Sebastopol was known for its apples, especially its Gravenstein variety. So important was the apple industry to the town, and so much a part of town life, that the town celebrated its beloved product with a weekend-long celebration each spring. In 1969, AWS became part of the Apple Blossom Festival with an Art Show, kicking it off with a reception on Friday evening. AWS continues hanging a members' show in the Veterans' Building each spring, starting with a reception, during the Apple Blossom Festival.

Only a few years later, AWS began taking part in the harvest end of the apple celebrations, the Gravenstein Apple Fair, traditionally held in August in Sebastopol's Ragle Park, with AWS artists presenting an outdoor display and sale of their work. This tradition too continues.

To be eligible for the Apple Blossom Show in 2012 you must meet these qualifications:

You must be an active member in good standing. This means:

1) You must pay your dues by November 2011, (delinquent after January 31)

2) You must attend a minimum of 6 meetings during the year and record your attendance in the roster (April 2011- March 2012)

3) You must bring refreshments in a minimum of twice in the year and record it in the roster (April 2011 - March 2012)

4) You must bring a minimum of four works of art in the year and record it in the roster. Two of the works of art can be art displayed at the Apple Blossom Fair Art Show (April 2011 - March 2012)

5) New members must have joined and paid their dues no later than the 2012 January meeting and attended three meetings prior to the show.

6) You must sign up for Apple Blossom Show work assignments no later than the March 2012 meeting.

7) You must have worked at least four hours toward the production of the previous year's show. (Failure to meet the work requirements may disqualify the member from exhibiting in the next year's show at the discretion of the Apple Blossom chair.)

AWS ART SHOWS

Apple Blossom Festival AWS Art Show
Gravenstein Apple Fair AWS Art Show

Our past 2011 Apple Blossom Art Show:
"BLOSSOMS ON SAFARI"

2011 Apple Blossom Festival Art Show: Best of Show went to James Reynolds,
and the Memorial Award went to Kathy Byrne.

Best of Show:
James Reynolds
(painting shown on the Home page)

Paula Pearce presenting James Reynolds with the
2011 Apple Blossom Show Best of Show Golden Apple Award.

Memorial Award:
Kathy Byrne
(shown on the Contact page)

People's Choice Award:
Fran Nielsen
(shown on the About AWS page)

Judges:
Camille Przwodek and Micah Schwaberow

PDF: List of all winners
PDF: 2011 Apple Blossom Festival Art Show Program

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2011 Apple Blossom Festival Art Show Commemorative Print:
Andrea Way
(shown on the Programs page)

We always have great volunteers at the Apple Blossom Festival Art Show, and here are a
few very happy members staffing their station at the Reception.

AWS Apple Blossom Festival Art Show video by Billy Carmen (filmed in 2010)

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Gravenstein Apple Fair AWS Art Show

2011 Gravenstein Apple Fair at Ragle Ranch Art Show, August 13 and 14

The show was a wonderful success and it brought in LOTS of money.
The top seller was Colleen Caubin; congratulations!
Fran Nielsen and Kathy Root will continue to be the Chair's for the show in 2012.

View more photos on the AWS Facebook page!
View Here >

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AWS meets the third Thursday of every month (except June), Noon to 3 PM, in the dining room of the Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Hall, 282 High Street, Sebastopol, CA.
View map>

We begin with a light lunch, and a brief general meeting, after which there is a 90 minute program, which can be either demonstrations in various media, or art critiques, or workshops. Lunch and programs are free for members. Visitors pay $5, which will be applied to their annual membership dues of $35 if the visitor becomes a member.

We always welcome visitors!

AWS
PO Box 1165
Sebastopol, CA 95473
USA