Furniture and other finds from Antique Cottage and Garden
In 2009, when Monica Templeton closed “Monica’s Vintage Inspired,” her Athens Avenue shabby-chic emporium, a whole cadre of artists, jewelry designers and furniture up-cyclers lost a home. And Redding lost a place to discover one-of-a-kind, artful gifts and décor, in a place that felt like home.
It was only a matter of time before Templeton figured out a way to bring her friends and followers back under one roof. She did it with her latest creation, “The Burlap Harlot Show,” a one-of-a-kind venue for all manner of things one-of-a-kind.
Art to wear from Chico's Three Sixty Ecotique
Templeton and her team of “Harlot” co-creators — artist Viki Twyman, jeweler Ursula Guderian and stylist Jae Jennings — rallied jewelers, glass artists, furniture restorers, vintage-seekers, carvers and florists. They threw a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker (literally) into the mix to create a show and sale for all the senses. At the Burlap Harlot Show, you’ll find an assemblage of the aforementioned craftspeople, plus food, drinks, music, and artist demonstrations.
Local was the criteria for the Harlots. Everything, from the barbecued beef sliders to the handmade clocks to the pastries and gluten-free cupcakes to the fresh floral arrangements, was made by our north state neighbors. Even the graphics and posters for the show were crafted right here by designer Matt Briner, formerly the design-brains behind Enjoy Magazine.
Artful florals from Sera Bella
The show is an opportunity to be inspired by the north state’s hidden artistic talent and “feather your nest,” as Templeton lovingly calls her brand of home re-design. “Your home should tell your story,” she says, clarifying that she doesn’t claim to be an interior designer. “I re-design, use existing elements and mix it up a bit.” She wanted the Burlap Harlot Show to set the same tone and create a bit of whimsy, just as the name suggests.
“Hand-crafted, rustique-chic, trinkets, up-cycled and re-cycled. This is the Burlap Harlot Show,” says Templeton, explaining how the show differs from other art and antique events. But Monica’s serious about salvaged stuff. That’s how you get when you hang out at indie boutiques in high school while your friends are at the mall.
Some shabby chic finds from Shasta Lake's Antique Cottage and Garden
Monica and team wanted the Burlap Harlot Show to be the antithesis of what you’ll find at the mall, and keep the money local. Every purchase you make supports a local craftsperson and the $3 suggested donation at the door will seed a youth art fund monitored by the Shasta Regional Community Foundation. The funds will be awarded to support north state youth pursuing arts education.
It happens the day before Mother’s Day, so celebrate early, take mom for a spin and spend part of the day with Monica and her Harlots. You’ll support a good cause, see art demonstrations, feast on tri-tip sliders, homemade soup, sandwiches and sweets, find a one-of-a-kind treasure and feather your nest, all inside a burlap-bannered hangar at the Shasta District Fairgrounds.
What: The Burlap Harlot Show
When: Saturday, May 7 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Shasta District Fairgrounds, Anderson
Cost: $3 donation at the door to benefit a Shasta Regional Community Foundation Youth Art Fund
Click HERE for more information and a directory of vendors.
Adam Mankoski enjoys experiencing and writing about the people, places and things that embody the free spirit of the State of Jefferson. He and his partner own HawkMan Studios and are the creators of Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Email your NorthState weekend events to adamm.anewscafe@gmail.com.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment. Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of anewscafe.com.
