Rain or Shine: Carlmont Shopping Center to Host Arts Fest this Weekend

 will serve as an outdoor art gallery this weekend during the Belmont Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival. The festival, which is sponsored by the Carlmont Village Merchant Association, will take place March 24-25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

More than 20 celebrated artists will be on hand during this free event, giving visitors the opportunity to browse and buy unique and original pieces ranging from paintings, photography, ceramics, fine jewelry and much more.  

Sculptors, jewelers and photographers 

Among the artists showcasing their wares at this year’s show is Gary Chappell of Nevada City, California who has been making jewelry since 1972. His creations, each crafted from metal fabrications, hard wax and other materials, are all one-of-a-kind.  Gary is also a gem cutter and enjoys using unique gems in his jewelry such as fossilized coral.

Sculptor Chris Efstratis of Sacramento creates clay vessels of all sizes, some of which stand six feet tall. Most of his sculptures are bright and bold incorporating shadows of cool colors. “Some of my pieces have underlying meanings due to their action or character, but sometimes I just like building something simply because it is fun,” says Chris.

Pat Toth-Smith's nature and wildlife photographs have been taken throughout the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica primarily at national,state and regional parks. Based in Benicia, California, her subject matter includes bears, birds, sea life and other wildlife. 

Other artists include painter Karen Hale, jeweler Mendy Marks and mixed-media artist Lance MacKenzie.

For more information, contact Pacific Fine Arts Festivals at (209) 267-4394 or visit www.pacificfinearts.com.

(Marc Gendron of Pacific Fine Arts contributed to this article.)

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