice Kabala’s “Eastern Sierra Collaborative Installation” at Eastside Juice on Academy Street.

In addition to the downtown attractions there are now two art galleries at the north end of town who are joining in the festivities.  Be sure to check out David Tidwell’s newly-opened Eastside Art Hub (Sierra Highway at See Vee Lane) and don’t forget to stop in just down the road at Wynne Benti’s long-established Coons Gallery (Sierra Highway at Tu Su Lane).

Creative highlights of this year’s Art Walk will include:

~  Tom Meyers and Francis Cholowa’s Raku pottery firing demonstration outside of Independent Project Press on Willow Street between 5-7 PM.

~”Art on the Spot: Little Art for Little People” is a hands on kids art activity at Black Sheep Coffee Roasters, where participating young artists will have the option to hang their art right onto the wall of the Black Sheep for Chocolate Art Walkers to enjoy. Also at Black Sheep, local high school students Arianna Pope, Lily Pederson and Abby Stoiber will be playing classical and modern movie/show music on cello and violin from 4-6pm.

~ At Coons Gallery longtime Bishop resident Ed Zdon, originally of Eddie & the Blue Notes will be entertaining with with favorite polkas on his accordion throughout the evening.

~ At Gypsy King Tattoo there will be a live tattooing and painting demonstration.

~ The Hula Halau O’Koru dance troupe will be presenting hula dancing demonstrations every 15 minutes at their studio off Whitney Alley.

~ Artist and Paint It Away proprietor Cami Ellis will be providing 1/2 Sugar Skull face painting at her new studio at the corner of Line and Main Streets.

~ There will be a live musical performance by SR2 (Bruce & Karen Licher) at 7 PM in the letterpress print shop at Independent Project Press.

~ “Whiptail,”an outdoor wood sculpture by Steven White, on view in the open lot on Academy Street just west of the Hostel California.

Everyone is welcome, so please come out and enjoy the fun this year at the 2016 Downtown Bishop Chocolate Art Walk, on Saturday, October 22nd, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.  Come and marvel at many talents of our local artists, musicians and businesses during this wonderful event.

Maps will be available at all locations the week before the Art Walk, and for further information please contact any of the participating artists or businesses.

SOUTH MAIN STREET:

~ Art & Soul: The Gallery at Church On Main (125 S Main St.) Sip a cup of cacao chai, munch choco-chili popcorn, create a simple clay print, and meet Frank Hawkins, contemporary artist and photographer.  Also on exhibit are works by Kim Hawkins, Rob Miller, Alex Perez, and award-winning artist Laura Talbot.  In addition, textiles by Sandy Hale, and pottery by Lorrie Mitchell are on display.

~ Inyo Council For The Arts (137 S. Main St.) In addition to the great local artists exhibiting in their current gallery show, ICA will be hosting several more artists in the theater space.  Artists include Susan Greenleaf – cards and critters, watercolors, and sumi ink drawings; Clara Place – knotty creations made with vari-colored paracord; Beverly Schroeder and Lynna Walker – Lampwork beads, jewelry and photography; and Amy Wicks – Unique household items crafted from repurposed retired climbing ropes. Each artist will be bringing a different chocolate treat to share!

~ Mountain Light Gallery (106 S. Main St.) Come and enjoy Bishop’s premiere art gallery featuring the photography of Galen & Barbara Rowell. We will have one of our great local jewelry artists Norma Vedder here with a display of her newest jewelry! Come out and meet Norma and grab some early handcrafted holiday gifts! The current featured artist exhibit is titled Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: Celebrating the Centennial Anniversary of the National Park Service. Featuring works by: Vern Clevenger, Londie Padelsky, Elizabeth Carmel, John Dittli, David Muench and Jerry Dodrill. They also have a unique selection of one of a kind art from local ceramic,woodworking and jewelry artisans. Assorted chocolates will be offered.

~ Mountain Rambler Brewery (186 S. Main St.) will be featuring “Once Upon a Well-Dressed Time,” featuring painting, photography, and printmaking by six Eastside artists: Dana Ellis, Kendra Knight-Horowitz, Karen Nielsen Licher, Lori Michelon, Margaret Palchak, and Laurel Stanford-Manning. The Calico Quilters will also be hanging a selection of their work on the stage for one night only during the Chocolate Art Walk.

