Save The Date, Martinez: Aug. 8 Is 'Scene On The Strait'

IMAGE: At Water’s Edge by Rolando Barrero

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News from Scene on the Strait:

Scene on the Strait, an art festival that gives a lift to both young people and the environment, will take place Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Martinez Regional Shoreline in Martinez.

The 19th annual festival, one of the most popular events on the Northern California art calendar, is a premiere showcase for landscape or “plein air” painting. Some of the best-known plein air artists in California show their work at the event, attracting visitors from around the state and raising money for the environment.

Scene on the Strait is the chief fundraising event for the Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center (CREEC), a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 whose mission is to restore butterfly habitat along the Carquinez Strait.

The sale of art at the festival has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years, enabling CREEC to employ disadvantaged youths to restore natural habit along the Carquinez Strait and release countless Monarch butterflies into the wild.

Last year’s Scene attracted hundreds of art lovers whose art purchases helped fund CREEC’s nature programs. Many of the artists who show their work also attend the event, chatting with people and perhaps giving demonstrations of their painting techniques.

There will be live music.

Authentic Mexican food, wine and other beverages will be available. Popular features include special auctions and a display and sale of unique “miniature” paintings that are a hit with both the artists and art patrons.

Among the artists participating in this year’s event are: Rolando Barrero, Nikki Basch-Davis, Loralee Chapleau, Kevin Courter, Suzanne D’Arcy, Erin Dertner, Don Eagling, Catherine Erickson, Mary Fassbinder, John Finger, Jack Garasky, Timothy Horn, Geri Keary, Micaela Marsden, Chris Newhard, Teresa Onoda, Nancy Roberts, Wendy Rogers, William Rushton, Robert Sandidge, Tom Taneyhill, Bryan Mark Taylor, Jerrold Turner, Gregory Vasgerdsian and Norma Webb.

Parking and admission are free.

Martinez Regional Shoreline is on Ferry Street in Martinez.

Visit Scene on the Strait’s Facebook page or SceneOnTheStrait.org for the latest information.