M.L.A.A. History Corner
by Loretta Pagni
Our Historian, Loretta Pagni, is a long-time member of the Mother Lode Art Association. From time to time she shares her memories to create a priceless record of the people and activities of the MLAA. If you'd like to add a recollection to the History Corner, click here to contact us!
A Memory of Jack Cassinetto
Our friend Jack Cassinetto passed away in January of 2019. His landscape paintings, in an instantly recognizable tonalist style, earned him a reputation as an artist that extended far beyond Northern California. Apart from his career in art, he was a respected teacher and local businessman who was twice elected Mayor of Sonora between 1985 and 1994. Loretta Pagni, artist and MLAA historian, has provided her memories and her own sketch of Jack, drawn from life. The sketch shows Jack (in the background) in conversation with a man with a Caffeine Mary’s mug.
Loretta recounts that she knew Jack from elementary school in Sonora. Jack and his wife, photographer Connie Cassinetto, were longstanding members of the MLAA. Over the years, Jack served in different positions, including art show chairman and program vice chairman.
When Jack was mayor, Loretta worked part time at Caffeine Mary’s, a coffee shop on Washington Street in Sonora, where Jack would come to sip coffee and chat. She always called him on his birthday; one time she gave him a print of her painting of the Red Church, and he gave her one of his landscape paintings in his characteristic style. “I will always remember him!” Loretta writes.
Our friend Jack Cassinetto passed away in January of 2019. His landscape paintings, in an instantly recognizable tonalist style, earned him a reputation as an artist that extended far beyond Northern California. Apart from his career in art, he was a respected teacher and local businessman who was twice elected Mayor of Sonora between 1985 and 1994. Loretta Pagni, artist and MLAA historian, has provided her memories and her own sketch of Jack, drawn from life. The sketch shows Jack (in the background) in conversation with a man with a Caffeine Mary’s mug.
Loretta recounts that she knew Jack from elementary school in Sonora. Jack and his wife, photographer Connie Cassinetto, were longstanding members of the MLAA. Over the years, Jack served in different positions, including art show chairman and program vice chairman.
When Jack was mayor, Loretta worked part time at Caffeine Mary’s, a coffee shop on Washington Street in Sonora, where Jack would come to sip coffee and chat. She always called him on his birthday; one time she gave him a print of her painting of the Red Church, and he gave her one of his landscape paintings in his characteristic style. “I will always remember him!” Loretta writes.
Kitty Davids, In Loving Memory of a Wonderful Artist
I, Loretta, became the MLAA Historian when Kitty Davids picked me up and brought me to her beautiful home. Kitty handed me her fancy covered Mother Lode Art Association Album!
Kitty was on the MLAA Board back in 2001.
Here is an excerpt from the newsletter dated March 19th 2001:
“Kitty doing a paint-out on May 14th at a 100 year old Ranch. .... Loretta announced an upcoming paint-out at her house in May ....”
Kitty Davids has hung a lot of paintings at our shows. For a while, she hung paintings at the Junction where we had space in an empty store window. Then we got the Aloft on Washington Street that started upstairs above the Candy Vault!
Kitty did murals and many paintings of birds, other animals plus flowers in oils and pastels. Kitty donated a painting for our show of a Blue Bird which was used as a cover on the program. She cut hair for 50 years and even cut my hair for me. Kitty was awesome lady and a dear friend to us all. We will miss her. She will always be in our hearts.
HISTORY OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE MLAA by Loretta Pagni
Bill King as a local artist who with many other local artist founded the MLAA and was an
active member for many years. He always stated he was not really an artists but admired
and appreciated the arts, opened local art galleries for those to show their work, encouraged and mentored. His wish was to leave money to high school students to use for their art education in the future. In 1968, upon his death he left money to help others in the arts. Thus the Bill King Scholarship was founded, facilitated by the MLAA and for many years helped
high school students to achieve their dream of furthering their education in the art field. That money ran out but the MLAA continued that dream of assisting fine art students to achieve their goal of higher education. The Art Association continued collected monies to add to the scholarship fund for many years.
