September 29, 2005

Almaden Lake Park was the scenic setting for this year’s Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival.

Bret Harte Middle School and Graystone Elementary School students were in high school spirits while selling lemonade at the festival.

Inge Bond and her sister, award-winning sculptor Karen Lund, enjoyed the festival site.

Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival:
Celebrating the bounty

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Smiles abounded as children sped down inflatable slides, adults marveled over inspired creations and friends clinked their wine glasses together in celebration at the 29th annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival last weekend.

From face and hair painting to fine art, live bands and entertainment, the festival had something for everyone. Artists found the Almaden Lake Park setting inspiring and the festival a delight, and about 25,000 visitors agreed with them, turning out for the event.

“It was a wonderful day,” said Festival Chair Cindy Griffeth. “It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun. The best part was seeing everyone come together.”

Almaden resident Malinda MacDonald enjoyed the variety of booths and seeing friends and neighbors at the festival. “It’s a really nice festival,” she said, “and it’s nice to see everyone here.”

In addition to displaying and selling their artwork at the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival, winning artists were also awarded blue ribbons. Winners of this year’s festival include: Nahda Balaa, who won first place for her watercolor paintings; Fran and Jerry Harr for “one of a kind,” who took second place with their sterling silver and 14 karat gold wearable art jewelry; Lee and Gary Watrous of Head N Home Hats, who won third place with their handmade leather hats; and Pam Fierro of Glamoursurf, who took best display with her handmade paper and fiber art.

Balaa, who took the first place ribbon for her fine art, considers Almaden Lake Park the best possible place for an exhibition. “I love being by the water on the green grass,” she said. “It’s beautiful,” echoed award-winning glassware sculptor Nicky Painter. “I love it here.”

Besides the setting, The Perfect Things accessories designer Pamela Pinkman appreciated the assistance she received from Almaden Valley Women’s Club.

“The Women’s Club did a great job hosting the festival,” she said. “They were above and beyond helpful. It’s my favorite festival and I would definitely do it again next year.”

All of the Almaden Valley Women’s Club’s hard work paid off as the festival raised about $45,000 (before expenses), almost doubling last year’s intake, which will benefit local schools and charities.

“For the Almaden Valley Women’s Club,” said Griffeth, “this is really what it’s all about.”

Jazmine Liew, a cheerleader for the Leland High School Chargers showed her spirit at the Almaden Times Weekly booth. Over 1,000 visitors to a chance to spin the wheel at the booth and were rewarded with t-shirts, coffee mugs and pens.	San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Pat Dando, Bob Dando, Alan Pintacura and Frances Mendoza, were delighted to assist at the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival. Here, Pat Dando serves wine to festivalgoer Jan Bonin.
These lovely young ladies danced for an appreciative crowd filled with proud moms and dads.	Natalia Slawinski, Marissa Mowen and Sarah Slawinski show their style.