By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
SOMETHING bouncing off the walls and noises that sounded suspiciously like wings flapping after dark in my attic began giving me the creepy crawlies a couple of weeks ago. Although I'm a fan of paranormal novels, I don't really believe that I have a poltergeist living in my attic. Actually, one really couldn't move around up there much less walk around making the boards creek.
Feeling that there must be some other answer, other than a bad Saturday night at the movies, my husband began heading up to the dark shadowy trenches of the attic in search of the culprit. Of course, what first came to mind is that a rat had gotten stuck up there somehow. Talk about creepy crawlies. I envisioned all kinds of little babies being born up there and that thought was not the thrill that some get when they take those little varmints as pets.
After a couple of trips up the ladder with no sign of what was making the noise, we took the first course of action and put some traps up there. After dark we immediately heard what we were sure was a trap snapping shut, but what turned out to be just another bang on the wall. Whatever was up there wasn't remotely interested in our trap offerings.
After several days we still hadn't seen the critter making the noise, but with so many shadowy areas that were not accessible to humans, that was understandable. Still hearing a strange noise of something flapping we started wondering if what we were dealing with wasn't a rat at all but something else.
Living in East County for so long one begins to hear stories about all the critters that can get into the house. We've had a few issues over the years. Both my husband and I have been stung by scorpions. My sister, who also lives in Oakley, found a tarantula nest, with a mama and several babies in a woodpile in her backyard. My personal favorite were these two cute little raccoons that would come galloping around our roof every night for a couple of months last summer.
Then there were bats. There are lots of horror stories about bats around East County. One of my personal favorites was the story about a family who went to Disneyland during spring break and came back to find a bat hanging from its ceiling fan. A while back at Oakley Raley's, the store found a bat in its back storage area.
Thinking about that flapping noise it suddenly hit me. The noises only happening after dark, the flapping of wings sound and the sound of something hitting the walls. After some online research there were some other signs as well. Strange looking droppings that didn't quite look like they belonged to a rat. The clincher was some staining found on the ceiling that looked like the possibility of a roof leak, but wasn't.
After some research I found that our area has 14 varieties of bat species. More than likely this guy is small like a mouse with wings, but after seeing some You Tube videos of some larger bats, I was having nightmares about 2-foot bodies with 4-foot wing spans. Unfortunately, since we don't have an open floor plan in our attic and there are no real standing rooms, it will be hard for us or anyone to net the bat, which is what most recommend.
The best course of action is to find where it is coming in from and then wait and listen for it to leave the attic for its nightly trip outside. While it is outside plug up the hole with steel wool until it can be closed off correctly.
Some say we should just leave it alone. Bats are very good for the environment. They eat bugs and unless they feel threatened, they stay away from people. They do bite, however, so it is best to stay away from them. Some places consider bat droppings or "guano" as prized fertilizer and sell it by the bag. In one's home, however, the accumulation of bat "guano" is, let's just say, undesirable.
So while we haven't seen the little critter yet — and frankly I hope it just goes away before we do — I guess he'll just stay up there.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
This blog is dedicated to articles that have run in the East Bay Times (East Contra Costa County, California), Brentwood News, Oakley News, Antioch News, Pittsburg News written by community columnist and correspondent, Roni Gehlke.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Business Spotlight: Just Teach It offers educational supplies and more
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Just Teach It
Type of business: Discount educational supplies
Owner: Jenny Kuban
Founded: 2006
Address: 3850 Balfour Road, Suite I, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-240-7140
Hours: Jan. 1 through May 31: weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June 1 through Dec. 31: weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Number of employees: Family owned and operated with one part-time employee.
Products and services: "Just Teach It provides educational materials essential to the learning processes of a diverse cross-section of our community," Kuban said. "As advocates for peoples with special abilities, we are sensitive to the unique needs individual families may require."
The store offers American Sign Language training aids, interactive programs and free workshops.
"ASL assists in curbing communication frustrations for those who are speech-delayed, families with deaf or hard-of-hearing family members or friends," she said.
They also have a host of workbooks by Evan-Moore, Brain Quest, Kumon, Teacher Created Resources and many more from advanced to remedial, pre K-eighth grade, ELL/ESL, activity books and chapter books, crossword puzzles, word search, critical thinking and problem solving. They cover all of the major subjects, including math, language arts, science, history and geography. The also carry learning aides such as flash cards and speed drills, mastering skills and test prep.
