Entries being accepted for Folk Tree art show in Pasadena

From June 4 – July 2, 2011, The Folk Tree presents the juried exhibition Pasadena: A Cultural Mosaic. This show is being held in conjunction with Happy Birthday Pasadena – Celebrating 125 Years, the City’s official anniversary celebration to be hosted by Pasadena Museum of History on June 11, 2011. The opening reception for The Folk Tree show is on Saturday, June 4, from 2 – 6 P.M. In 1886, Pasadena became the first independent incorporated city in Los Angeles County. However, the cultural history of the area extends back much farther. It was once occupied by the Hahamogna Tribe of Native Americans, and today the San Gabriel Valley is considered one of the most diverse regions of the country, reflected in the richness of its traditions and the contributions made by its various ethnic communities. The Folk Tree invites artists to submit work in a variety of media reflecting or inspired by the many cultures that have contributed to Pasadena’s history and clearly relating to some aspect of the city. The goal of this show is to recognize the influence all these groups have had on the area, both historically and in contemporary society (for example,through images related to festivals and rituals, landmarks, people, the landscape, architecture). The Selection Committee consists of: Rocky Behr, Owner,The Folk Tree; Michelle Mills, Staff Writer, San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group, and 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Queen; Gail Mishkin, Gallery Director, The Folk Tree; Amanda Parsons, Anthropologist, Author, Photographer, Arts/Museum Consultant; and, Ardis Willwerth, Director of Exhibitions and Programming, Pasadena Museum of History. The Folk Tree, a store/gallery near historic Old Town Pasadena, is the outgrowth of owner Rocky Behr’s fascination with travel and the art and culture of indigenous people, particularly of Mexico and Latin America. Since opening in 1986, The Folk Tree has specialized in folk art of the Americas. A separate gallery within the retail space hosts changing exhibitions featuring local artists throughout the year. Pasadena: A Cultural Mosaic will be on view in The Folk Tree gallery. The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue, minutes walking distance from the Gold Line’s Del Mar station, and just south of Old Pasadena. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information contact Gail Mishkin at mishkinftc@aol.com or call (626) 793-4828. Entry forms are available on The Folk Tree website at http://www.folktree.com/pasadena11entry.html.