October 16, 2026 Date Correction 🎨 Art Show winners revealed! Plus, new opportunities to show and sell your art! Art Show winners revealed!Plus, new events and opportunities to show and sell your art!
I'm also incredibly grateful to every artist who participated in our 71st Annual MLAA Art Show & Sale, and especially to our wonderful volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy to make it a huge success. You are what makes MLAA so special, and I can't thank you enough!
Calling all MLAA artists! We have some exciting opportunities to exhibit and sell your artwork at the Indigeny Fall Festival, October 17–18 and 24–25, and at the Telfer Gas Station Holiday Art Show, November 20–22! We'd love to see you participate! A Heartfelt Thank You!
I want to personally thank the Sonora Area Foundation for believing in MLAA and generously supporting our mission to bring art and creativity to our community. As a special thank-you, we commissioned talented 10-year-old local artist Maura Hance to paint a beautiful watercolor of their building!
And don't forget our new FREE MLAA Artist Directory! All MLAA members can showcase up to six pieces of artwork, an artist biography, a profile photo, and links to their website or social media. It's a great way to promote yourself and connect with art lovers!
Click here to sign up for the FREE MLAA Artist Directory!
Together, we're building a stronger, more vibrant arts community!
Create often, Kelly Telfer
President
Mother Lode Art Association
MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN THE FUN! UPCOMING EVENTS
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 by Monica Satterthwaite Nov 14, 2026: Second Saturday Art Party, Sonora Inn with Marianne Hale Levitan Nov 16, 2026: Board meeting, Annual General Meeting and Election, Artist Demo by Sara Dykman Nov 20-22, 2026: Holiday Pop Up at Telfer's Gas Station Dec 12, 2026: Second Saturday Art Party location Sonora Inn Dec 21, 2026: Board Meeting, General Meeting, Guest Speaker Tom Neiderer of Aloft, Holiday Celebration
October 19 Board and General MeetingBig Things Are Happening at MLAA – Be in the Know!
Board Meeting – Open to the Public Our October Board Meeting will cover a variety of important topics, including upcoming events, activities, and our general election. All members and interested guests are welcome to attend and learn more about what's happening at MLAA.
General Meeting – Exciting Updates & Artist Demonstration! We have lots of exciting news to share at our October General Meeting! We'll highlight upcoming opportunities for artists to sell their work and introduce a new class, The Artist's Roadmap to Selling - Navigating permits, insurance, shows, and setup - designed to help artists navigate the ins and outs of selling their art independently.
We'll also discuss our upcoming MLAA Board elections and opportunities to get involved! We're currently seeking members interested in serving as Treasurer, Secretary, Plein Air Chairperson, Paint Party Chairperson, and New Members Chairperson - see details below. If you've been thinking about taking a more active role in MLAA, we'd love to hear from you! Following our updates, enjoy a special demonstration by Monica Satterthwaite, winner of both Best of Show and the Daine Sanguinette Award at our 71st Annual Art Show and Sale!
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
MLAA November Art Party
On Saturday, November 14, 2026, the MLAA Art Party will feature poet and photographer Marianne Hale Levitan, who will guide participants in a Poetography project to encourage exploration of expression and creativity. All materials are FREE!
Hosted by Lydia Osias. - Date: November 14, 2026
- Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Location: To Be Announced
Helping Artists Turn Creativity into Opportunity
New Workshop Coming in November:
The Artist's Roadmap to SellingGetting Started with Selling Your Art Independently
You've asked for it, and we're putting it together!
As MLAA brings more and more selling opportunities to our artists, we've heard your questions about navigating the business side of selling your art. Where do you get the right permits and licenses? Do you need insurance? How do you find shows? And what equipment and supplies do you need to get started?
The Artist's Roadmap to Selling is a practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help artists navigate the ins and outs of selling their work independently. We'll cover the basics of business licenses, seller's permits, insurance, finding selling opportunities, and setting up for art shows, fairs, and markets.
Whether you're preparing for your very first show or just want to better understand the requirements, this class will help you take those next steps with confidence.
Stay tuned for dates and registration details!
ARTIST DIRECTORY
IS YOUR PROFILE UP YET?Your art deserves to be seen – and MLAA wants to help make that happen!
Our online Artist Directory is growing, and we want EVERY MLAA member to be represented! It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase your creativity, introduce yourself to the community, and help art lovers discover your work.