Other products include Rock N Learn, Twin Sisters, a full line of arts and crafts supplies, and decorations for all occasions.
How did you get into the business: "As parents dedicated to the education of our children, we were in constant search for quality materials to supplement and teach our children, when we found a diamond in the rough with a huge sign displaying for sale," Kuban said.
At the time, Kuban was working full time for AT&T and losing her hearing. She wanted to take a proactive step in creating something for her family that would benefit the entire community.
She also said that given the risk of losing the only educational supply store in East County, she decided to give back to the community of educators and protect this cherished store when everything else is being taken due to the recession.
Best part about the business?: In addition to supplying local school districts with competitive pricing on materials, the best part about Just Teach It, according to Kuban, is watching as their products encourage and engage students in a fun interactive educationally beneficial manner, enhancing the learning process.
Worst part about the business?: "Bearing witness to the assaults our educational system continuously endures, being asked to provide higher standards to more students with less resources provided by the state, resulting in educators digging into their pockets to provide materials for the classrooms they may not have a job in next year," Kuban said.
Key to success: "Provide stellar hometown customer service, superior products and affordable fair pricing," Kuban said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "We are often confused as a tutorial center; we do offer this service, but this is not our primary function," she said.
Also, a lot of people believe the store is an exclusive club for teachers. "We are open to the public and offer 3 percent back to your child's teacher on your purchases," she said.
Future plans: "To expand our selection and services, create jobs and provide East County a valuable local resource," she said. "We want to be East County's first choice for educational toys, games, gifts and decorations."
— Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Just Teach It
Type of business: Discount educational supplies
Owner: Jenny Kuban
Founded: 2006
Address: 3850 Balfour Road, Suite I, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-240-7140
Hours: Jan. 1 through May 31: weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June 1 through Dec. 31: weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Number of employees: Family owned and operated with one part-time employee.
Products and services: "Just Teach It provides educational materials essential to the learning processes of a diverse cross-section of our community," Kuban said. "As advocates for peoples with special abilities, we are sensitive to the unique needs individual families may require."
The store offers American Sign Language training aids, interactive programs and free workshops.
"ASL assists in curbing communication frustrations for those who are speech-delayed, families with deaf or hard-of-hearing family members or friends," she said.
They also have a host of workbooks by Evan-Moore, Brain Quest, Kumon, Teacher Created Resources and many more from advanced to remedial, pre K-eighth grade, ELL/ESL, activity books and chapter books, crossword puzzles, word search, critical thinking and problem solving. They cover all of the major subjects, including math, language arts, science, history and geography. The also carry learning aides such as flash cards and speed drills, mastering skills and test prep.
Other products include Rock N Learn, Twin Sisters, a full line of arts and crafts supplies, and decorations for all occasions.
How did you get into the business: "As parents dedicated to the education of our children, we were in constant search for quality materials to supplement and teach our children, when we found a diamond in the rough with a huge sign displaying for sale," Kuban said.
At the time, Kuban was working full time for AT&T and losing her hearing. She wanted to take a proactive step in creating something for her family that would benefit the entire community.
She also said that given the risk of losing the only educational supply store in East County, she decided to give back to the community of educators and protect this cherished store when everything else is being taken due to the recession.
Best part about the business?: In addition to supplying local school districts with competitive pricing on materials, the best part about Just Teach It, according to Kuban, is watching as their products encourage and engage students in a fun interactive educationally beneficial manner, enhancing the learning process.
Worst part about the business?: "Bearing witness to the assaults our educational system continuously endures, being asked to provide higher standards to more students with less resources provided by the state, resulting in educators digging into their pockets to provide materials for the classrooms they may not have a job in next year," Kuban said.
Key to success: "Provide stellar hometown customer service, superior products and affordable fair pricing," Kuban said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "We are often confused as a tutorial center; we do offer this service, but this is not our primary function," she said.
Also, a lot of people believe the store is an exclusive club for teachers. "We are open to the public and offer 3 percent back to your child's teacher on your purchases," she said.
Future plans: "To expand our selection and services, create jobs and provide East County a valuable local resource," she said. "We want to be East County's first choice for educational toys, games, gifts and decorations."