Dana-Sue Palemone was on the scholarship committee for many years and Loretta Pagni assisted. One year Dana-Sue instigated a $150 scholarship to give to Loretta for art supplies so she could attend Columbia College. This was her way of thanking her for all her efforts to help others achieve their goals in the arts.
The Bill King Scholarship and the Mother Lode Art Association Scholarship for many years was facilitated by the Irving J. Symon Fund which has now become the Sonora Area Foundation. In the past years, our scholarship has been facilitated and given through the Columbia College but this year is a new beginning. The MLAA will be giving their own scholarship open to high school and/or college students for furthering their fine art education.
Servente’s Supporting the Arts
By Loretta Pagni
(Historian, Mother Lode Art Association)
In the late nineteen-nineties, Dale Bunse, local ceramics teacher at Columbia College and a few other artists would put their art work in Servente’s Window! Then Dale suggested that I put a few in! Then I asked if I could clean his windows for him. My aunt Allegrina would help get my art work there. Then I asked Lizz Heald to put some of her paintings and sculptures in ‘Serventes’, Al Cepeda’s windows. We did that for a while and then turned management of the window over to Mother Lode Art Association because of my health. Different members would take turns being on the Venue, Officers or Directors of the Mother Lode Art Association!
Servente’s was not always a saloon. In my younger days it was a grocery store owned by the Servente’s family. They would sell cheese, milk, salami, cut meats, bologna, polenta and other grains.
Serventes is located at 64 S Washington St Sonora, CA 95370 phone: (209) 532-7833
• Mother Lode Art Association (Founded in 1952)
Their mission:
"The Mother Lode Art Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1952 to promote the arts and the appreciation of the
arts in our community".
• Tuolumne County Arts Alliance (Founded in 1970 as the Central Sierra Arts Council (CSAC) - renamed in 2013)
It's Mission:
"To promote the arts and arts education in Tuolumne County, thereby enriching the lives of its residents and visitors".
Tuolumne County Arts Alliance is the Mandated Public Art Agency of Tuolumne County by virtue of being the recipient of a
competitive State and Local Partnership Grant as awarded from the California Arts Council (CAC). CSAC predated the California Arts Council by 6 years and had originally been intended to serve the Central Sierra. After 1976 and the creation of the CAC by then Gov, Jerry Brown 56 "county arts councils" were created.
So, as you can see the two organizations are and always have been totally separate, and one is 63 years old and one is 45
years old. Having said that however, the two organizations have enjoyed a long and close relationship and have promoted
and assisted the goals of both for the benefit of all. We have often collaborated together through many years to promote the
Arts in Tuolumne County and have strengthened our economy as a result.
MLAA exists to serve its membership. They also have a very viable scholarship program and help showcase both emerging
and long time artists display their works in the community on a regular basis. They have also financially supported the work
[s] and programs of TCAA through the years - which is a truly wonderful thing!
TCAA exists to serve the schools in Tuolumne County and ALL of the artists residing and working in Tuolumne County - it
also serves all of the cultural organizations, such as the theatres, literary groups, public art, 2-D and 3-D art, film - etc.
Their mission:
"The Mother Lode Art Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1952 to promote the arts and the appreciation of the
arts in our community".
• Tuolumne County Arts Alliance (Founded in 1970 as the Central Sierra Arts Council (CSAC) - renamed in 2013)
It's Mission:
"To promote the arts and arts education in Tuolumne County, thereby enriching the lives of its residents and visitors".
Tuolumne County Arts Alliance is the Mandated Public Art Agency of Tuolumne County by virtue of being the recipient of a
competitive State and Local Partnership Grant as awarded from the California Arts Council (CAC). CSAC predated the California Arts Council by 6 years and had originally been intended to serve the Central Sierra. After 1976 and the creation of the CAC by then Gov, Jerry Brown 56 "county arts councils" were created.