Getting started is easy! Simply create a member account on the MLAA website, add your artist bio, and upload up to six photos of your artwork. You can update your profile anytime with new photos, fresh artwork, or changes to your bio.
Don't miss this free benefit of your MLAA membership! Join your fellow artists already featured in the directory and make sure your work is part of our growing online showcase.
Take a few minutes today to set up your profile and let your art shine!
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. ProPanels and tables provided.
Contact us at info@mlaa.org for more info or call Lydia at 510-910-4718 or Sherri at 408/921-0657 to secure your space today!
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, sales, licensing and insurance.
Contact us at info@mlaa.org for more info and to secure your space. Come and be part of the fun! Early Sign-ups may or may not include the following. Let's get YOUR picture in the next newsletter! The Man Himself, Kelly Telfer Eleanor BonBon (currently being "volun-told" by Kelly!)
Venue Exhibit Opportunities
Mother Lode Art Association
71st Annual Art Show
Celebrating
Artistic Excellence:
2026 Art Show Honorees
Best in Show Jaguar Monica Satterthwaite A lively, fun-filled evening opened the MLAA 71st. Annual Art Show and Sale on Friday, October 2, 2026. Artists, patrons, friends, and visitors enjoyed art, music, and food and drink at the Sonora Elks Lodge. Check out our Gallery of shots from the show!
Harp and Harp provided music for the reception and Goodness Cafe served a delicious buffet selection of party food.
Artist Awards were presented by MLAA President Kelly Telfer who also led an interactive painting demonstration on Saturday.
Silent Auction and Raffle Drawings were met with great enthusiasm. Thank you to all who donated items and congrats to the winners. All proceeds from the show and sale benefit the Art in Education Program in Sonora schools.
A special thank you to Judie Cain and Michael Severin for sharing their time, expertise, and artistic insight as judges for our 71st Annual Art Show and Sale!
We're grateful to both artists for helping make this year's show such a success! Judie Cain is an award-winning oil and pastel artist and instructor based in Forest Meadows near Murphys. Her work includes landscapes, florals, and scenes of everyday life, and has been exhibited in galleries throughout California. Michael Severin is an accomplished Sonora-based landscape painter known for his beautiful, semi-impressionistic oil paintings inspired by the Sierra Nevada foothills. A dedicated plein air artist, Michael has spent decades developing his craft and capturing the beauty of our region. Best of Show Jaguar by Monica Satterthwaite Diane Sanguinette Award Farmers Market by Monica Satterthwaite Acrylic and Oil 1st Sweet Peas and Limes by Susan Fry 2nd Still Water by Kellie Hales 3rd IMSA BMW by Kelly Telfer
Honorable Mentions: Utica Ditch by Susan Fry Zoologists Study by Diana Boegel High View by Kellie Hales Fire on the Hill by Kellie Hales Sunward by Teina Lathrop Reflections by Eva Walker Watercolor 1st Trappings by Linda Christiani 2nd Narcissus by Pamela Mejia 3rd Louise by Matt Fitzwater Pastels 1st Old Oil Can by Diana Boegel 2nd Flower Drama by Rayna Coller Mixed Media and Graphics 1st The Glance by Sheri Drake 2nd Moonlight Rhythm by Mel Martin 3rd Breakthrough by Joy Willow Drawing 1st Ancient Wisdom by Erica Taylor 2nd Ancient Love by Erica Taylor 3rd Lucy by Matt Fitzwater
Honorable Mention: Catch of the Day by Victoria Freeman Photo Club 1st Standing Alone by Paul Judy 2nd Salt Point by George Dondero 3rd Egret Night Race by Stephen McNally
Honorable Mentions: Where the Light Gets In by Mel Martin Aspens in the Golden Hour by Gary Merrill Between the Storms by Paul Judy The Gathering Veil by Paul Judy Yosemite Valley Chapel in the Moonlight by Marianne Hale Levitan Mesa Verde Yucca by Janet Alcade Portrait #7 by Jeffrey Luhn Three-Dimensional Art
Wood 1st Funerary Box by Gary Osias Metal 1st The Wayfinder by Sherri Bloomer Clay 1st Fish Plate by Cindy Variz Other 1st Free Standing by Chris Halley
Foothill Favorites 1st St Charles Saloon, Columbia by Carla Johnson 2nd Table Mountain by Susan Fry 3rd The Great Valley by Salley Anne Fischer WATCH Resources 1st Salmon in a River by Lukas Miller 2nd Rainbow Reef by BB 3rd Color in Motion by Karissa Archer
Honorable Mentions: Koi Fish by Mandy Ide Lizard by Jenna DeCosta
As part of our participation in Sonora Second Saturday Art Night, the MLAA Art Party guest artist Kym Casner led a lively group in an Ice Dye project creating tie dye bandanas/ handkerchiefs.