— Roni Gehlke
Business Spotlight: Brentwood's Cre'me dela Gem Jewelry survives tough times with low-cost jewelry repairs
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of Business: Cre'me dela Gem Jewelry
Type of business: Fine jewelry sales and full-service jewelry repair
Owners: Donna and Jim Ross
Founded: 1998; at this Brentwood location since 2006
Address: 613 First St., Brentwood
Web site: www.cremedelagem.com
Phone number: 925-516-6200
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Cre'me dela Gem Jewelry offers a large variety of bridal jewelry, custom jewelry design, custom Swiss watches, certified diamonds, colored gemstones, full-service jewelry repair and certified insurance appraisals. They also purchase gold.
How did you get into the business: "I started collecting gemstones as a hobby, then became a graduate gemologist after attending the Gemological Institute of America," Donna Ross said. "After attending several jewelry workshops, I developed my goldsmith skills in a home studio."
While she worked in the electronics industry for many years, the jewelry making and gemstone collecting offered her a way to expand her creativity, Ross said. After retiring from the corporate world in 2005, Ross felt ready to take her jewelry skills and her business education into public retail.
"After watching me having so much fun in my own business, Jim also retired from his career in field service management," she said.
He then attended an extensive jewelry program in Virginia, earning credentials as a certified bench technician.
"Oh, and we've been married 30 years and work together every day," Ross added.
Best part about the business?: "It's hard to pick one thing ... but I would say the best part is meeting so many nice people. We've made some great friends since opening the jewelry shop," Ross said.
She went on to say that jewelry tends to make people happy, whether they are buying for themselves or as a gift for someone special.
"Seeing someone smile after having something as simple as a ring polished and cleaned can just make your day. People are often surprised that we can repair just about anything. It makes us feel good to be able to extend the life of a cherished piece of heirloom jewelry," Ross said.
Worst part about the business?: "The jewelry business is heavily impacted by the economy, because discretionary spending is usually the first that people will cut out. So when people stop spending on luxury items like jewelry, business owners like us have to find ways to pay the bills and stay in business," she said. "While the past year was one of the toughest as far as sales, we were able to survive on jewelry repairs."
Key to success: "By far, customer service is key. We find that it is best to clearly explain how a piece of jewelry is made, the properties of a certain gemstone, or how a repair will be done," Ross said. "It is important to remember that every piece of broken jewelry is emotionally attached to its owner."
Biggest misperception about the business: "Jewelry repair is expensive and takes two to three weeks to do. This is actually true for most jewelry stores, because they send all repairs out to other facilities," Ross said.
She said that they perform all their repairs on-site and quickly, with most jobs completed within a day or two.
"Since we have better control and faster turnaround times, our labor costs are much lower. We pass that on to our customers," Ross said.
Future plans: "We are expanding our bridal jewelry and wedding band selections, and we will be open on Mondays beginning in the spring."
— Roni Gehlke
Brentwood man teaches tai chi classes
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
In the first three years, Wolf spent much of his time reading books and learning from his teachers. He was such a dedicated student that his instructor asked if Wolf would work beside him as an assistant.
"At first it was like learning to drive," Wolf said about learning tai chi. "You get used to driving and you stop paying attention to detail the longer you drive. Your subconscious takes over."
Tai chi, as it is practiced in the West today, can best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are a number of forms, or what Wolf describes as sets, which consist of a sequence of movements. Many of the movements are similar to what can be found in martial arts exercises.
The way they are performed in tai chi is slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them — all of which Wolf says makes the exercises perfect for seniors.
About a year and a half ago Wolf began teaching tai chi as a class at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. At 81 years old, Wolf understands exactly how hard it is for seniors to get around and exercise.
"The older you are the easier it is to be injured in exercise. Slow and continuous movement helps to avoid injury. This is particularly good for people who haven't exercised in a long time," he said.
One of the main teachings that Wolf stresses in his classes is about guided imagery. He believes that when done correctly, forms of tai chi can make seniors feel
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the stress melt away as they explore several different types of movements, stretching and guided imagery. This blend of "healing arts" is designed to improve flexibility and release blocked energy.
During his tai chi studies, Wolf has also been reading books on Chinese medicine, especially acupressure. During his classes he helps seniors hone in on such painful elderly issues as arthritis and diabetes.
"Repeated slow movements and thoughts are used to train the muscle memory and the subconscious to move efficiently and effectively. Over time, balance and health are improved and maintained, and the effects of aging lessen," Wolf said.
Wolf takes every opportunity he can to learn about his craft. He even spent some time visiting China and going to parks where people have been studying tai chi for centuries. "The Chinese practice tai chi on a national level to improve health," he said.