So, as you can see the two organizations are and always have been totally separate, and one is 63 years old and one is 45
years old. Having said that however, the two organizations have enjoyed a long and close relationship and have promoted
and assisted the goals of both for the benefit of all. We have often collaborated together through many years to promote the
Arts in Tuolumne County and have strengthened our economy as a result.
MLAA exists to serve its membership. They also have a very viable scholarship program and help showcase both emerging
and long time artists display their works in the community on a regular basis. They have also financially supported the work
[s] and programs of TCAA through the years - which is a truly wonderful thing!
TCAA exists to serve the schools in Tuolumne County and ALL of the artists residing and working in Tuolumne County - it
also serves all of the cultural organizations, such as the theatres, literary groups, public art, 2-D and 3-D art, film - etc.
This was advertised in the Calaveras Gem and Mineral Society Bulletin, called the Golden Frog, which I, Loretta was bulletin editor.
History of the 1991 Sonora Mother Lode Art Association Show October 25, 26, and 27 39th Annual Art Exhibiton At the Tuolumne County Fairgrounds.
Jane Burnham, Judge
Loretta Pagni and Patti Rule - Co-Showchair Women, Liz Heald entered Velma's Cat portrait, Joe Figler won best of show with his watercolor - Sam Wo, Chinatown.
There was a three dimensional , sculpture category located at the Arts & Flowers Bld. known as the Manzanita Bld 220 Southgate Drive Sonora, California.
History of 1992 Art Show
October 16, 17, 18 the 40th Annual Art Exhibition at Sonora Inn in downtown Sonora at the corner of Stockton St. Sonora, CA.
Free Free Free
Hours 7 to 10 am break for lunch and then 11 to 8 p.m. Sunday 11 am to 4 p.m.
History of the 1991 Sonora Mother Lode Art Association Show October 25, 26, and 27 39th Annual Art Exhibiton At the Tuolumne County Fairgrounds.
Jane Burnham, Judge
Loretta Pagni and Patti Rule - Co-Showchair Women, Liz Heald entered Velma's Cat portrait, Joe Figler won best of show with his watercolor - Sam Wo, Chinatown.
There was a three dimensional , sculpture category located at the Arts & Flowers Bld. known as the Manzanita Bld 220 Southgate Drive Sonora, California.
History of 1992 Art Show
October 16, 17, 18 the 40th Annual Art Exhibition at Sonora Inn in downtown Sonora at the corner of Stockton St. Sonora, CA.
Free Free Free
Hours 7 to 10 am break for lunch and then 11 to 8 p.m. Sunday 11 am to 4 p.m.
Willa Barber was an old time member. I first met her when I was attending Columbia College in the late 60’s in one of Joel Barber’s Art Classes. He was teaching watercolor and Willa and I began going to classes together. In a couple of year or so they were married. Willa continued her Art education at Stanislaus State. Willa was show chairman for the 43rd Annual Art Exhibition in 1995. At that time the program was a dollar donation. If you have information for the History Corner please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
Information on another Past Member: Beverly Flores has been a member since 1975, being President for two years and VP for two years. She was Secretary for several years and also Treasurer and Co-Show Chairman with Joyce Schoettgen. She studied watercolor and mixed medium from Joel Barber and Oil painting from Gereon Rios. She did portraits. watercolor and pen and florals..
