Page 12 The Ferndale (California) Enterprise

Theres more to Main Street; discover Artisan Alley

A stroll down Ferndale's historic Main Street is a pleasure for all those that visit Ferndale, but more awaits in a locale tucked behind Main Street called Artisan Alley where one can "catch the vibe and stroll the splendor!" "The whole block from Joe Koches' blacksmith shop to public parking comprises the Artisan Alley Community. It is a natural cultural district that includes an eclectic group of individual artists and craftsmen," according to Bruce Keller, painter, scenic artist and sculptor. "The block of Artisan Alley not only survived the recession but is now flourishing," he said. Keller, along with his wife, ceramic artist and sculptor Lois Keller, bought their piece of Artisan Alley 10 years ago with an eye on studio space and art education. "We're still moving forward," said Bruce, who is now ecstatic that new artists have arrived on the alley block or have joined his Artisan Alley Studios. The studios and the alley can be easily accessed via the city's parking lot in the middle of Main Street, between the Ferndale Clothing Company and the Ferndale Music Company. The art scene in Ferndale has been vibrant for more than 35 years with such notables as Hobart Brown, founder of the world-famous Kinetic Sculpture Race and Jack Mays, a renowned artist and sculptor and cofounder, with Brown, of the Kinetic Sculpture Race, which still concludes in Ferndale on Memorial Day. From live theatre at the Ferndale Rep to music, dance, fiber, wood, metal, paint, pencil and clay . . . Ferndale has been the stage for all mediums. With the resurgence of the art vibe, one can find on a visit to Artisan Alley Studios: stained glass, fine historic sailing ships, woodcraft, painting, ceramics, sculpture, threads and fiber, technical theatre design, engineering, construction, and many archaic craft demonstrations for all ages. For instance, Daniel Lawrence's Artisan Alley Annex is 100 percent veteran owned and operated and specializes in stained glass design, repair and restoration, as well as unusual fine wood products. On most days, you'll

Courtesy photo.

Artisan Alley located at 375 A (for alley) Main Street, Ferndale. be able to view Andy Artisan Alley Studios techniques. Doerner meticulously members all encourage art Artisan Alley Studios building to scale his his- education throughout the are open Tuesday through toric West Coast ship district. Bruce currently Saturday from 10 am to 3 models, and see his won- teaches a drawing class and pm. derful nautical prints, Lois, of Lois Keller's Porcemany of which can be lain and Old Lace Studio ARTISAN ALLEY found in local restaurants & Gallery, is planning STUDIOS and homes. future workshops. Daniel 37 5 A (for al ley ) Mai n Ayala Talpai, folk artist Lawrence is apprenticing Street and felt maker, offers a fine stained glass students and 707/599-6262 collection of unique dolls Andy Doerner is teaching Find us on Facebook and wearables. his model ship building

Ferndale Dance Academy celebrating its 10th anniversary!

Every student counts at popular dance studio
When we moved to Ferndale, said Laura East, the director of Ferndale Dance Academy (FDA), people told me that a dance studio in this area would never make it because the kids were only interested in sports. However, having a dance studio has been a dream of mine for years so I thought it was at least worth a try. The first FDA classes were held in 2003 at the local gym in a space about as big as a matchbox, says East. The floor shook like crazy whenever we jumped. One leap and you were across. Two leaps and youd run into a wall. That was 10-and-ahalf years ago. Since that time, FDA has moved to a large studio space on the second floor of the Danish Hall. Enrollment has tripled, and the studio has expanded its roster of classes. We have students from all over Humboldt County. The really amazing thing to me has been all of the support we have received from the community, said East. The people in the Eel River Valley have really embraced the dance program and have helped to make its success possible. FDA offers Tutus for Tots, Ballet, Pointe, Musical Theatre Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap. The studio features an annual field trip to a dance convention, a scholarship program, and an assistant instructor apprenticeship program. FDA is also the home of Humboldt Dance Force, a group of the studios most dedicated students who perform throughout the year at various local venues. FDA students have auditioned and been accepted to summer programs including Anaheim Ballet, City Ballet of San Diego, and California Theatre Arts in Walnut Creek. The highlight of the year is FDAs full-scale production performed at the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts in Eureka. This years production, Starlight Serenade, was written by Laura and her husband and business partner, Michael East. The story takes place on the back lot of a Hollywood movie studio and follows a girl named Judy as she endeavors to get a screen test to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. It really is true that at the Dance Academy every student counts, says East. Our shows are very theatrical, and we incorpothe unique rate personalities of our students into the shows and create roles that highlight their individual talents. Starlight Serenade performances are June 21 and 22 at 7 pm at the Arkley Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Arkley box office in person, over the phone (4421956), and online.

Courtesy Aesthetic Design & Photography

The cast of Ferndale Dance Academys 2012 production, Cinderella Liberty.

LAURA EASTS FERNDALE DANCE ACADEMY Danish Hall, Ocean Avenue Tel. 707/496-0805 www.ferndaledance.com

Nothing but smiles at the Ferndale Childrens Center

Enterprise staff photos

Youll find lots of smiles at the Ferndale Childrens Center, located adjacent to Firemens Park. childcare. Kindergarten The Ferndale Chil- diversity. drens Center opened its The pre-K class makes children to 12-year-olds door in 1989. Its first multiple visits to the Fern- attend the center before home was located at the dale Elementary kinder- school, after school, holiFerndale Fairgrounds. It garten to ensure a smooth day vacations and summer. moved to the Firemens transition from preschool The center offers schoolPavilion in 1991. The cen- to kindergarten. The cen- age children the opportuter is licensed through the ter is very involved in the nity to explore different Department of Social community and partici- arts and crafts, games, Services for 39 children pates in many local music and time to learn social skills. ages two through 12. The events. The staff and commucenter is open MondayFerndale Childrens nity of Ferndale are proud Friday from 7:30 am-5:30 Center is very fortunate of the Ferndale Childrens pm. to have a qualified and Center. If you find yourself Ferndale Childrens dedicated staff that enjoys in need of preschool or Center offers three morn- working in the wonderful childcare, please call or ing programs: a two-year- town of Ferndale. The stop by. old program, three-year- staff are all CPR and firstold program and a pre- aid certified. They conkindergarten program. tinue their education each FERNDALE These programs offer year by attending work- CHILDRENS CENTER hands-on learning expe- shops and conferences. riences where children In addition to the 100 Berding learn through play. Many morning programs, the Tel. 707/786 4-FUN opportunities are offered center offers afternoon fcc4fun@yahoo.com to the children to explore