Page 10 - Sonoma County Gazette Sept 2017

20 Artists Celebrate 30 Years in 100 Year Old Building
By Maureen Lomasney
The tiny village of Graton, California has been a hotbed of artistic activity
since 1987. The assets of the hamlet changed slowly but surely for the better that year, thanks to the vision and determination of artist and distinguished architect J. Lamont Langworthy and his friend, builder Bruce Stephen of Los Padres Construction in Solvang.
In the 1980s, Langworthy and Stephen saw promise and an enormous amount of work in a 27,000 sq. ft., two-story former apple dryer and processing plant located on Bowen Street, paralleling railroad tracks that still coursed through Sebastopol. No simple rehab, the Hallberg apple-dryer had been vacant for 10 years and condemned by the county. The two friends’ goal was to provide generously sized, well-lighted, safe and affordable living and working studios to artists – similar to what they’d studied in San Francisco, Oakland and Emeryville.
While they were foiled in their efforts to create live/ work studios, their steadfast and significant investments altered and enhanced the future of a small town. Now, in its 30th anniversary year of continual productive use by myriad talented artists, it’s time to celebrate the worthy concept behind Atelier One and its on-going success.
Becky Wells in her studio
Friday and Saturday, Sept 30–Oct 1, 2017, from 11 AM – 6 PM
the artists, creators and management of this working artists building are welcoming visitors to see what is being made in the studios and on view in the hallways at Atelier One, 2860 Bowen Street, 2 blocks south of Graton Road. The event is free and open to the public.
Brazilian samba and bossa nova music will echo through the hallways played by classical guitarist Sebastian Link from 1- 4 PM Saturday, Sept 30. Beverages and seasonal treats will be offered throughout the building, and
plenty of beautiful, original, high quality artwork will be on view – with most artwork available to purchase.
It’s also a family affair. Youngsters who are curious about art making, art education and artists lives are invited to ask questions and explore ideas
in a stimulating environment. Street parking is ample. Dogs, even on leash, are prohibited.
To see the current roster of participating artists and studios
in Atelier One’s 30th Anniversary celebration, including examples of each artists’ or studios’ work, please visit atelierone.blogspot.com.
To see the current roster of participating artists and studios
in Atelier One’s 30th Anniversary celebration, including examples of each artists’ or studios’ work, please visit atelierone.blogspot.com.
10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 9/17
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