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
Continuing with past Fall Show Chairmen listings are:
2000 48th Show: Diane Sanguinetti and Leslie Hurst
2001 49th Show: Leslie Hurst
2002 50th Show: Lynda Healy, Debbie Mier and Bonny Gorgas
2003 51st Show: Elly Walter, Margo Flanagan, Nina McGiveran, Linda Happel, Barbara Conley, Bev Flores
2004 52nd Show: Linda Happel
2005 53rd Show: Linda Happel
2006 54th Show: Michael Severin
2007 55th Show: Louisa King, Pat Gray
2008 56th Show: Allison Blansit, Kim O’Connor
2009 57th Show: Jodi Sigala
2010 58th Show: Anastasia Briggs
2011 59th Show: Kathleen Davids & Renetta Hayes
2012 60th Show: Renetta Hayes
2013 61st Show: Irene Taylor & Anastasia Briggs
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
2000 48th Show: Diane Sanguinetti and Leslie Hurst
2001 49th Show: Leslie Hurst
2002 50th Show: Lynda Healy, Debbie Mier and Bonny Gorgas
2003 51st Show: Elly Walter, Margo Flanagan, Nina McGiveran, Linda Happel, Barbara Conley, Bev Flores
2004 52nd Show: Linda Happel
2005 53rd Show: Linda Happel
2006 54th Show: Michael Severin
2007 55th Show: Louisa King, Pat Gray
2008 56th Show: Allison Blansit, Kim O’Connor
2009 57th Show: Jodi Sigala
2010 58th Show: Anastasia Briggs
2011 59th Show: Kathleen Davids & Renetta Hayes
2012 60th Show: Renetta Hayes
2013 61st Show: Irene Taylor & Anastasia Briggs
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
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Prior member Lizz Heald has decided to rejoin the Mother Lode Art Association. Lizz was a past member and has entered her art into our annual MLAA art show. Lizz went to Art Schools, CCAC (California College of Arts and Crafts) and Academy of Art in San Francisco. She
has taken George Post’s watercolor class at CACC. George is a sweet person and a tremendous painter.
I met Lizz in Dale Bunse’s ceramic class. We both love to make ceramic sculptures and Lizz likes doing colored pencil drawings. She has won various awards for her paintings, sculptures and drawings.
Lizz loves to design lost wax castings for jewelry making, selling for San Francisco Street Artists. Other talents included writing and illustrating two children’s books in addition to illustrating for another author.
Lizz and I started displaying art works in Serventes window in downtown Sonora, then invited the MLAA to display in order to fill the windows on a rotating basis.
Lizz rejoined the MLAA and is now displaying her artwork along with Loretta in Serventes window.
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected].
Thank you.
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has taken George Post’s watercolor class at CACC. George is a sweet person and a tremendous painter.
I met Lizz in Dale Bunse’s ceramic class. We both love to make ceramic sculptures and Lizz likes doing colored pencil drawings. She has won various awards for her paintings, sculptures and drawings.
Lizz loves to design lost wax castings for jewelry making, selling for San Francisco Street Artists. Other talents included writing and illustrating two children’s books in addition to illustrating for another author.
Lizz and I started displaying art works in Serventes window in downtown Sonora, then invited the MLAA to display in order to fill the windows on a rotating basis.
Lizz rejoined the MLAA and is now displaying her artwork along with Loretta in Serventes window.
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected].
Thank you.
***************************************
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HISTORY OF MOTHER LODE ART ASSN:
According to records in our programs to our Art Show Exhibitions Wes Wyllie and Ruth Wyllie were well involved in the Mother Lode Art Association from the 60’s and into the 70’s. Mr. Weston Wyllie was Program Chairman then became President, Vice Show Chairman as well as Show Chairman and a Director. Wes became a well know watercolorist and also worked in oils. My sister-in-law Susan Pagni owns two of Weston Wyllie’s paintings. Ruth Wyllie was secretary for several years and also co-show Chairman along with Willa Barber. Wes and Ruth had four sons: Paul, Jerry, Ed and Gene. One son, Ed Wyllie is the head of the Sonora Area Foundation that Irving Symons created. One of the listings of the Foundation is: The Wyllie Family Scholarship Fund for Art students at Sonora High School.
I went to high school with Paul Wyllie.
