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The Weekender — Wednesday, September 4, 2013
First Friday is Sept. 6 Gallery ‘n’ Gifts’ features a photographer BY SHIRLEY GIVEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
There are those who like the bright lights of the city and the photo-ops that present themselves in such locations. Then there are those photographers who enjoy the challenges presented by nature’s unusual and unique forms and the treks taken to get that “perfect shot.” Gallery ‘n’ Gifts featured artist for September is Dennis Cowden, a photographer who revels in the forms nature provides for the lens of his camera. Cowden looks for unique and unusual subjects on off-beat back roads that often times present a challenge just getting there. “I guess I am inspired by the uncommon and by balance in my photography,” Cowden said. “I love the western states and the rock formations that can be found in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. The ‘shot’ you see in a magazine or book is not the ‘shot’ for me. My first camera was the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, which I still have and won my first photo contest
award at 11 years of age. It was a photo of a Christmas tree at a local five and dime store.” Cowden says he always has a camera with him, catching scenes of spectacular sunsets and dust swirling in the wind. “My camera was a technical tool until I moved to Tehachapi where I found sights and scenery that warrant thought and planning to capture the perfect shot,” he said. “That’s when the adventure began and of course the love affair with more and higher quality equipment. I constantly study books, articles on the internet and visit museums and other locations where I study and naturally, critique other photographers, deciding what I would do differently and in my opinion ‘better.’” In conjunction with his featured artist stature, Cowden will be hosting Coffee with the Artist at Gallery ‘n’ Gifts Saturday, Sept. 28. Everyone is invited and encouraged to ask questions. It is an informal gathering with Kohnen’s pastries and coffee being
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served at the close of the presentation. So mark your calendars for First Friday in Tehachapi, Sept. 6, from 5 until 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. until noon. Gallery ‘n’ Gifts is located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. and is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For further information call 822-6062.
Illustrator and crocheter featured at Treasure Trove BY SUSANNA MONETTE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Friday evening, Sept. 6 from 5 until 8 p.m., Tehachapi Treasure Trove will again celebrate First Friday. There will be wine, champagne and finger food along with art demos and lots of fun. Come see what's happening at the Treasure Trove. This month’s featured artists are Gabrielle de Ginant and Tanis Galik. Gabrielle de Ginant has illustrated several chilSee TREASURE/Page 8
Cal City Renaissance Festival dates announced BY SAMANTHA SPELLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The California City Parks and Recreation Department and the California City Arts Commission have announced the dates for the 11th Annual Renaissance Festival. The event is scheduled to take place Oct. 19-20 in California City Central Park. The organizations also have announced that there will be a Royal Masked Ball in the new Arts & Community Center and a Queen’s High Tea by the lake. The Park and Rec department has chosen the setting to be 16th Century England with his Majesty Henry VIII and his Royal Court for all to see. The featured musical entertainment will follow suit with the local band Mayde in Ireland. California City Park and Rec Director Brenda Daverin predicts this year’s event will be its largest. “Not only have we contacted all of our previous vendors, entertainers and guilds, we have already secured new entertainment for our event,” Daverin said. “We will be having a double event. The Renaissance Festival will be in the Central Park and the Model Train Show will be in the Strata Center which will help bring even more foot traffic to the park.” Renaissance vendor and entertainment forms are available at calcityren-
COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT
Children play on a ship at the California City Renaissance Festival. This year’s event will be Oct. 19-20 in California City Central Park and will be in conjunction with a Model Train Show in the Strata Sports Center. fair.org or you can pick one up at the Strata Sports Center. Vendor booth rentals are $62 (includes business license). For more information about the Renaissance Festival or the High Desert Modular Train Show, call director Brenda Daverin at 760-373-3530.
Sheridan’s Boutique Home Consignment opening A new shop will be joining the First Friday festivities this month. Sheridan's Boutique Home Consignment, featuring fine furniture and home decor, will have a preopening celebration this Friday, Sept. 6th at 108 W. Tehachapi Blvd., next to Kelcy's restaurant. Virginia and Bill Sheridan invite everyone to stop by for refreshments between 5 and 8 p.m. and see the latest addition to Downtown Tehachapi.