~ Pupfish Cafe (124 S. Main St. behind Spellbinder Books) will feature photographic prints by Gary Wells.  House-made chocolate marshmallows and other chocolate treats will be available.

~ Spellbinder Books (124 S. Main St.) will be featuring ceramic pottery by Frances Cholewa and Tom Meyers, paintings by Pat Crowther, and prints by Tom Killion.  There will be a special offer drawing for prizes, and chocolate snacks as well! Theo chocolates also available for sale.

 NORTH MAIN STREET:

~ Anne Marie’s Home Boutique (336 N Main St.) will feature weavings by Cheryl Winstead. Assorted chocolates will be offered.

~ Bishop Art Supply (125 N. Main St.) will be featuring the following local artists: Ron Luce, Bill Goodman, Annie Cashner, Christine Eyer, Laura Talbot, Mary Matlick, Liz Wistrom, Carol Taylor, Lynn Peterson, Pat Metivier, Joy Niewald, Evanne Jardine, Penny Carter, Helen Warren, Mickey Short, Kay Wilson, Dawn Kirby, Pat Crowther, & Marilyn Hayden.

~ Black Sheep Coffee Roasters (232 N. Main St.) will be showing paintings by Janice Kabala, Susan Greenleaf, and Pat Crowther. A new permanent photo collage exhibit titled ‘History of Eastern Sierra Climbing’ that is in the first stages of forming will be making it’s debut during the Art Walk. Gordon Wiltsie will have an art show that is “mountain culture” themed and the Black Sheep itself will be having a coffee and craft beer tasting featuring our latest round of “Direct Trade” coffees. “Art on the Spot: Little Art for Little People” is a hands on kids art activity. Kids will have the option to hang their art right onto the wall for Chocolate Art Walkers to enjoy. The evening’s live music will begin with local high school students Arianna Pope, Lily Pederson and Abby Stoiber, playing classical and modern movie/show music on cello and violin from 4-6pm. These young musicians are currently studying with the Felici Trio. Donations for this performance will go towards funding a music study trip to Germany. Freshly baked chocolate treats will be offered from the Black Sheep bakery staff.

~ Eastside Sports (224 North Main St.) will feature watercolor paintings by Kay Wilson, who writes “my watercolor paintings depict the place where I live, the mountains, the desert, the life within the landscape.  By painting trees or a landscape, even in an abstract manner, I hope to learn something about them.” Also on display will be metal sculpture by Olancha-based artist Jael Hoffman — “Most of my work reflects the dichotomy of suffering: the acceptance of certain lies, while rejecting the pain of their existence. A tension that, as I found out, is bridgeable, through connection with, and attention to, that primal knowledge about what feels right, and what doesn’t (truthful sensing) — with acceptance, trust, and love. And throw in some humor, for goodness sake.”  Assorted hard dark chocolates will be served.

~ Good Earth Yogurt (251 N Main St.)will be exhibiting photographs by Madison Taylor.  We will be offering free samples of our chocolate frozen yogurt topped with yummy chocolate toppings. We will also have some special delicious treats from Mimis cookie bar for sale. You can also find our selection of frozen yogurt, wine, beer and pie available.

~ Gypsy King Tattoo (324 N. Main St.) will be featuring a group show featuring artwork by Weston Maddox – Tattoo artist and mixed media artist, Madison Hodges – Tattoo artist and mixed media artist, Daniel De La Riva – Tattoo artist and watercolor artist, Tia Cochran – Mixed media artist, and Ryan Harvey – Hydro dip artist. There will be live tattooing and painting demonstrations, and they will be offering hot chocolate.

~ Looney Bean of Bishop (399A N. Main St.) will be showing photography by Peter Stow and Don Smith, paintings by Kathleen Long and Rhonda Saunders, and mixed media by Patrick Haemerline. Looney Bean Coffee Chocolate Bark will be offered.

~ Lyons Ltd. Jewelers (316 N Main St.) will be presenting new Eastern Sierra landscape paintings in watercolor and gouache by local artist David Kirk.  Assorted chocolates will also be served.

~ Paint It Away (103 N. Main St) will be showing artwork from a variety of artists who have painted at recent Paint It Away sessions.  Artist and Paint It Away proprietor Cami Ellis will be providing 1/2 Sugar Skull face painting, and Chocolate Cookies will be offered.