Wolf said that tai chi methods have been practiced in China as far back as the 1600s.
Wolf said the public is welcome to sign up for his new set of classes at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. One doesn't have to be a senior to take the classes, but his class works primarily to help seniors with their issues and concerns. The class is called Tai Chi Qi Gong. Two new classes begin next week. One class runs on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. beginning March 23 and ending May 25. The second class runs on Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. beginning March 25 and ending May 27.
The fee for the 10-week class is $45 a session. There is a 10-student minimum for each class. Those interested in joining should sign up by calling 925-516-5444. This class is offered in partnership with the Liberty Adult Education program.
For the Contra Costa Times
It was 10 years ago, at the age of 71, that Brentwood's Bob Wolf first started learning about Tai Chi for help with his aging body. He took a class on the ancient Chinese exercise and immediately became interested in learning more about it.
In the first three years, Wolf spent much of his time reading books and learning from his teachers. He was such a dedicated student that his instructor asked if Wolf would work beside him as an assistant.
"At first it was like learning to drive," Wolf said about learning tai chi. "You get used to driving and you stop paying attention to detail the longer you drive. Your subconscious takes over."
Tai chi, as it is practiced in the West today, can best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are a number of forms, or what Wolf describes as sets, which consist of a sequence of movements. Many of the movements are similar to what can be found in martial arts exercises.
The way they are performed in tai chi is slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them — all of which Wolf says makes the exercises perfect for seniors.
About a year and a half ago Wolf began teaching tai chi as a class at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. At 81 years old, Wolf understands exactly how hard it is for seniors to get around and exercise.
"The older you are the easier it is to be injured in exercise. Slow and continuous movement helps to avoid injury. This is particularly good for people who haven't exercised in a long time," he said.
One of the main teachings that Wolf stresses in his classes is about guided imagery. He believes that when done correctly, forms of tai chi can make seniors feel
Advertisement
the stress melt away as they explore several different types of movements, stretching and guided imagery. This blend of "healing arts" is designed to improve flexibility and release blocked energy.
During his tai chi studies, Wolf has also been reading books on Chinese medicine, especially acupressure. During his classes he helps seniors hone in on such painful elderly issues as arthritis and diabetes.
"Repeated slow movements and thoughts are used to train the muscle memory and the subconscious to move efficiently and effectively. Over time, balance and health are improved and maintained, and the effects of aging lessen," Wolf said.
Wolf takes every opportunity he can to learn about his craft. He even spent some time visiting China and going to parks where people have been studying tai chi for centuries. "The Chinese practice tai chi on a national level to improve health," he said.
Wolf said that tai chi methods have been practiced in China as far back as the 1600s.
Wolf said the public is welcome to sign up for his new set of classes at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. One doesn't have to be a senior to take the classes, but his class works primarily to help seniors with their issues and concerns. The class is called Tai Chi Qi Gong. Two new classes begin next week. One class runs on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. beginning March 23 and ending May 25. The second class runs on Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. beginning March 25 and ending May 27.
The fee for the 10-week class is $45 a session. There is a 10-student minimum for each class. Those interested in joining should sign up by calling 925-516-5444. This class is offered in partnership with the Liberty Adult Education program.
Rio Vista honors its top residents
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
RIO VISTA — Restaurateur Howard Lamothe is used to receiving awards for his place of business, Foster's Bighorn, but just in case he didn't feel appreciated in his hometown, the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce showed him in a big way. Lamothe was awarded one of the chamber's highest honors at its recent annual awards banquet.
Lamothe has received many awards in the past, including "Best of the Bay" KRON San Francisco, "Eye on the Bay" (KPIX San Francisco), "Best Bar in the Delta" and "Best Bartender in the Delta" (Delta Explorer) and "Best Bar in the Bay Area" (San Francisco Magazine). All these awards, though, were about the accomplishments of the restaurant itself; the chamber's Business of the Year Star Award was given to Lamothe for his personal accomplishments as well.
The chamber's president, Matt Rubier, reminded those at the dinner of the days when Lamothe announced Rio Vista High football games, emphasizing that he has always given back to the youth in this community, said chamber director Mary Peinado.
"Foster's Bighorn is a magnet that draws people to visit Rio Vista," she said.
Peinado said when he accepted his award, Lamothe did it with his "signature style" by reading from notes he'd written on his palm.
