Art displays, wine, music and a beautiful day greeted guests at the Arts on the Green event held in Cypress in the beginning of April. The event was sponsored by the Cypress Art League and Friends of Cypress Cultural Arts (FOCCA).
The event, conceived by City Council Member, Mariellen Yarc, was an opportunity to bring a quality arts event to the community.
“This is a great community event,” said Yarc. “We don’t get enough of this locally. We would like to encourage more art programs in Cypress.”
“I hope they do this again next year,” said Donna Holder, a handmade, beaded jewelry maker. Holder, along with her beading instructor, Christine Smith, had bracelets, necklaces, and other exquisite pieces for sale.
Stephanie Chagollan, a quilt-maker, had a colorful display of her handiwork. The quilts were spectacular examples of functional textile art. Sandy Montez and Christine Brown were examining the needlework and impressed by Chagollan’s skill.
Paintings, photographs, greeting cards, portraits, watercolors and more could be found at many of the booths. Visitors strolled the aisles looking at the art, asking questions, and, sometimes, making purchases.
The wine area was popular with its charmingly-decorated vintage-style tables and chairs. Ken and Karen Lynch were two of the wine-enthusiasts who stopped to eat wrap sandwiches while enjoying some wine.
Live music was performed by groups all day with many visitors sitting in lawn chairs or on blankets listening to jazz, blues, and more. A few people got up and danced or swayed to the tunes.
Everyone associated with the event was a volunteer. Music volunteer groups included: Cypress College Jazz Combo, Driving Sideways Blues Band, Cypress High School Singers and Orchestra Club, and Orange County Children’s Theatre.
“It was so nice that the bands donated their time to make this a wonderful event,” said Yarc. “I especially want to thank Katy Realista from Cypress College for bringing their jazz combo. Their arts department had their 50th Anniversary event last night, but these still showed up today and they are terrific.”
“I also appreciate the 70 cadets from Sunburst Academy. The young men were here early to set up canopies, heavy easels and so much more. They brought two busloads of cadets to help. The boys walked around talking to the vendors once the event started and learned so much about the arts.”
“City Manager, Peter Grant, and the City Council were here this morning,” continued Yarc.
“Next year, we would like to get the high schools and other students involved. We might have an art contest and art displays from local students.”
Along with Yarc a committee has been working on the event since September. Committee members included: Pat Edap from the Cypress Art League, Betty Koestter from FOCCA, Fran Shermet, Linda Sunley and Cheryl Loofbourrow.
“The committee worked closely with Jeff Draper in the parks and recreation department,” said Yarc. “They helped with planning and gave us the space to hold the event.”
The Woman’s Club of Cypress provided volunteers to work security at the wine area, checking IDs and making sure only adults entered the area.
It was a relaxing afternoon with music, art, and time with family and friends. Something we all can use in our hectic schedules.
This article appeared in the April 19, 2017 print edition of the News Enterprise.