Boutique to feature gifts, music and merriment

What: Sticks and Stones Open House

Who: Roger Filippelli, Jim Garmire and Lorrene Baum-Davis

Where: Filippelli’s studio at 766 Chamberlain St. in Placerville

When: Saturday, Dec 1 and Sunday, Dec 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Information: rogersslate@gmail.com or 530-622-9696

Three veteran artists offer “Boutique” — an open house commemorating their 15th annual Christmas/Holiday Sticks and Stones Open House — with Roger Filippelli, Jim Garmire and Lorrene Baum-Davis.

They will be welcoming returning fans, friends and new patrons at Filippelli’s studio at 766 Chamberlain St. in Placerville on Saturday, Dec 1 and Sunday, Dec 2.

Guests are invited to join the merriment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to see the art plus enjoy good eats and live music.

 

Roger Filippelli

Filippelli, a long-time working artist in many media, is known as the Spoonman locally. He will be featuring his hand-carved wooden kitchen cooking utensils using recycled and exotic woods.

“I’m especially excited about my new heritage line,” he said. “After working with wood for many years, I still have breakthroughs in new designs in form and function and that feels good.”

Many know Filippelli as the memorable and witty arts and crafts teacher they had during his 36-year stint in the El Dorado Union High School District or as an instructor at American River College.

He also owned and operated a crafts store in Folsom where he featured hand-tooled leather products and pottery for many years.

He’s been a working artist on the show circuit for 25 years.

 

Jim Garmire

Garmire, who taught drama for 20 years at El Dorado High School and was the original founder of Studio 81, took up pottery while exploring raku in Japan where he taught English for six years.

Returning home, he became a potter as well as a favorite substitute teacher locally.

Charismatic and comical, Garmire returns after a four-year hiatus and is glad to be back working with Sticks and Stones in his favorite show.

“Every chance I get, I’m out in my studio (in Coloma) enjoying the creative spirit. Especially on rainy mornings, listening to some cool jazz with my wood stove going,” he said.

A variety of useful and decorative hand-thrown and glazed pottery will be available, including new glazes Garmire has created.

 

Lorrene Baum-Davis

Baum-Davis, former owner/artist of The New Beginnings Gallery of Jewelry and Fine Art in El Dorado Hills, is returning for her third year with Stick and Stones Holiday Open House.

She works and shows at Gold Country Artists Gallery on Main Street and recently directed “Secret Garden” at Imagination Theater.

Winning numerous awards nationally, she has also authored feature stories in national jewelry magazines and has been a featured speaker.

Her jewelry is wearable art fashioned from art clay, polymer, precious metals and stones and glass.

“The clays, precious metals and polymer enable me to produce organic forms with great textures and colors. All three mediums allow me to continue to be a maker of one-of-a-kind pieces,” she said.

In addition, Lisa Easterling will return to display her loom woven scarves.

Easterling is a local teacher and co-owner of Five String Farm, an organic farm in Pleasant Valley.

A robust assortment of local music will be offered both days as well as Chrissie Addison’s famous vegetarian chili and other holiday goodies to be topped off with hot spiced cider.

The vocal and instrumental musicians featured will be mostly students at Addison’s Coaching Studio and include Afton and Jeff Parker, Elizabeth and Craig Zangari, Paula Joy Welter and Phil Reddin.

All are welcome to come and view the posh pieces priced for all budgets, the gaiety of entertainment, social time with the veteran teachers and artists and the festive kick-off to Christmas, winter solstice and oncoming holiday season.

“You’re only a stranger the first time you come,” Filippelli said.

For more information contact rogersslate@gmail.com or call 530-622-9696.