More History:
In 1963 the president was Mrs. Helen Jasper, Vice-President: Mrs. Elvira Mahoney, Secretary: Mrs. Julia Valentine and Treasurer: Mrs. Mary Burden. The Directors were Mr. Lino Borelli, Exhibition Chairman;
Mrs. Blanche Dennis, Exhibition Secretary; Mrs. Elinor, Publicity and Mr. Weston Wyllie, Program Chairman. (Weston Wyllie was also program chairman in 1964, In 1965 Wes was President).
During that year the 11th Annual Art Show was held at the Tuolumne County Garage where the Court is now held on Washington Street. The yearly dues were only $5.00 for members and $20.00 for Patrons. Program brochures were made available for 25 cents including a coupon for a door prize drawing. The prize for the drawing was a watercolor painting by Mr. Weston Wyllie.
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
I went to high school with Paul Wyllie.
More History:
In 1963 the president was Mrs. Helen Jasper, Vice-President: Mrs. Elvira Mahoney, Secretary: Mrs. Julia Valentine and Treasurer: Mrs. Mary Burden. The Directors were Mr. Lino Borelli, Exhibition Chairman;
Mrs. Blanche Dennis, Exhibition Secretary; Mrs. Elinor, Publicity and Mr. Weston Wyllie, Program Chairman. (Weston Wyllie was also program chairman in 1964, In 1965 Wes was President).
During that year the 11th Annual Art Show was held at the Tuolumne County Garage where the Court is now held on Washington Street. The yearly dues were only $5.00 for members and $20.00 for Patrons. Program brochures were made available for 25 cents including a coupon for a door prize drawing. The prize for the drawing was a watercolor painting by Mr. Weston Wyllie.
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
~~~~~
Our 50th Anniversary of the Mother Lode Art Exhibiton: Exciting event of our Fiftieth Anniversay was held at the location of the Opera Hall in the year 2002!
On the cover of our program was a painting by our member Amy Haratani. She won Best of Show before in 2001!
This year in October, 2013 Amy was featured at the Tuolumne County Library. Amy Ada Haratani was born near Turlock, CA during the Great Depression on a grape farm. Any loved to draw in the sand on the farm with a stick. Amy’s artwork hangs in private corporate collections across the United States and around the globe.
Locally Amy has won numerous MLAA Art Show awards, as well as Best of Show. She has also won awards at the Mother Lode Fair. Other exhibits have been shown throughout the Mother Lode and also in Modesto at the Gallo Winery Show. Read more about Amy in our Album at upcoming meetings
There are other items that year of 2002 on our 50th Anniversary such as:
Lynda Healy: Chairman of 2002 Show
Co=Chairpersons were Debbie Mier and Bonny Corgas. The Judge was John K. Claes.
If you have something you would like to see featured from MLAA history, please contact Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209 532 3369 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you.
This month I want to feature one of our long time members of MLAA, Ann Hardy. She has painted in oils and watercolors and is most well known for her “primitive style” when depicting characters and country scenes. Ann has participated in various art shows throughout the country and she has won many awards for her art. In the earlier years with MLAA, Ann served as President, Vice President and Secretary and also served as MLAA Art Show Chairperson. In following years, she continued to volunteer for Art Show duties. Ann celebrates her 95th birthday on August 25th. MLAA extends Happy Birthday wishes to her as well as a big Thank You for her contribution to Art in the Mother Lode.
Call for ART donations:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, celebrates their annual Apple Festival Fund Raiser on September 28th at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds and is calling for Artists to donate small paintings for their silent auction. Space is also available for artists to set up display booths for art sales. Call Mary Leamy to arrange a 10 x 10 booth for $50. 209-352-3907
FLASH!
In the new edition of Friends and Neighbors magazine, Loretta Pagni will be a participant in NAMI’s Cooking with the Club featuring one of her recipes. FAN will publish an article about how NAMI was started here in the Mother Lode.