~ Range & River Books (206 N. Main St.) is pleased to feature the paintings of popular Bishop artist Joy Niewald, plus small glass pieces and cards by a young Olancha woman, Noa Lish, and the nature photographs of Ron Oriti.  A number of other artisans sell regularly at our shop, and their wares are all available as well.  The Calico Quilters Guild will be displaying the phenomenal sampler 2016 Raffle Quilt and selling raffle tickets here during the walk.  Treats will include Cascade Glacier Death By Chocolate icecream samples, and other treats and drinks like spicy Chocolate Chai tea.

~ Sage to Summit (312 N Main St.) will be featuring drawings and block prints by Eastside artist Dallas Frederick. “My current artwork has a conservationist message and deals with the intricate and fragile relationship between human development and the environment. I explore tension, contrast and, ultimately, relationships. Not only do I look to the relationships between the formal parts of my work, but I also look at the broader social, political and environmental discourse and the tensions therein.” A variety of chocolate treats will be served.

 EAST OF MAIN STREET:

~ Free Form Woodworking Studio / Micro Gallery (125 Whitney Alley #C) features original watercolor paintings from Debb Campbell and Lynn Marit Peterson, original ceramics by Ron & Nancy Overholtz, raku ceramics by Tom Meyers, original knitwork by Laurel Profita, original artwork by Karl Zellner and Laurie Morrow, aluminum prints and original oil paintings by Karen Nielsen Licher, black & white desert photography by Bruce Licher, and hardwood inlay sculptures, pyrographics on pine, pen & ink and pyrography prints from John & Gina Webber.

~ Hula Halau O’Koru (133 East Line Street in the alley parking lot behind Ben Franklin Crafts and next to Rite Way Pool and Spa in the Elks parking lot off of Whitney Alley) will be presenting hula dancing demonstrations every 15 minutes. Robert Nalumaluhia and Jim Lambert will be playing acoustic guitar and accompanying the dancers on a few numbers. The Accapella Quartet women’s four part harmony group from the High Sierra Chorus will also be singing. Beginner class information and registration will also be available. Hawaiian Chocolate Bread Pudding will be served.

~ Imagine That Creation by Aime (336 High St. just off Willow) will feature a wide range of artistic creations combining love for art, nature, creativity and preserving mother Earth, as they inspire Aime in all her artistic “creations.” Step inside the private, appointment only, tattoo studio of b1Exclusive/Chris Witty and see Imagine that Creation’s assortment of desert glass suncatchers, desert bottles and unique, one of a kind gifts. Last year’s featured, (and raved over) homemade artisan chocolate creations, are also returning with opportunities to purchase them this year. Chocolate Cayenne Pumpkin seeds, Pepermint Chocolate pretzels, Caramel Chocolate Hemp hearts… Come nab them before they are gone. Limited amounts are to be made.

~ Independent Project Press (186-A Willow St.) will host the opening reception for “The Sacredness of Open Spaces,” an exhibit of beautiful encaustic mixed media paintings by Rodney Thompson, featuring layers of beeswax mixed with various earth pigments, tea bags and coffee grounds, among other natural materials. Also in The Project Room at Independent Project Press is the continuation of “Alternative process Photographic Prints,” the current exhibit by well-loved Bishop photographer Joe Profita, featuring new photographic work in a variety of vintage alternative processes including Platinum / Palladium prints, Cyanotypes, and silver prints distressed through the Mordencage process. In addition to these two exhibits, view a working letterpress print shop, along with Eastern Sierra oil paintings by Alan Sonneman and Ray T. Dutcher.  Outside of Independent Project Press will be a Raku Pottery Firing Demonstration by Frances Cholewa and Tom Meyers between 5 PM – 7 PM.  Live musical performance by SR2 (Bruce & Karen Licher) at 7 PM in the print shop.  Chocolate-dipped crystalized ginger and chocolate-dipped raspberries will be offered.

~ Kyle Holland & Jasmine Amara Pop-Up Art Space (outside Independent Project Press at 186-A Willow Street) will be presenting “Water & Time, The Power of Seeing,” a collaborative visual experience featuring photography by Jasmine Amara and Kyle Holland. Both Owens Valley born, Jasmine and Kyle draw inspiration from humanity’s relationship with water. Taking the viewer on a spiritual journey, exploring birth, life and death in a high desert landscape, and possibly in another dimension. While raising important questions about our impact on the environment, this unique photographic experience also celebrates the camera’s ability to preserve fragile fleeting moments. On display one night only, during Bishop’s Chocolate Art Walk next to Independent Project Press at 186A Willow Street, we hope to see you there.