Another business awarded at the banquet was Lira's Supermarket. The chamber awarded Jim Lira the Business of the Year Crown Award for his dedication by hiring "numerous" Rio Vista youth over the years. Lira recognized his family at the dinner stating that the business is a family affair. His son Mike is the chief executive officer, his daughter Christine Farrell is the human resources manager and his son-in-law Correy Farrell is the chief financial officer.
The surprise award of the evening was the chamber's Spirit Award. Peinado said that the Spirit Award is similar to the Antioch Citizen of the Year award, given to a local resident for their dedication to the community. The chamber does not announce the winner of the award to the public before it is given out.
This year Rio Vista's award was given to Hale and Sue Conklin. Peinado said that among their accomplishments, the Conklins established a Web site featuring news and activities throughout Rio Vista. The site address is www.riovistaadvocates.com. The couple also opened a bookstore called Books RV this past year.
When receiving the award, Hale said that he and his wife were touched that so many of his friends and neighbors attended the dinner to support them.
For the Contra Costa Times
RIO VISTA — Restaurateur Howard Lamothe is used to receiving awards for his place of business, Foster's Bighorn, but just in case he didn't feel appreciated in his hometown, the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce showed him in a big way. Lamothe was awarded one of the chamber's highest honors at its recent annual awards banquet.
Lamothe has received many awards in the past, including "Best of the Bay" KRON San Francisco, "Eye on the Bay" (KPIX San Francisco), "Best Bar in the Delta" and "Best Bartender in the Delta" (Delta Explorer) and "Best Bar in the Bay Area" (San Francisco Magazine). All these awards, though, were about the accomplishments of the restaurant itself; the chamber's Business of the Year Star Award was given to Lamothe for his personal accomplishments as well.
The chamber's president, Matt Rubier, reminded those at the dinner of the days when Lamothe announced Rio Vista High football games, emphasizing that he has always given back to the youth in this community, said chamber director Mary Peinado.
"Foster's Bighorn is a magnet that draws people to visit Rio Vista," she said.
Peinado said when he accepted his award, Lamothe did it with his "signature style" by reading from notes he'd written on his palm.
Another business awarded at the banquet was Lira's Supermarket. The chamber awarded Jim Lira the Business of the Year Crown Award for his dedication by hiring "numerous" Rio Vista youth over the years. Lira recognized his family at the dinner stating that the business is a family affair. His son Mike is the chief executive officer, his daughter Christine Farrell is the human resources manager and his son-in-law Correy Farrell is the chief financial officer.
The surprise award of the evening was the chamber's Spirit Award. Peinado said that the Spirit Award is similar to the Antioch Citizen of the Year award, given to a local resident for their dedication to the community. The chamber does not announce the winner of the award to the public before it is given out.
This year Rio Vista's award was given to Hale and Sue Conklin. Peinado said that among their accomplishments, the Conklins established a Web site featuring news and activities throughout Rio Vista. The site address is www.riovistaadvocates.com. The couple also opened a bookstore called Books RV this past year.
When receiving the award, Hale said that he and his wife were touched that so many of his friends and neighbors attended the dinner to support them.
Ghana artist tells stories in found object and more
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
EVER SINCE world-renowned artist Nana-Dictta Graves was a young girl growing up in Ghana on the Ivory Coast in West Africa, she believed that every picture told a story. Art supplies were something that she and most around her couldn't afford, but that didn't stop Graves from telling her stories in her pictures.
Graves used found items and paper products to add color and life to her mosaic art style and before long she was starting on a journey that would lead her around the world showing her art and giving inspiration and speeches as a moderator to young and old.
Graves' images illustrate stories from Africa. Most show the traditional African imagery that is either contemporary or from a generation past, the time that her grandparents told stories of.
"My goal is to foster understanding and appreciation of the arts as a discipline to generate creativity and responsiveness, in turn, expanding reasoning, thinking skills, self-esteem and also the sharing of cultural awareness globally," Graves said.
When she was a young girl at her first showing in an art gallery in Ghana, some 30,000 people came to see her art. The event won her notice by several local galleries and educational facilities.
"Since people couldn't afford acrylics to paint with they found my art inspiring and wanted me to speak on how I prepared my art," she said.
Graves earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in Theater, African Dance
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and Cultural Studies from the University of Ghana. After speaking at several engagements she received a full-ride scholarship at the University of Royal Society of the Arts in Scotland where she received a degree in Fine Arts.