A new MLAA “feather sign” outside the Sonora Inn invited people in to join the activity.
Thank you to Lydia Osias who hosted the event.
Get together with the girls!
MLAA NEEDS YOU!
Elections coming in NovemberMother 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 - Help Keep MLAA on Solid Financial Ground!
- Are you comfortable with numbers and enjoy keeping things organized? We're looking for a Treasurer to work with the Board to manage MLAA's finances, track income and expenses, and help keep our organization financially healthy. You don't need to be an accountant – just detail-oriented, dependable, and willing to be part of a great team!
- Secretary - Help Keep Us Organized and On Track!
- Are you a good listener who enjoys keeping things organized? Our Secretary plays an important role in keeping MLAA running smoothly by taking notes at Board meetings, preparing and distributing minutes, and helping maintain important organizational records. It's a wonderful way to stay involved and help shape MLAA's future!
- Paint Party Chairperson – Bring People Together Through Art!
- Love creative gatherings and bringing people together? Help us spread the joy of art! We're looking for someone to develop and coordinate fun, engaging paint parties in partnership with local businesses and community organizations. You'll help plan events, coordinate with artists and community partners, and create opportunities for people to discover their creativity. Bring your enthusiasm and ideas – we'll work together to make them happen!
- Plein Air Outings Chairperson - Help Us Take Art Outdoors!
- Plan and co-ordinate plein air outings for MLAA members. You'll scout interesting locations, schedule outings, and bring artists together to create, learn, and enjoy the beauty of our region. No special expertise required – just a love of art, a little organizational flair, and a spirit of adventure!
- New Members Chairperson – Be the Friendly Face of MLAA!
- Do you enjoy meeting people and making them feel welcome? Help our newest members feel right at home! We're looking for a friendly, outgoing volunteer to reach out to new members, introduce them to MLAA's activities and opportunities, and encourage them to get involved. A warm welcome can turn a new member into a lifelong friend – and you can help make that happen!
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.
The Benefits of Belonging -
Your MLAA Membership Perks!Are you making the most of your MLAA membership? There's more to belonging than you might realize! We're continually expanding opportunities to help our members learn, connect, showcase their creativity, and sell their art.
Here's what your membership offers: - Monthly Meetings & Artist Demonstrations – Learn new techniques, find inspiration, and connect with fellow artists.
- Community Exhibition Opportunities – Display your artwork at local businesses and other venues throughout the community.
- Art Shows, Pop-Ups & Special Events – Participate in MLAA-sponsored events where you can showcase and sell your work.
- Online Artist Directory – Gain visibility by featuring your artwork, artist bio, and contact information on the MLAA website.
- Featured Artist Spotlight (Coming Soon!) – Get recognized on our website and in our newsletter and share your artistic journey with the MLAA community.
Your membership opens doors – make sure you're walking through them! Get involved, explore new opportunities, and take full advantage of everything MLAA has to offer.
Spread the Word -
Share the Excitement!Know an artist or someone who loves and supports the arts? Forward this newsletter and invite them to discover all the exciting things happening at MLAA!
With more art shows, selling opportunities, classes, creative events, and ways to connect with fellow artists, there's never been a better time to get involved!
We're also growing our Online MLAA Artist Directory, showcasing members' artwork, bios, and contact information to help our artists gain greater visibility in the community.
Help us grow our creative community! Take a moment to forward this newsletter to an artist friend (or two!) and show them what they're missing!!
MLAA Partner Venues Show & Sell Our 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.
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! A Special Thank You to Our Partner Venues!
You Can View & Purchase MLAA Member Artwork
at These Locations:
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 us at info@mlaa.org 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 us at info@mlaa.org 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
Mother Lode Art Association
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