Join us November 16 for our final membership meeting of 2026—art, inspiration, friendship, and a look ahead!
Dear MLAA Members,
Art, community, and great cider—what a festival! Our 17 artists tallied $4,314 in sales at the Indigeny Fall Festival. Thanks to our participating artists, Cassandra, and the whole Indigeny crew!
November 14, 2nd Saturday: Join featured MLAA artist Marianne Hale Levitan at the Goodness Cafe from 5-6 pm (note new location and time) for an art demo, good company, and try the excellent food and drink!
November 21–22: Ready for some holiday art sales? Apply for a free booth at the MLAA Holiday Pop-Up at Telfer’s Gas Station, across from the high school. Donations to MLAA are welcome and entirely optional.
Help shape 2027! We’re looking for a Treasurer and Secretary. Interested—or know someone who might be? Let us know! We have plenty of creative adventures planned, and we’d love you to be part of them.
Thanks for keeping our local art community thriving!
Kelly Telfer
President, MLAA
P.S. That Indigeny cider deserves an encore! We were so happy to see MLAA President Emeritus Bob Feigen and his charming wife, Lori, among the many friendly faces who stopped by our booth at the Indigeny Fall Festival!
One of the best things about being part of this vibrant arts community is the genuine friendship, encouragement, and support we share with one another. It's what makes MLAA so special!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN THE FUN! UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov 14, 2026: Second Saturday Art Party with Marianne Hale Levitan at Goodness Cafe 5-6 PM Nov 16, 2026: Board Meeting 11 AM - 1 PM, Last General Meeting of the Year and Artist Demo with Sara Dyckman 1-3 PM Nov 21-22, 2026: Holiday Gas Station Pop Up Dec 12, 2026: Second Saturday Art Party, TBD Jan 21, 2027: New Year's Evening Mixer: Board Meeting and General Meeting
November 16 Board and General MeetingArt, Friendship & One Last Gathering Before the Year Ends!
Board Meeting – Open to the Public Our November Board Meeting will cover upcoming events, activities, and will conduct our annual 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! As another creative year draws to a close, we invite you to join us for MLAA's final general membership meeting of 2026 on Monday, November 16! It's a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow artists, share inspiration, celebrate our creative community, and look ahead to what's coming in the new year. Whether you're a longtime member or haven't attended in a while, we'd love to see you there!
At MLAA, we celebrate every reason to create. Whether you make art for personal enjoyment, creative exploration, connection, or a living, you belong here.
We'll report the outcome of our MLAA Board elections and opportunities to get involved! Following our updates, enjoy a special demonstration by Sara Dykman.
Artist Demo: Wood Carving Spoons Sara Dykman began carving spoons during COVID. Five hundred spoons later, she loves how carving has opened her eyes to the diversity of trees and their wood in California. She believes carving is like having a conversation with a tree. The shape of each spoon depends on the wood's cracks, knots, grain, beetle galleries, heart wood, and all the other details that make each tree unique. Join Sara for an afternoon of learning about different types of wood, basic carving tools, and how to turn a branch into a spoon!
November 16, 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 NEEDS YOU!
Elections coming just two weeksMother 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.
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 and Goodness Cafe will be open with yummy offerings! - Date: November 14, 2026
- Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Goodness Cafe, 1 S Washington St, Sonora, CA
Big Thanks! to the Union Democrat!Thank You to
The Union Democrat!A big thank-you to The Union Democrat for featuring our Annual Art Show & Sale on the front page of its October 28 edition!
We're grateful for their continued support of MLAA and the local arts community. Coverage like this helps shine a spotlight on our talented artists, introduces their work to new audiences, and reminds our community just how vibrant the arts are here in the Mother Lode.
We're delighted to have The Union Democrat as a community partner and appreciate their commitment to celebrating the people, creativity, and events that make our region special.
Thank you for helping keep the arts in the spotlight!
Helping Artists Turn Creativity into Opportunity
This is our last opportunity of the year for MLAA members to sell art!
Artist Eligibility & Artwork Guidelines
- MLAA pop-up events are designed to showcase original artwork and artist-created works that reflect individual creativity, artistic expression, and craftsmanship.
- We welcome a variety of artistic media, including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber art, and other original art forms.
- To maintain the character of an art-focused exhibition, we ask that participating artists offer work that emphasizes artistic design and expression rather than primarily functional or general craft merchandise.
- Affordable reproductions and merchandise featuring an artist's original artwork, such as prints, greeting cards, magnets, and similar items, are welcome as complementary offerings.
- Artists are responsible for their own set up, sales, licensing and insurance.
- Artists need to be able to attend both dates.
- MLAA is not charging anything to vend as this is a pilot program we are testing; however, you do need to provide proof of insurance to participate. If you don't have insurance, you can check with ACT Insurance, who issues coverage for shows - they are highly regarded in the art show space.
Contact us at info@mlaa.org for more info and to secure your space. Come and be part of the fun! Early Sign-ups DO include the following. Let's get YOUR picture in the next newsletter! The Man Himself, Kelly Telfer We have room for more!
Contact us today at info@mlaa.org to get on the list!
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!
Join these folks who have recently signed up!
New Workshops Coming Next Year!Getting 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.
Whether you're preparing for your very first show or just want to better understand the ins and outs of doing shows, this class will help you take those next steps with confidence.
Stay tuned for dates and registration details!
Do you have news to share?Have an exhibit coming up? Entering a juried or competitive art show? Know of a Call for Artists? We'd love to hear about it and get it in the newsletter! Contact Monica Satterthwaite at marketing@mlaa.org! - Newsletter Editor: Monica Satterthwaite
- Newsletter Publisher: Sherri Bloomer
Venue Exhibit Opportunities
October 19 Board and General MeetingWe had a wonderful turnout for Monica Satterthwaite’s No Wimpy Watercolor! demonstration, and what a treat it was! Monica, winner of both Best of Show and the Diane Sanguinette Award at our 71st Annual Art Show and Sale, shared a variety of techniques that made watercolor painting look almost effortless.
Attendees learned how to transfer images, consider color tone and saturation, and use the technique of carefully wetting small, defined areas before dropping in color and letting the watercolor work its magic. Monica even showed us how to create realistic water droplets in a painting!
We also learned that Monica is relatively new to our area and is considering offering classes. Judging by the enthusiastic response to her demonstration, we suspect she'd have plenty of interested students!
Thank you, Monica, for sharing your talent, techniques, and enthusiasm with us. You certainly made watercolor look easy - and inspired us to give it a try!
Art, Friendship & Fun at the Indigeny Fall Festival!MLAA artists enjoyed two wonderful weekends at the Indigeny Fall Festival, sharing their artwork, making new friends, and getting to know fellow artists a little better. There was plenty of laughter, great conversation, and even a few sales along the way!
Beyond the sales, one of the biggest rewards was connecting with our local community. Festival visitors had a chance to meet the artists behind the work, hear their stories, and discover the incredible creativity right here in our area. We saw lots of genuine interest and conversations that may well lead to future sales and lasting connections.
We've uploaded lots of photos from both weekends to our Event Photo Gallery. Take a look and relive some of the fun!
[View the Indigeny Fall Festival Photo Gallery]
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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