While at college a gallery sent three of Graves' pieces to the 1982 World Exhibition of Contemporary Art show at the Kaiser Center Mezzanine Art Gallery in Oakland, which brought Graves to California on her first trip to the United States. Her art at the exhibition brought attention to her work and a local corporation signed her on to do some artwork for it. She later moved to Texas doing similar work for another organization.
During her time in the United States she continued to develop her unique style of art using the same mosaic and collage she used in her first showing in Ghana. She continued to gather an impressive list of accomplishments, showing her work in several international venues. Not only has she displayed her work in galleries and museums, she also has a varied selection of work in businesses, universities and private collections.
Graves said that when she started to give talks about her art, people where fascinated by her artistic materials. A lot of the art was made of found recycling items and edible material.
"I was green before it was popular to be green," she said about the items she used in her mosaic art. "Every day people shred paper, pencils and even candy wrappers and all of those items can be used in art."
In 2006, Graves moved to California. She liked California when she had visited and decided to give the area a try. She lived in Merced for a year before moving to Antioch where she found the "perfect" house and studio setup.
Her first showing in Antioch was at the Lynn House Gallery, as part of the gallery's Stories and Recollections exhibit, which ended on Feb. 27. The exhibit featured several of Graves' pieces that offer their own unique storytelling.
"A community link is very important to me," Graves said. "I'm very happy to be having a chance to share my work here in Antioch."
While Graves is working on her latest project and getting ready to show her work at yet another art venue, she is also working on a book of stories to go along with her art. She feels that every picture she has a special story that needs to be told. In her book she hopes to combine the two and then give people a chance to see and hear the story together.
She also will continue to be a guest speaker, teacher, event organizer and curator of shows. Many of her speaking engagements cover a broad-based knowledge and expertise in a variety of art forms, including the diverse programs of traditional African dance and cultural studies.
For the Contra Costa Times
EVER SINCE world-renowned artist Nana-Dictta Graves was a young girl growing up in Ghana on the Ivory Coast in West Africa, she believed that every picture told a story. Art supplies were something that she and most around her couldn't afford, but that didn't stop Graves from telling her stories in her pictures.
Graves used found items and paper products to add color and life to her mosaic art style and before long she was starting on a journey that would lead her around the world showing her art and giving inspiration and speeches as a moderator to young and old.
Graves' images illustrate stories from Africa. Most show the traditional African imagery that is either contemporary or from a generation past, the time that her grandparents told stories of.
"My goal is to foster understanding and appreciation of the arts as a discipline to generate creativity and responsiveness, in turn, expanding reasoning, thinking skills, self-esteem and also the sharing of cultural awareness globally," Graves said.
When she was a young girl at her first showing in an art gallery in Ghana, some 30,000 people came to see her art. The event won her notice by several local galleries and educational facilities.
"Since people couldn't afford acrylics to paint with they found my art inspiring and wanted me to speak on how I prepared my art," she said.
Graves earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in Theater, African Dance
Advertisement
and Cultural Studies from the University of Ghana. After speaking at several engagements she received a full-ride scholarship at the University of Royal Society of the Arts in Scotland where she received a degree in Fine Arts.
While at college a gallery sent three of Graves' pieces to the 1982 World Exhibition of Contemporary Art show at the Kaiser Center Mezzanine Art Gallery in Oakland, which brought Graves to California on her first trip to the United States. Her art at the exhibition brought attention to her work and a local corporation signed her on to do some artwork for it. She later moved to Texas doing similar work for another organization.
During her time in the United States she continued to develop her unique style of art using the same mosaic and collage she used in her first showing in Ghana. She continued to gather an impressive list of accomplishments, showing her work in several international venues. Not only has she displayed her work in galleries and museums, she also has a varied selection of work in businesses, universities and private collections.
Graves said that when she started to give talks about her art, people where fascinated by her artistic materials. A lot of the art was made of found recycling items and edible material.
"I was green before it was popular to be green," she said about the items she used in her mosaic art. "Every day people shred paper, pencils and even candy wrappers and all of those items can be used in art."
In 2006, Graves moved to California. She liked California when she had visited and decided to give the area a try. She lived in Merced for a year before moving to Antioch where she found the "perfect" house and studio setup.
Her first showing in Antioch was at the Lynn House Gallery, as part of the gallery's Stories and Recollections exhibit, which ended on Feb. 27. The exhibit featured several of Graves' pieces that offer their own unique storytelling.
