Tacos Trump Turkey

Hotel Encino, perfect location, cozy rooms, great staff!

While the rest of America was feasting on my friends (*sad face*), my turkey wings flew south for the week, returning to beloved Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico for 8 days of sunshine, smiles and cervezas. A quick flight and easy check-in at Hotel Encino and I felt right back "at home" among the tiendas, OXXO's and paleta carts. El sigh.

Beautiful painting by Pedro Miramonte at the Loft Galeria

My first adventure was to the ArtWalk on Wednesday night, similar to the 2nd Saturdays that I love so much in Sacramento. From 6 to 10 pm, the galleries in Puerto Vallarta stay open, offer gratis wine and tapas and show off amazing pieces from talented locals and artists nearby. I viewed some incredible art, met some wonderful people, and enjoyed the rustic spaces including the cobblestone floors in Galeria Uno.

Gathering with Michael Hayes, Ross and La Brigada chicos at Que?Pasa

Volunteering lately with Farm Sanctuary has brought me so much balance, joy and compassion in my life that I decided to extend this while out of the country. Prior to flying, I contacted Michael Hayes, owner of Que?Pasa, an eatery and Sports bar in Zona Romantica, from a link off Bandera News. Every Saturday Que?Pasa hosts La Brigada de la Basura (literally, Garbage Brigade): neighborhood kids gather to clean up the Rio Cuale, ending with a snack at Que?Pasa.

Niña bonita, princesa de la bolsa. So cute and sweet!

I arrived not know what to expect and (as if on cue) promptly at 11:30 am, 60 or so kids enthusiastically appeared, put on name tags and gloves, grabbed plastic bags and headed out to clean up their barrio. It was truly inspiring (and a bit humbling) to spend time with these kids: speaking Spanish, sharing laughs, helping one another and taking pride in where they live.

Amazing Bouganvillia (and one red azalea) at the Botanical Gardens

A trip to Mexico is fun with touristy things, so I booked some through Vallarta Adventures, including a day trip into the Sierra Madre mountains. A huge open-back excursion truck led to the Jardín Botánico, a queso-making establishment, the small town of El Tuito, a tortillaria, and a tequila factory - all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery native to Puerto Vallarta. Equally enjoyable was the boat excursion a few days later through Banderas Bay, past Los Arcos to Yelapa, a small village with a beautiful waterfall (exhilarating!) and relaxing, white sand beaches of Majahuitas. ¡Muy bonita!

1 minute later I was swimming under this waterfall. Fantastic!

Puerto Vallarta has some really great local restaurants and clubs for enjoyment both day and night. I returned to Mandala, as equally hot in November as it was in July - and discovered some new places like Club Roxy and La Bodeguita del Medio Mexico. Cuban dancing til dawn! Sizzling.

Lunchtime entertainment at Café Roma

For comida, I frequented Café Roma (linked from Bandera News) with fresh salads and fabulous service, and revisited my favorites La Posta PV for great Italian food and fantastic staff, plus Mi Querencia, where they made me a custom vegetarian molcajete. One adventurous evening I ventured out and enjoyed street food - simple but very satisfying (a grilled veggie quesadilla) Delicious food!

Dinner on the grill. Every few minutes they paused to watch futbol on the TV.

I am sure this will not be my last visit to Mexico, it is just too wonderful a place, with the allure of the beautiful landscape and climate, the color and pulse of the culture and, more than anything, the love and vibrancy of the people, especially those in Puerto Vallarta. Gracias, amgios, te amo mucho.

Dogs are everywhere. Visit Puerto Vallarta for puppy love and more. :)

Amazing Graze

Bonnie, my new BFF (Burro Friend Forever!)

On Saturday, November 19th I volunteered with Farm Sanctuary in Orland, CA as part of their Celebration FOR the Turkeys, an annual event that features guest presentations, musical performances, a delicious vegan Thanksgiving feast, and abundant time with rescued farm animal friends.

Bonnie and Waylon: Two sweet donkeys!

My assignment was with the main cattle herd and domestic donkeys. Before the guests arrived, volunteers spent time with the animals, including Bonnie and Waylon, two of Farm Sanctuary's several donkeys. Have you ever patted and hugged a donkey? Their coats are soft and fuzzy. Despite their past lives being riddled with neglect, Bonnie and Waylon are sweet and friendly, probably from the love and care now given to them at Farm Sanctuary.