Past Art Show Chairpersons:
1993 – 41st Annual Show Paulla Rogers
1994 – 42nd Annual Show Diane Sanguinetti
1995 – 43rd Annual Show Willa Barber
1996 – 44th Annual Show Dana Sue Palemone
Doris Olsen
1997 – 45th Annual Show Beverly Flores
1998 – 46th Annual Show Beverly Flores
Joyce Schoettgen
1999 – 47th Annual Show Diane Sanguinetti
Call for ART donations:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, celebrates their annual Apple Festival Fund Raiser on September 28th at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds and is calling for Artists to donate small paintings for their silent auction. Space is also available for artists to set up display booths for art sales. Call Mary Leamy to arrange a 10 x 10 booth for $50. 209-352-3907
FLASH!
In the new edition of Friends and Neighbors magazine, Loretta Pagni will be a participant in NAMI’s Cooking with the Club featuring one of her recipes. FAN will publish an article about how NAMI was started here in the Mother Lode.
Past Art Show Chairpersons:
1993 – 41st Annual Show Paulla Rogers
1994 – 42nd Annual Show Diane Sanguinetti
1995 – 43rd Annual Show Willa Barber
1996 – 44th Annual Show Dana Sue Palemone
Doris Olsen
1997 – 45th Annual Show Beverly Flores
1998 – 46th Annual Show Beverly Flores
Joyce Schoettgen
1999 – 47th Annual Show Diane Sanguinetti
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Mother Lode Art Association History:
With the coming of our annual Art Association Show we are remembering the past years where we have honored artists for their hard work for the Art Association including Officers, Show Chairman, and Members for their participation in preparing for the event. The chosen Honoree for that year would have one of their paintings hung at the show. Some of the artistes honored in the past are:
Ralph Baker, Dorner Schuler, Joel Barber, Dana Sue Palemone, Shiely Barns and Wes Wiley.
If anyone remembers any additional ones give me a call, Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209-532-3369 or email me at [email protected]. Thank you.
In addition as part of our History, three women whom have been very helpful throughout the years in MLAA are:
Beverly Flores, Beverly Harrison and The late Beverly Thomas. Beverly Harrison is no longer a member and she always did artwork! Beverly Flores was show Co-Chair with Joyce Shoettgen in 1998
With the coming of our annual Art Association Show we are remembering the past years where we have honored artists for their hard work for the Art Association including Officers, Show Chairman, and Members for their participation in preparing for the event. The chosen Honoree for that year would have one of their paintings hung at the show. Some of the artistes honored in the past are:
Ralph Baker, Dorner Schuler, Joel Barber, Dana Sue Palemone, Shiely Barns and Wes Wiley.
If anyone remembers any additional ones give me a call, Loretta Pagni, Historian at 209-532-3369 or email me at [email protected]. Thank you.
In addition as part of our History, three women whom have been very helpful throughout the years in MLAA are:
Beverly Flores, Beverly Harrison and The late Beverly Thomas. Beverly Harrison is no longer a member and she always did artwork! Beverly Flores was show Co-Chair with Joyce Shoettgen in 1998
Loretta Pagni
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Former members of the MLAA, Stephen and “Tommy” Manson originally joined the MLAA and became active members. As members, they were helpful with the Art Shows and were artists themselves. Tommy painted in oils with her art entered into the shows. Her husband, Stephen was a watercolorist and some of his work still hangs in Tommy’s apartment.
They used to come and help fold, stamp and address for the newsletter when I was editor for the MLAA between 1970 to the 80’s.
Tommy will be 101 this year on May 26th. Tommy and beloved late Stephen used to deliver the Union Democrat and drove down from MiWuk above Twain Harte to Sonora. According to the Friends and Neighbors magazine, Tommy had a father who was Justice of the Peace. Because of this, Tommy is interested in politics and the world scene and she wants peace for the world. Tommy always tells me that old age “is not for sissies and one is not fully dressed until you smile.”
Other friends helped fold the newsletter. Beverly Thomas, who was treasurer and my best friend Patty Rule would help and draw in the newsletter. Patty and I would get advertisements from the local merchants to help to pay for the cost of the newsletters.
