October 1, 2026 Date Correction for Oct 2nd Saturday Have Fun. Get Involved. Make Some Art!
Here’s what’s coming up next Thank you for being part of our vibrant Mother Lode art community
October is shaping up to be an exciting month for the Mother Lode Art Association! Our 71st Annual Art Show & Sale is here, along with new opportunities to show and sell artwork, our Second Saturday Art Party, artist demonstrations, and more ways than ever for our members to connect with the community.
I’m especially excited about our NEW FREE MLAA Artist Directory on the MLAA website. Every member can now create an artist profile, upload a bio and up to six images, and share their work with collectors, galleries, businesses, and our community. Our goal is simple: we want every MLAA artist represented! If you haven’t created your profile yet, please jump in and join the growing directory.
Most importantly, I want to thank all of the incredible volunteers, board members, committee members, participating artists, instructors, and supporters who make all of this possible. MLAA is growing because so many people are willing to share their time, ideas, energy, and creativity.
There is a lot happening - and even more ahead. Thank you for being part of it!
Create often, Kelly Telfer
President
Mother Lode Art Association
MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN THE FUN UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct 2 -4, 2026: 71st Annual Art Show and Sale, Sonora Elks Lodge Oct 10, 2026: Second Saturday Art Party, Sonora Inn Oct 17-18, 2026: Indigency Reserve Fall Festival Oct 24-25, 2026: Indigency Reserve Fall Festival Oct 19,2026: Board Meeting, General Meeting, Artist Demo Nov 16, 2026: Annual General Meeting - Board meeting and Election Nov 20-22, 2026: Holiday Pop Up Dec 12, 2026: Humane Society of Tuolumne County Paint Party Dec 12, 2026: Second Saturday Art Party location TBD Dec 21, 2026: Board Meeting, General Meeting, Artist Demo
Mother Lode Art Association presents
71st Annual Art Show & Sale
October 2-4, 2026
Sonora Elks Lodge
100 Elk Drive, SonoraCome join us for the71st. Annual Art Show and Sale at the Sonora Elks Lodge.
The Opening Reception is on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
See the art, meet the artists, see art demos and enjoy the food and music.
Check out the Silent Auction items, the raffle prizes, and the Raffle Grand Prize – an original oil painting Downtown Sonora by well known local artist and MLAA member Michael Severin.
Dates and Times:
Friday, October 2, 2026 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Artists Reception 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Awards at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2026 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Sonora Elks Lodge, 100 Elk Drive, Sonora, CA
With Gratitude
to The Union Democrat,
KVML News Talk
and Star 92.7 Radio Stations!The Mother Lode Art Association extends our sincere appreciation to The Union Democrat, KVML News Talk and Star 92.7 Radio Stations for their generous support and advertising of our Annual Art Show.
Their continued commitment to promoting local arts and community events helps us reach a wider audience, celebrate the talented artists of our region, and keep the arts thriving in the Mother Lode.
Thank you, Union Democrat, for being a valued supporter of our local arts community!
MLAA October Art Party
As part of of our ongoing collaboration with Sonora’s Second Saturday Art Night, MLAA is pleased to feature Kym Casner who will lead participants in the Ice-Dye Technique on handkerchiefs / bandanas. Make a beautiful gift for yourself or someone you love.
Instruction and all supplies are provided.
Bring a friend and come and join the fun!
Hosted by Lydia Osias. - Date: October 10, 2026
- Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE
- Location: Sonora Inn, 160 S. Washington Street, Sonora CA
TWO NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO SELL YOUR ART!
OCTOBER 17 & 18 OCTOBER 24 & 25 INDIGENY FALL FESTIVAL: TWO WEEKENDS!Show and sell your art at the Indigeny Reserve Fall Festival. Mother Lode Art Association is participating in the festival on two consecutive weekends: October 17th &18th, and October 24th & 25th.
Members can show and sell their work in the MLAA Booth on any or all days of the festival. This is a chance to sell your art in a beautiful autumn setting!
Artists are responsible for their own set up and sales within our 10x20 booth.
Contact us at info@mlaa.org for more info and to secure your space.
HOLIDAY POP-UP AT TELFER’S GAS STATIONThis is another wonderful opportunity for MLAA members to sell art before the holiday gift giving season.
Located at N Washington and Columbia Way in the old Creative Stereo gas station across from the high school. There is a 1,000 sq.foot indoor space and space for tents and tables outside. This event is scheduled for November 20 - 22, 2026.
Artists are responsible for their own set up and sales.
