Artisans Festival is November 28-29 at Miners Foundry

THIS YEAR MARKS the 40th anniversary of the Artisans Festival, November 28-29 on Thanksgiving weekend, at the historic Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City. The ‘70s saw an arts and cultural renaissance in Nevada City, and the Artisans Festival at the Miners Foundry was at the center of it.

This is one of the longest running holiday festivals in Nevada County and is known for showcasing the exceptional work of regional artists. From fine art photography and woodworking to leather accessories and watercolor paintings, there is something for every budget.

“This year the fine artisans with their works for sale will be set against an exciting, festive Art Party backdrop with the Foundry transformed by installation art displays, performance art, live music, children’s holiday art activities, and a rustic, bohemian Acoustic Café and Wine Bar,” explains the show’s producer Laura Gerhart.

The music includes Lorraine Gervais accompanied on piano singing ‘20s and ‘30s jazz songs, Lisa Stine on harp and Heather MacAdam on guitar.

Osborn & Woods

Once the most important gold mining town in the state, Nevada City also experienced an arts and culture renaissance 40 years ago. “By the late 60s, Gary Snyder, U. Utah Phillips and a host of authors and musicians” were settling around Nevada City, according to the blog for Gravel & Gold in San Francisco.

Print artists David Osborn and Charles Woods, who met at UC Berkeley when they were studying to get their master’s degrees in Art History, also were an artistic force. “Along with running the Osborn/ Woods store, David and Charles took an interest in a whole bunch of projects serving the Nevada City community. Their first big step was to save the old Miners Foundry.

“They transformed the building, which had been in use as a service garage, to the American Victorian Museum. The AVM housed their extensive collection of Victoriana, hosted seminars, and provided a venue for the performing arts.”

In 1978, Osborne & Woods— with help from Lee Amundsen and a $300 grant—created KVMR 89.5FM Community Radio.