"A community link is very important to me," Graves said. "I'm very happy to be having a chance to share my work here in Antioch."
While Graves is working on her latest project and getting ready to show her work at yet another art venue, she is also working on a book of stories to go along with her art. She feels that every picture she has a special story that needs to be told. In her book she hopes to combine the two and then give people a chance to see and hear the story together.
She also will continue to be a guest speaker, teacher, event organizer and curator of shows. Many of her speaking engagements cover a broad-based knowledge and expertise in a variety of art forms, including the diverse programs of traditional African dance and cultural studies.
Daffodil show set to bloom in Murphys
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Bob Spotts didn't even know what a daffodil really looked like until he attended a 1975 flower show in Oakland. Now he has what is commonly referred to as "yellow fever."
The Arizona native now owns a quarter acre of property in Oakley, one-third of which is filled with daffodil flower beds.
The retiree also spends much of his time working to develop new hybrid forms of daffodils, visiting daffodil farms all over the world and presiding as president of the Northern California Daffodil Society. Next weekend he and another daffodil enthusiast, Nancy Tackett of Martinez, will be co-chairing the American Daffodil National Show and Convention. The event, which has taken three years to prepare for, will take place in Murphys.
To prepare for the event, Spotts and Tackett have traveled throughout the world inviting daffodil growers to learn about their organization and attend the annual show.
"We traveled to England, New Zealand, Australia and more, visiting daffodil farms and sharing daffodil stories," Spotts said.
Over the years Spotts has created more than 30 hybrid varieties of daffodils. He said that he doesn't create the hybrids for financial reasons. Coming up with the combination and mix of seeds and his own kind of know-how is just a hobby for him. After Spotts creates and registers a variety of daffodil on the national registry, the formula is then open for others to duplicate in their own gardens.
On his travels Spotts was excited to see some of his hybrids planted. "On one farm in New Zealand I saw 14 rows of my Kokopelli variety," he said.
Spotts' Kokopelli daffodil variety is one of his most popular and is sold in many garden catalogs and through Web sites each year. It is a "jonquilla" seedling that is "very fragrant and very floriferous." Each of the bulbs produces a bouquet of three or more stems of yellow trumpet flowers.
Spotts, who also enters his variations in flower shows across the country, has won many awards for his Kokopelli, as have others who have recreated his variety. The name Kokopelli comes from a fertility deity better know in the Southwest region and Native American cultures as the deity who presides over agriculture.
"Hybrids aren't always as pretty as the daffodil that you see at the nursery," Spotts said. He also said that since he is working from seed rather than bulb, as most people who grow daffodils do, it can take up to five years for his flowers to come to maturity.
Spotts said that although daffodils have a very short blossom life, usually 10 days to two weeks, that his garden is usually in bloom from January to April.
"Some of them are in full bloom now while others will still be in bloom throughout March," he said.
Sports is working on creating a hybrid that can bloom in the early winter months.
"We have such mild temperatures in the winter here in California that it is possible to have winter blooms," Spotts said.
He has had some success with a variety that is in the works and had some blooms in October of last year.
Sports is also working on developing daffodils in different colors. "Most people know the yellow daffodil from Holland that can be purchased at the garden center," he said. "There are so many other varieties available through the Internet and in catalogs."
Along with his daffodils, Spotts also has 200 rose plants on his Oakley property.
Before taking on the position as president of the Northern California Daffodil Society, Spotts was a past president of the American Daffodil Society, an organization with more than 1,500 members throughout the nation and overseas. The Northern California Daffodil Society, which has been around since 1960, has more than 75 members.
Spotts says he enjoys meeting new people who share his interest in daffodils. Membership to the society is open to anyone who has an interest in daffodils.
For more information on where to see daffodils and membership visit the Northern California Daffodil Society's Website at www.daffodil.org.
The March 11-14 American Daffodil Society's National Show and Convention in Murphys, co-hosted by the Northern California Daffodil Society and Ironstone Vineyards, will feature a horticulture exhibit of various varieties of daffodils from more than 170 entries, including 30 entries from outside of the United States, along with vendors and more. The event is open to the public March 12-14.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: American Daffodil Society's National Show and Convention
WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. March 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 13; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 14
WHERE: Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys
COST: free
INFO: www.daffodil.org
For the Contra Costa Times
Bob Spotts didn't even know what a daffodil really looked like until he attended a 1975 flower show in Oakland. Now he has what is commonly referred to as "yellow fever."
