Festival Event 
1st Saturday in Three Rivers
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Photo © Nadi Spencer
Food, fun and fabulous art. On the 1st Saturday of every month, artists, restaurants, and merchants of Three Rivers, California open their doors and invite you to join in a town-wide celebration from 11am to 5pm.
You can pick up a map and schedule at Anne Lang’s Emporium after 10am. The flier shows all participating venues, art to see, locations and times for special events. Anne serves a breakfast special, so you might start there, or try Antoinette’s Coffee and Goodies to start your day. Later on taste the amazing fare at Sierra Subs and Salads. They all offer discounts for 1st Saturday.
There are several galleries to visit. Nadi Spencer, the creator of the event, has a colorful studio and gallery – showing watercolor and acrylic original paintings, along with prints, cards and gift items. The Art Co-op features 12 artists, and offers jewelry, tile art, masks, print-making, pottery, paintings, and more. Colors Art Gallery highlights whimsical furniture and paintings by owner Wendy McKellar, along with weaving, jewelry, quilts, pottery and metal art.
A different theme each month flavors the paintings, decorations, edible treats,and performances.You might find egg rolls, bird soup, dollar bills in red envelopes, and a dragon dance put on by children for Chinese New Year. In April there are egg hunts throughout town. For National Bike Month in May a trike and bike decorating contest, a Pumpkin Cook-off in October.
In addition to shops and galleries showing special gift items or new art, many artists open their studios for the day, a rare chance to see how the creative mind works and lives. Nikki Craindemonstrates her weaving, while Shirley Keller explains her “Ink Quilts” and rusty art. The beautiful metal art and furniture of Mike Perez is open for viewing at his home studio. The Three Rivers Historical Museum offers a wonderful display of antique artifacts from the town, a gift shop with 1st Saturday discounts, and the Sierra Nevada photography of Tom Marshall.
Restaurants and hotels offer discounts for the weekend – have dinner and stay the night at the Sequoia Motel, taking a day trip perhaps to Sequoia National Park on Sunday, only 10 minutes away. Make sure to mention 1st Saturday.
Special performances, such as music, storytelling and dance, are often part of the day’s
festivities. Stop by Nadi’s Studio for an animal reading by Voice of the Animal, or listen to Jesse Belman play world music on guitar. There might be belly or flamenco dancing. Kacey Fansett will show you how to paint in watercolor, sending you home with a framed masterpiece- FREE.
Every month is different – the best way to keep informed is to visit the website. It is
up-dated monthly on the 3rd Monday.
ARTISTS – If you would like to show your art at 1st Saturday, the entry fee is only $7. The deadline to enter each month is always the Friday 2 weeks before the 1st Saturday of the month.
Admission Fee (if any): FREE!
Ages Festival is Appropriate For: All ages are welcome.
Pet Friendly NotesThis is a town-wide event- restaurants do not allow pets; pets welcome at outdoor venues.
photos
Kacey Fansett wrote on May 03, 2011: Please join the fun, as an artist or as a visiting friend. You will see sights and sounds that will delight the whole family, that is what 1st Saturday is all about... and every month is a new experience!
Nikki Crain wrote on April 21, 2011: This is such a fun event and one I look forward to each month. Three Rivers is known as an artist community but visitors don't always know where to find us. With 1st Saturday, we let everyone know whether to find us in our studios or out at a special event. There is something different every month with a theme to make it special. There is always a map guide and online blog giving the details. There is food, music, fun and fabulous art. Don't miss this delightful event in spectacular surroundings.
Shirley Keller wrote on February 28, 2011: When Nadi asked me to help her with 1st Saturday in Three Rivers I said yes immediately. Three Rivers is known around Tulare County as having many artists, even called an Artist Colony by some. But mostly the artists are hidden amongst our beautiful foothills. Nadi and I dream of a venue that opens all artists who live here, and artists from anywhere who want to join us, to be very visible and accessible to tourists vacationing, to locals for a day out in the community enjoying their neighbors, to those who pass through our gateway to enjoy the Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. We are grateful to National Geographic and National Park Services for providing this opportunity to shout: 1ST SATURDAY IN THREE RIVERS, A DAY OF FUN FOR EVERYONE! JOIN US!
Leah Catherine Launey wrote on February 19, 2011: We look forward to this charming little festival every month! It never fails to be delightful and different, and our guests at Three Rivers Bed and Breakfast appreciate it as well. Thanks to Nadi Spencer for creating this. Thanks to Nadi and to Shirley Keller for their ongoing efforts to organize our artists and inspire us all. Long live 1st Saturday in Three Rivers!
Schumachers5 wrote on February 14, 2011: Went to First Saturday for February. There was a beautiful Chinese New Year Dragon parade, kids and families walking up and down the streets, hanging out at the local restaurants, making new friends and greeting old. We plan on being there again next month. Well worth it!
Barbara Sandberg wrote on February 14, 2011: This is a great way to see what the local artists are creating. You get to meet the artists and the people who have interests similar to your interests. Entertainment and goodies are included.
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