Cow's it goin'? Super love for Phoenix the cow.

The main cattle herd was a treat to experience close up: next to people, cows are huge! And just like people, they can be very friendly or shy. Farm Sanctuary has some older cows like Boris, Bernie and Hugo, as well as some youngsters like Elliott and Oliver, who were brought in as calves. As a volunteer, I was fortunate to meet Elliott and Oliver when they were very little - it's amazing how fast cows grow. Must be all that cow's milk! ;-)

Hay, it's Elliott! With Oliver in the background.

Before leaving for the day, I checked on my artwork submitted as part of the auction, which included beautiful animal-themed artwork, jewelry, gift baskets and more. I also talked with a few guests who were curious about the cows on my paintings, from photos taken on earlier visits to Farm Sanctuary. When I created the pieces, I had no idea my assignment would be with the bovines. Sweet!

Beso Hasta 8x8 inches mixed media on canvas © 2011 Kate Dana

This holiday season I am thankful for Farm Sanctuary and the creative opportunities available to me. I love my volunteer friends, the coordinator Sophia, the Farm Sanctuary staff, co-founder Gene Baur, and especially all of the animals. If you always wanted to volunteer with a charitable organization, there's no better time than cow. I mean now. Just do it!

Artwork and Heartwork

Moo Representa 11x14 inches mixed media on canvas ©2011 Kate Dana

After weeks of preparing, painting and collaging new pieces for the upcoming Celebration FOR The Turkeys at Farm Sanctuary in Orland, CA, I delivered my artwork and "heartwork" to the Volunteer Work Party day, Saturday November 12. Work Party days are a great way for potential supporters of Farm Sanctuary to get involved and discover firsthand what the sanctuary is about. The work is not glamorous - raking fields, de-cobwebbing the barns, cleaning the facilities - but the rewards - hugging goats, kissing pigs and brushing cows - are well worth the sweat equity.

Smiles and hugs for this super sweet and so soft Angora goat

If you aren't busy the weekend before Thanksgiving, please join me at Farm Sanctuary to honor the turkeys of the shelter. Tickets are going fast for this special event featuring guests like Biz Stone of Twitter and Gene Baur, co-founder of Farm Sanctuary (as well as many others). Enjoy a delicious Vegan feast, listen to guest speakers, discover new information, and be a part of the beautiful ceremony honoring our feathered friends.

A Cada Puerco 8x8 inches mixed media on canvas ©2011 Kate Dana

While you are at the event, you can bid on my artwork as well as other great items in the auction, with proceeds going to support Farm Sanctuary. It's a weekend of fun, food and fine feathered friends (as well as furry ones).

Fin de Semana Muy Buena... Otra Vez

Another weekend of sheer happiness. Friday night celebrated the birthday of my wonderful friend Evie at Kupro's Bistro, a swanky gastropub on 21st Street in Sacramento. Savory food, fantastic cocktails, Evie's awesome family and friends, and a charming General Manager added to the love for the evening!

mmm fried pickles and a tequila Clockwork Orange at Kupro's Bistro

Saturday night I attended a fantastic tequila tasting benefit for my favorite local gallery, La Raza Galeria Posada. Presented by Agave52 held at Social nightclub, I sampled delicious reposados, anejos and blancos from different distilleries based in Mexico. I also tried Mezcal for the first time, que sabroso! Featured at the event were Sacacuento premium mezcal, Alquimia organic tequila and Tequila Manaña (Drink it today. Love it Manaña. So great!)

Charring the peppers - the flame is as tall as the bartender!

After the event a group headed over to Mayahuel, el museo de tequila at 1200 K Street to enjoy delicious cocktails and appetizers, served to the sounds of a Mariachi band. ¡Arriba! The amazing bartenders at Mayahuel made their special "charred pepper" margarita, what a show. Caliente!

The weekend wrapped up with a wonderful message from Jennifer Lynn, a talented, beautiful performer based in Chicago. Jennifer is the sister of my beloved friend, Catherine, for whom I created my Dia de los Muertos altar, part of the Panteon de Sacramento show with La Raza Galeria Posada. I haven't heard from Jennifer in ages, and I don't believe in coincidences, so this is very special. (*smiling and crying at the same time*)

Gorgeous + talented = Jennifer Lynn!

