MIDDLETOWN >> Middletown Art Center (MAC) features Christian and Rachel Ahlmann and the wines of Six Sigma Ranch and Winery for Palette to Palate — an inspiring pairing of wine and art on Saturday, September 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Ahlmanns will be sharing stories and wine alongside MAC artists featured in the exhibit Witnessing which commemorates the wildfires of 2015-2016 and the community’s continuing recovery.
The program begins promptly at 6 p.m. and includes a Q&A with our guests, Christian and Rachel Ahlmann; an introduction to artists and works on view in the current exhibit Witnessing; heartfelt and hopeful stories, wines and light refreshments. A $10 cover fee provides several wine tastings with additional glasses of wine available for $5 per glass.
Witnessing addresses the reemergence of Lake County from the Valley, Jerusalem, Rocky and Clayton Fires that have left individuals and communities redefining life in the County. Artists participating in the exhibit impacted by one or several of the fires, several lost their homes. Six Sigma Ranch and Winery was also impacted by most of these fires, evacuating several times.
The Six Sigma Winery and Ranch is a 4,300-acre ranch developed with nature in mind, integrating small vineyard blocks with native vegetation, and providing corridors for the wildlife. A conservation easement donated to the Golden State Land Conservancy protects for eternity the habitat of deer, bobcat, turkey, wild pig, bear, and other wildlife.
The Six Sigma folks use natural farming methods and avoid using synthetic insecticides. The vineyard floor is biodiverse and managed by a hard-working flock of sheep who mow the cover crop of grass and clover while simultaneously fertilizing. Along with composted grape skins from the winery and cow manure from cattle, the sheep eliminate the need for chemical fertilizer. The permanent cover crop keeps soil microbes happy and healthy.
Palette to Palate is a fundraising event which helps support the Middletown Art Center, a nonprofit dedicated to creating art opportunities, art education, cultural enrichment, and ecological awareness while contributing to the social and economic well-being of Lake County, California. Donations to the MAC support a burgeoning arts scene in Lake County, are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.
MAC is located at 21456 State Hwy 175 at the junction of Rt. 29 in the heart of Middletown. The gallery is open Thursday 11-4, Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-4. Witnessing is on view through October 22. To learn more about exhibitions, concerts, events, calls for work, volunteer opportunities and membership visit www.middletownartcenter.org.