Contact us at info@mlaa.org for more info and to secure your space. Come and be part of the fun! Early Sign-ups Include:
ARTIST DIRECTORY
MLAA members – show your art work on the Mother Lode Association Website. The goal is for all members to be represented. It’s easy to upload your artist bio and up to six photos of your work. Create a member account on the website and follow the easy instructions to get started. You may make changes at any time: new photos, updates bio, etc. Join the growing number of members represented and show your work to the community.
OCTOBER BOARD MEETING AND GENERAL MEETING AND ARTIST DEMO WITH MONICA SATTERTHWAITE
Artist Demo: No Wimpy Watercolor! Think watercolor is too difficult? Monica will demonstrate some fun and easy techniques using a limited palette of transparent colors that can be used in simple or more complex paintings.
October 19, 2026 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Board Meeting 1:00 - 1:20 p.m. General Meeting 1:20 - 3:00 p.m. Artist Demo
Sonora Library Conference Room 480 Greenley Road, Sonora CA
SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEETING
Marianne Hale Levitan, the guest artist at the MLAA September general meeting, describes herself as a multi-media artist, working in photography, writing, and poetography. She combines her skills and her inspirations to help us explore our creativity. She shared a recent project, a photo taken on a nature walk and the poem that resulted and then led participants in a project to make connections between ourselves and the world around us.
MLAA NEEDS YOU!
Mother Lode Art Association currently has several crucial openings for talented people that must be filled. We will be having our General Meeting and Election in November. Please let us know if you can contribute! - Treasurer: work with the board to manage our finances
- Secretary: work with the board to keep notes at board meetings and distribute minutes
- Paint Party Chairperson: develop and co-ordinate paint parties with with our partners from the community
- New Members Chairperson: reach out to new members and help them feel welcome
If you have a few hours a week to contribute, you can meet and work with fellow members and help MLAA continue the exciting programs it offers. If you are interested or would like more info, contact info@mlaa.org.
Please pass this email along to your artist friends! We have LOTS of exciting events, opportunities, and fun things happening! AND—we’re creating a brand-new Online MLAA Artist Gallery featuring our members’ artwork, bios, and contact information. Stay tuned for details!
A Special Thank You to Our Partner Venues!
You Can View & Purchase MLAA Member Artwork at These Locations:More About MLAA Partner Venues — Show & Sell Your Art! Would you like to have MLAA member artwork exhibited at your business or venue?
Contact MLAA Venues Chair Patti Mauro at 209-768-0272 or borisboy17@gmail.com to learn more and request approval to join our MLAA Venues Program.
Interested in exhibiting your art or have questions? Contact: Patti Mauro MLAA Artist & Venue Chairperson 209-768-0272 borisboy17@gmail.com
Meet Patti Mauro Patti is a Sonora-based artist who has called the Sierra Foothills home for nearly 50 years. Watercolor is her primary medium, although she enjoys exploring many other forms of art. Her work is continually inspired by the beauty of the foothills—especially nature, animals, and people. Happy Painting!
Host an MLAA Paint Party! Bring people together, get creative, and raise money for your organization!MLAA partners with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to host fun, easy-to-organize Paint Parties that raise funds for both your organization and the Mother Lode Art Association.
You provide the room, tables, and chairs — MLAA brings the rest! We provide the artist/instructor, easels, canvases, paints, brushes, supplies, and everything needed for a creative, memorable event.
Paint Parties are a great way to bring customers, employees, friends, and supporters together while supporting the arts and our local community.
Interested in hosting a Paint Party?
Contact Sherri Bloomer at sherri@contemporaryrelics.com for more information.
MLAA Artists — We Need You!
Are you an MLAA member artist interested in leading a Paint Party? We’re looking for artists to help us grow this fun community program. Contact Sherri Bloomer to learn more and get involved!
Please email info@mlaa.org to request to be approved for inclusion in our Friends of the Arts section!
Featured Artists & BusinessesWant your art organization or business featured here? Promote your art, business, or creative service to the Mother Lode arts community with an annual listing for just $50.
Email info@mlaa.org to request a listing. Sonora Arts offers continuous art instruction in Clay, Mixed Media, Papermaking, Alcohol Inks, Drawing and Watercolor. To schedule classes go to: https://sonoraarts.com or email: sonora.arts19@gmail.com
Art Instructors are: Lydia Osias, Clay Instructor Barbara McNair, Mixed Media & Recycled Art Instructor Kelli O’Brien, Watercolor & Acrylic Instructor Amy Aldrich, Alcohol Ink Instructor Stefany Haynie, Drawing Instructor
The Mother Lode Art Association requests your support! Our 71st Annual Art Show & Sale will be held Oct 2-6 at the Sonora Elks Lodge. All proceeds from the show provide funding for art supplies and projects at local schools. Your cash donation in any amount is welcome and may be tax deductible (consult with your tax preparer to confirm).
Mother Lode Art Association
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