The 16th annual, and possibly last, Cobb Mountain Artists Christmas Crafts Fair was held at Twin Pines Casino on Saturday. Both Joanne Sharon, president, and Marge Bougas, founder and vice president of the Cobb Mountain Artists organization, will be stepping down, saying that the organization was still suffering the effects of the Valley Fire.
Sharon lost her house in the fire and said that since the Valley Fire, the crafts fair is the only event the Cobb Mountain Artists organization continues to organize and sponsor. Bougas agreed with Sharon, saying they used to sponsor a variety of events throughout the year, but many of the artists left the area due to the fire. Bougas said that she hoped someone would take up the reins and continue the tradition of holding the annual crafts fair. Bougas added, “I would love to see the group carry on. I hate to see it die, it’s my baby”. Gregg Lindsley, board secretary, while talking about the apparent dismantling of the organization, said that “we are one of the repercussions of the fire”.
Christmas piano music could be heard throughout the venue, lending to the Christmas atmosphere. The music was provided by David Neft who said that he had been providing piano music every year since they started the event. He also said “I like to help the vendors and shoppers get into the Christmas mood”. Neft is known as “the piano man” and has been hired to play at a variety of venues throughout Lake County. For this event, Neft gets paid exclusively through tips. Neft lost his home in the Valley Fire and said that he purchased a new home in Buckingham because he loves Lake County. He chose not to rebuild in Cobb because the trees and neighbors surrounding the property were gone.
There was a large number of shoppers seen perusing and purchasing a myriad of arts and crafts from the over 40 vendors displaying their wares. Pottery, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and baskets were just a few of the items being sold. A free raffle also took place, with a winner being selected every hour. Each of the vendors donated one item for the raffle and the winners could choose among a wide variety of items, according to Tony Galloway, a member of the Cobb Mountain Artists board.
Kathryn Ess, a shopper from Kelseyville, said the atmosphere captured the feeling of Christmas and that it “was a great launch to the season”. Her friend, Kathy Caldwell, agreed and added that the artisans were extremely talented.
Joanne Sharon, president of the Cobb Mountain Artist board said that she was very happy with the turn-out and gave credit to Twin Pines for allowing them to hold the crafts fair at their facilities. She also said that the price was very reasonable and that Twin Pines has consistently been very good about supporting the community.
Lindsley was selling pottery and said that he very happy with the vendor turn-out and expected a large crowd for both days of the event. Marsha and Jon Williams, One Earth Studio, were vending their jewelry and glassware at the event. Marsha Williams said that they did well last year and this particular show was a great one for everyone concerned.
Suzanne Dunnell, a resident from Clearlake Oaks said that she thoroughly enjoyed the event. Jill Shawl, from Lakeport, purchased some handmade Christmas ornaments from Sandi Musick’s handcrafted items booth. Shawl stated that the ornaments “are one of a kind” and “very clever”. Musick said that she was very happy with the amount of people shopping.