Continuation of Chairman Listings for Art Shows:
31st Annual Show, 1983: Doris Olson
32nd Annual Show, 1984: Loretta Pagni
33rd Annual Show, 1985: No record
34th Annual Show, 1986: Tony Ragusa
35th Annual Show, 1987: No record
36th Annual Show, 1988: Diane Sanguinetti
37th Annual Show, 1989: No record
38th Annual Show, 1990: Tonio Kole
39th Annual Show, 1991: No record
40th Anniversary Show, 1992: No record
They used to come and help fold, stamp and address for the newsletter when I was editor for the MLAA between 1970 to the 80’s.
Tommy will be 101 this year on May 26th. Tommy and beloved late Stephen used to deliver the Union Democrat and drove down from MiWuk above Twain Harte to Sonora. According to the Friends and Neighbors magazine, Tommy had a father who was Justice of the Peace. Because of this, Tommy is interested in politics and the world scene and she wants peace for the world. Tommy always tells me that old age “is not for sissies and one is not fully dressed until you smile.”
Other friends helped fold the newsletter. Beverly Thomas, who was treasurer and my best friend Patty Rule would help and draw in the newsletter. Patty and I would get advertisements from the local merchants to help to pay for the cost of the newsletters.
Continuation of Chairman Listings for Art Shows:
31st Annual Show, 1983: Doris Olson
32nd Annual Show, 1984: Loretta Pagni
33rd Annual Show, 1985: No record
34th Annual Show, 1986: Tony Ragusa
35th Annual Show, 1987: No record
36th Annual Show, 1988: Diane Sanguinetti
37th Annual Show, 1989: No record
38th Annual Show, 1990: Tonio Kole
39th Annual Show, 1991: No record
40th Anniversary Show, 1992: No record
Loretta discuses M.L.A.A History.
Dana Sue Palemone, a long time member of the Mother Lode Art Association, has won many art awards for her paintings. Dana Sue won five National Watercolor Society’s Art Awards. Her art is included in two different Art Books. She won several “Best of Shows” in our own MLAA Art Shows.
She has been Secretary of MLAA in 1978 and in 1987, she was treasurer. In 1979 she was Show Chairman of the Art Show. In 1996 Dana Sue and Doris Olsen were Co- Chairmen of the show. From 1980-1985 Dana Sue was President of our MLAA and our meetings were held at the Curtis Creek School for a while in the evening on the third Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Before that we would meet at the Memorial hall on Washington Street, now known as The Veterans Hall. We would meet in the evenings until we switched to the Tuolumne County Library.
Dana Sue has done many things for the Art Association: she helped hang the pictures for shows; get judges; get donations; program chairman for demonstrations and parliamentarian. She was a schoolteacher for a long time at Curtis Creek until she retired from there. She taught art all over the Mother Lode. She was born in Corona, Ca. and her maiden name was Arave. She met and married her husband, George Palemone in San Diego, after he got out of the U.S. Marines
She has been Secretary of MLAA in 1978 and in 1987, she was treasurer. In 1979 she was Show Chairman of the Art Show. In 1996 Dana Sue and Doris Olsen were Co- Chairmen of the show. From 1980-1985 Dana Sue was President of our MLAA and our meetings were held at the Curtis Creek School for a while in the evening on the third Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Before that we would meet at the Memorial hall on Washington Street, now known as The Veterans Hall. We would meet in the evenings until we switched to the Tuolumne County Library.
