Plein Air Brunch at the Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad

The Cannon Art Gallery in South Carlsbad is hosting its 6th annual Plein Air Brunch, the fundraiser for the gallery. If you have an interest in art, like to support it in the local community, and would like something fun to do on a Sunday morning, this may be it.

This cool event is being held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 in the courtyard at the gallery/Carlsbad Library at 1775 Dove Lane, just west of El Camino Real, and about 1/2 mile north of the La Costa Spa and Resort.

9:30 a.m. Table Viewing
10-11:30 a.m. Brunch

Cost is $50/ticket - ON SALE NOW!

Here are the details from the Press Release:

"Don your spring hats and come to the annual gala Plein Air Brunch at The William D. Cannon Art Gallery. This unique fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 in the courtyard of the Carlsbad City Library at 1775 Dove Lane. The 6th Annual Plein Air Brunch features tables decorated by local artists and guest designers in the style of famous artists from throughout the ages. This event is sponsored by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts and is open to everyone. Proceeds from this fundraiser go toward the Gallery's Arts Education Program, Three-Part-Art. As this is the ONLY FUNDRAISER for the much visited and applauded community art gallery, contributions are needed, solicited and very much appreciated.
A few of the table designs this year will include artist interpretations of: Gustav Klimt, Monet, Degas, Cassatt and Joaquin Sorolla among others.

Each year, there is a much anticipated silent auction and raffle. New this year is a silent auction of WORKS OF ART, donated by well known artists from the surrounding San Diego county area. In addition, the artists and designers who graciously design the table settings have been given an opportunity to display their work in the adjoining gallery/library vicinity. Their work will be available to purchase, with proceeds going directly to the artist

Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of their legal value. Tickets go on sale mid to late March. To contribute and be recognized in the event's program bulletin or for ticket information, contact the Cannon Art Gallery directly at 760-602-2021."

So check it out - you will enjoy yourself, have some wonderful food catered by Isaac's Catering (I have been to several events that they catered and the food is great!), and can help support this wonderful gallery.

PS - I am donating the champagne - come enjoy a glass or have a mimosa!

Take a Trip to Idyllwild, CA

I spent this past Saturday and Sunday visiting Idyllwild, about 90 miles from where I live in Carlsbad. For those of you who have not been there, it is worth the less-than-2-hour trip, out beyond Temecula and through the Anza Valley.

Idyllwild has a reputation as an arts town (“one of the 100 best art towns in America”), and offers some of the best hiking and rock climbing in the area, with trails to suit every skill level (Mt. Jacinto, 10,804 ft., Suicide Rock, 7,528, Lily Rock, 8,000, and Tahquitz Peak, 8,828). The Deer Springs Trail, off Route 243 just outside of town, is popular with the general public. More experienced hikers might choose to start out from Humber Park, near the base of Lily Rock. The views are breathtaking, whether you are hiking or simply driving along the many scenic roads. Camping is also available, as well as horseback riding, fishing, biking, and boating. Check with the ranger stations regarding where day and/or overnight permits are required (e.g., some hiking trails, camping).

The town itself offers a wide range of shopping, restaurants and galleries, and is easily walkable. We spent the entire afternoon on Saturday exploring the area shops and being good consumers. Next Sunday (Easter), April 7, is their 12th Annual Audible Art Tour with musicians, galleries, venues and artists, from 2 – 5 PM.

There are many lodging options in Idyllwild as well and nearby. These include house (Idyllwild Vacation Rentals) and cabin rentals (Manzanita Cabins), small hotels, inns (Creekstone Inn, Bluebird Cottage Inn) and rustic lodges, and a number of bed and breakfast establishments (Strawberry Creek Inn, the Lodge at Pine Cove B and B).

If you are interested in buying a home here (for vacations, investment, or to live in), there is a pretty good inventory now, up from last year by about 60%, per a local agent I met. There are small cabins and homes in the low to mid $200s, and good selection of 3-4 bedroom properties, many with views, in the $400K - $700K range, or you can spend over a million. Land is also available, and reasonably inexpensive by Los Angeles and San Diego standards – as low as $39,000 for .15 acre, for example, or you can get .26 acres with views of Lily Rock and more for $15,900. Idyllwild Realty is, I believe, the largest real estate office there – Ask for Bill Harris and tell him I sent you.

We weren’t there long enough to try more than one restaurant, but the Gastrognome was great for dinner Saturday night. It has a good reputation both for food and service, and is located right in the heart of Idyllwild (an easy walk if you are staying in town).

It was a great place to visit and a beautiful drive out and back – once you are past Temecula you are on a scenic two lane road the whole way, with little traffic. It’s absolutely worth the trip