~ Sierra Cottons & Wools – a Fabric, Yarn & Fiber Shop (117 E Line St.) will be presenting artwork by Heather Freeman of Wild Onion Creations. Heather will be showing her handcrafted bags, scarves, wall hangings and home decor pillows inspired by nature and the wild and scenic Eastern Sierra. With original photography custom printed on fabric, these limited pieces of art are sure to remind you of the ruggedness and beauty of our beautiful backyard. Stop by and wrap up your holiday shopping for those on your gift list who love to keep a part of our treasured eastside with them even when inside or on the go. And find out about her upcoming sewing classes if you have the notion to stitch up your own custom creations! Chocolate Cake-Pops will be offered.

 WEST OF MAIN STREET:

~ Christina Rockwell, Community Advocate and Coordinator (621 W Line Street, #205 in the Town and Country Center) will be showing paintings and drawings by Rhondda Saunders, and writings by Chad Cathey. Chocolate dipped strawberries will be offered.

~ Eastside Juice (177 Academy St.) will be presenting “Eastern Sierra Collaborative Installation,” a pop-up exhibit of contemporary works from a collaborative of artists, showcasing the broad diversity of medium and talent in the Eastern Sierras. Artists featured include: Laurel Stanford, Dana Ellis, Mary Matlick, Erin Boehme and her grandmother Dorcas Bircham, Lori Michelon, Janice Kabala, Rita Dushane-Jones, Lynn Marit Peterson, Kelly Turner, Karen and Bruce Licher, Eva Poole-Gilson, S. Thomas Kabala, Skandar Reid, and Judyth Greenberg.

~ Steven White Woodworking (336 Hammond St.) will be hosting an open studio.  See the fine wood shop, a work in progress, and a gallery of furniture and fine wooden gift items.  Steve will also have a display of types of joinery used in his furniture construction. And don’t miss “Whiptail”, the outdoor sculpture behind the studio in the open lot on Academy Street.

~ Tea Cozy Antiques (115 W Line St., near the corner of Main St.) will be featuring photographs by Bishop photographer Neil Sliger. Proceeds from any art sales will support Neil’s niece, Karly McCutcheon, and her business Peaceful Hearts Community Cooperative. Karly is a Davidson Academy of Reno senior and she promotes local art in the Reno area (www.renophcc.com).  Chocolate Tea will be served.

~ Vintage Vogue Boutique – New Women’s Clothing (125 W Line St.) will be featuring Broken Spur, consisting of all handmade, completely unique pieces by artist Whittney Lee Bradley.  Whittney specializes in restoring antiques and creating new pieces all with love and evoking a country cottage charm with a vintage flare.  Some of the items she will be showing and selling are handmade signs, furniture, horse shoe jewelry racks, crosses, seasonal pieces and more.  We will be continuing our fall raffle through that night and offering a chocolate delight. Stop by and see what’s new at Vintage Vogue and enjoy an evening out on the town.

THE NORTHERN CORRIDOR:

~ Coons Gallery/Spotted Dog Press (2399 N Sierra Hwy at Tu Su Lane) will be showing California oil paintings by Richard Coons, Robert Clunie, & Wynne Benti. Longtime Bishop resident Ed Zdon, originally of Eddie & the Blue Notes will be entertaining with with favorite polkas on his accordion including all time favorites such as the Clarinet Polka, the Italian Tarantella Wedding Dance, the Helena Polka and the Pennsylvania Polka. Chocolate brownies will be served.

~ Eastside Art Hub (2203 N Sierra Hwy at See Vee Lane) will be showing upcycled glassware and romantically industrial furniture & lighting fixtures by David Tidwell, oil paintings by Janice Kabala, block prints by Lori Michelon, overpainted photographs by Alex Stenzel, photographs on canvas & acrylic (and books) by Stephen Ingram, metal sculpture by Jael Hoffman, ceramics & raku pottery by Frances Cholewa & Tom Meyers, fine woodworking & hand-creafted furniture by Steven White, soda-fired pottery by Rena Hamilton, and photography by John Dittli.

For further information please contact any of the participating artists or businesses.