The Arizona native now owns a quarter acre of property in Oakley, one-third of which is filled with daffodil flower beds.
The retiree also spends much of his time working to develop new hybrid forms of daffodils, visiting daffodil farms all over the world and presiding as president of the Northern California Daffodil Society. Next weekend he and another daffodil enthusiast, Nancy Tackett of Martinez, will be co-chairing the American Daffodil National Show and Convention. The event, which has taken three years to prepare for, will take place in Murphys.
To prepare for the event, Spotts and Tackett have traveled throughout the world inviting daffodil growers to learn about their organization and attend the annual show.
"We traveled to England, New Zealand, Australia and more, visiting daffodil farms and sharing daffodil stories," Spotts said.
Over the years Spotts has created more than 30 hybrid varieties of daffodils. He said that he doesn't create the hybrids for financial reasons. Coming up with the combination and mix of seeds and his own kind of know-how is just a hobby for him. After Spotts creates and registers a variety of daffodil on the national registry, the formula is then open for others to duplicate in their own gardens.
On his travels Spotts was excited to see some of his hybrids planted. "On one farm in New Zealand I saw 14 rows of my Kokopelli variety," he said.
Spotts' Kokopelli daffodil variety is one of his most popular and is sold in many garden catalogs and through Web sites each year. It is a "jonquilla" seedling that is "very fragrant and very floriferous." Each of the bulbs produces a bouquet of three or more stems of yellow trumpet flowers.
Spotts, who also enters his variations in flower shows across the country, has won many awards for his Kokopelli, as have others who have recreated his variety. The name Kokopelli comes from a fertility deity better know in the Southwest region and Native American cultures as the deity who presides over agriculture.
"Hybrids aren't always as pretty as the daffodil that you see at the nursery," Spotts said. He also said that since he is working from seed rather than bulb, as most people who grow daffodils do, it can take up to five years for his flowers to come to maturity.
Spotts said that although daffodils have a very short blossom life, usually 10 days to two weeks, that his garden is usually in bloom from January to April.
"Some of them are in full bloom now while others will still be in bloom throughout March," he said.
Sports is working on creating a hybrid that can bloom in the early winter months.
"We have such mild temperatures in the winter here in California that it is possible to have winter blooms," Spotts said.
He has had some success with a variety that is in the works and had some blooms in October of last year.
Sports is also working on developing daffodils in different colors. "Most people know the yellow daffodil from Holland that can be purchased at the garden center," he said. "There are so many other varieties available through the Internet and in catalogs."
Along with his daffodils, Spotts also has 200 rose plants on his Oakley property.
Before taking on the position as president of the Northern California Daffodil Society, Spotts was a past president of the American Daffodil Society, an organization with more than 1,500 members throughout the nation and overseas. The Northern California Daffodil Society, which has been around since 1960, has more than 75 members.
Spotts says he enjoys meeting new people who share his interest in daffodils. Membership to the society is open to anyone who has an interest in daffodils.
For more information on where to see daffodils and membership visit the Northern California Daffodil Society's Website at www.daffodil.org.
The March 11-14 American Daffodil Society's National Show and Convention in Murphys, co-hosted by the Northern California Daffodil Society and Ironstone Vineyards, will feature a horticulture exhibit of various varieties of daffodils from more than 170 entries, including 30 entries from outside of the United States, along with vendors and more. The event is open to the public March 12-14.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: American Daffodil Society's National Show and Convention
WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. March 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 13; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 14
WHERE: Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys
COST: free
INFO: www.daffodil.org
East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum hosts opening day
BRENTWOOD
DAY AT THE MUSEUM: East Contra Costa Historical Society will hold its annual introduction to the museum it maintains with a smorgasbord of fun as well as relics.
The event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 27 at 3890 Sellers Ave., Brentwood.
Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.
Displays include artifacts from the ill-fated Donner Party and Byron Hot Springs when it was a prisoner-of-war camp, as well as paintings of local doctor and cattle rancher John Marsh and a 1920 magician's costume from Brentwood's theater.
A newly restored Dodge fire truck that once served Byron will be there, and visitors are invited to show off their own sets of wheels in the car show.
The public also can tour an 1878 farmhouse and see antique tractors, Model Ts and a caboose.
The museum is open 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and the third Sunday of the month from April through October.
For more information, call Dave or Joyce at 925-679-1024.
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