Dana Sue has done many things for the Art Association: she helped hang the pictures for shows; get judges; get donations; program chairman for demonstrations and parliamentarian. She was a schoolteacher for a long time at Curtis Creek until she retired from there. She taught art all over the Mother Lode. She was born in Corona, Ca. and her maiden name was Arave. She met and married her husband, George Palemone in San Diego, after he got out of the U.S. Marines
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History about the 1996 Art Show: Listed on the Program for 1996 were Co-Show Host Chairmen Doris Olsen and Dana Sue Palemone. The cover of the program contained a picture by Doris Olsen and one by Leslie Rolfe. Leslie was one of our members for several years, but Leslie is not with us anymore as of this year. Some of Leslie’s works and prints are at the Books Ice Cream Parlor. Leslie helped through the years with our shows. She had a gallery at Pinecrest for a long time. Leslie was well known for her water colors of Pinecrest and around the Mother Lode. Dana Sue Palemone and Doris Olsen have done a lot of hard work for the Art Association and their shows.
Show Chairman Listings:
20th Anniversary Show, 1972: Margaret Woodford, Ruth Wyllie
21s t Annual Show, 1973: Ethel W. Sullivan, Delia Short
22nd Annual Show, 1974: Fern Hackett, Margaret Woodford
23rd Annual Show, 1975: Navarra Foster, Ruth Wyllie
24th Annual Show, 1976: Ruth Wyllie, Willa Barber
25th Anniversary Show, 1977: Charlotte Pierce, Frank McCormick
26th Annual Show, 1978: Dana Sue Palemone
No record for 27th and 28th Shows
29th Annual Show, 1981: Loretta Pagni, Willa Barber
30th Anniversary Show, 1982: Dana Sue Palemone
Show Chairman Listings:
20th Anniversary Show, 1972: Margaret Woodford, Ruth Wyllie
21s t Annual Show, 1973: Ethel W. Sullivan, Delia Short
22nd Annual Show, 1974: Fern Hackett, Margaret Woodford
23rd Annual Show, 1975: Navarra Foster, Ruth Wyllie
24th Annual Show, 1976: Ruth Wyllie, Willa Barber
25th Anniversary Show, 1977: Charlotte Pierce, Frank McCormick
26th Annual Show, 1978: Dana Sue Palemone
No record for 27th and 28th Shows
29th Annual Show, 1981: Loretta Pagni, Willa Barber
30th Anniversary Show, 1982: Dana Sue Palemone
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In the Good Old Days: Back when Shirley Burns was a member of MLAA, she worked at the Union Democrat. She worked to type up the programs for the MLAA Art Show. On the back she would list all the members that belonged and the officers. At that time Shirley was Program Chairman for our meetings as well as being President at one time. The album with all of the Catalogs will be available at the show in October in Loretta’s History Section.
A dream that these ladies have had for years, Willa Barber, Dana-Sue Palemone and Loretta, is to have an Arts Center at the Sonora Dome, It is finally coming true!!! Thanks to CSAC for helping to accomplish this dream.
To continue with the Art Show Chairmen for the next few years following 1960:
1961 – Blanche Dennis 1962 and 1962 – Lino Borelli 1964 – Robert M. Hooe 1965 – Lois Avey, Betty Carney
1966 – E. M. Jasper 1967 - F. A. Rauscher 1968 – E.M. Jasper, Mrs. Weston Wylie
1969 – Joel Barber, Jack Cassinetto 1971 – Margaret Woodford, Marjory Bailor
A dream that these ladies have had for years, Willa Barber, Dana-Sue Palemone and Loretta, is to have an Arts Center at the Sonora Dome, It is finally coming true!!! Thanks to CSAC for helping to accomplish this dream.
To continue with the Art Show Chairmen for the next few years following 1960:
1961 – Blanche Dennis 1962 and 1962 – Lino Borelli 1964 – Robert M. Hooe 1965 – Lois Avey, Betty Carney
1966 – E. M. Jasper 1967 - F. A. Rauscher 1968 – E.M. Jasper, Mrs. Weston Wylie
1969 – Joel Barber, Jack Cassinetto 1971 – Margaret Woodford, Marjory Bailor
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This Mother Lode Art Association membership scroll was contributed by Connie O'Connor, of Central Sierra Arts Council. Her parents, whose names appear on the scroll, were charter members of the Mother Lode Art Association.