Jennifer needs support on her YouTube page. Please visit the page, listen to her incredible music and subscribe to Jennifer's channel or "like" her videos - every vote helps! You may also purchase music from her website, www.jenniferlynn.com. Thanks for contacting me, Jennifer. Sweet memories of Cath just go on and on...

Un Gran Fin de Semana Para el Arte

Translated, the title is "A great weekend for art," but really that is *any* weekend. October 29th and 30th however, was truly great. The Pantéon de Sacramento was a huge success, with over 24 hours of art, altars, musica, velas, flores, offering breads and treats, fotos, poemas, loved ones here and gone, old friends and new connections. The event, hosted by La Raza Galeria Posada and organized with mucho dedication by Program Coordinator Robertó Lopez and Directora artística y ejecutiva Marie Acosta, took place in the heart of Midtown: a large lot on 20th between J and K Streets.

About 50 altars occupied spaces throughout the lot - all very different but with the same message: to honor those who had passed, cats, dogs, grandparents, friends, children, relatives. To lighten the sadness and remind us to celebrate the life of those we love, there were Aztec dancers, Mexican poets and singers, a DJ spinning a variety of classics and new sounds and many, many attendees.


My altar, Pesca de Aguacate, honored Catherine Saum (1968-2007): friend, kindred spirit, artist. In addition to teaching me many creative techniques for living, Cath taught me how to "fish" for avocados from her three-story high tree in Southern California.


Also included in my altar is a painting of Greta, my Doberman of 12 years. I feel fortunate to have shared my bittersweet, vibrant memories with the world as part of the Pantéon de Sacramento.

Calaveras Buenas, Vive Frida

Painting the Calavera - spooky!

Mi fin de semana fue muy buena - my weekend was very good, con arte y cultura latina todos donde yo era - with art and Latin culture every where I went. It sounds ironic but Sacramento comes to life the month of dia de los muertos, with sugar skull workshops in the streets, marigold-making classes and plenty of free, fun events to attend and participate no matter what your creative level may be.

Meistro extraordinaire Rhett Neal

I attended a wonderful, 2-day workshop in making Calaveras - paper maché skulls and figures to honor the dead - at Brickhouse Gallery in Oak Park. Taught by talented artist Rhett Neal, the workshop went by quickly, with instruction on layering newspaper over an armature, adding strips with wallpaper paste, sealing with primer and - the best part - painting and decorating!

Perrito Calavera - with collar and tongue

Our group made a nice variety, from cats to Caterinas, and rivaled the Calaveras featured in the current show at Brickhouse - Altars del Mundo, the gallery's 18th annual altar show, which runs through October 30th.


The night lights of Frida on stage - eerie and beautiful

Also this weekend I caught the held over performance of Frida Kahlo, presented by Teatro Espejo and Teatro Nagual at Wilkerson Theater/California Stage. Despite the tiny venue being muy calor inside, the performance was fantastic, the small space transformed to take the audience through the life of this beloved Mexican painter, her husband Diego Rivera and the demonios metiche they dealt with in their life, both together and apart.

Dana de los Muertos

I have the amazing opportunity to create a Dia de los Muertos altar with one of my favorite Midtown galleries the weekend of October 29th and 30th. La Raza Galerie Posada is hosting Panteon de Sacramento (A Mexican Tradition Revisited). For 2 days the parking lot behind ClickNation on 20th between J and K Streets, will be filled with altars honoring those who have passed from this earth. The event is free and open to the public to view.



My altar will honor my beloved friend Catherine S., who taught me about arte, vida, y pescar de aguacate, as well as mi tio, Wesley "Rob" y mi abuela, Elizabeth "Bambi." I am thrilled to be gathering items, printing photos, sketching a layout for my altar, meeting other artists in the show and being a part of this wonderful event. Gracias, La Raza for making this possible in Sacramento. I know it's going to be a fantastic show filled with inspiring pieces honoring los muertos.

fracaso, pero no a los refranes

Perro Camino © 2011 Kate Dana mixed media on paper 5x5 in

"Failure but not to the sayings." I have been staying up late, fueled by candy and tea, the studio a mass of color and paper, in the background a soundtrack of Reggaeton and rock en español. My interest has been piqued and peaked with refranes y dichos español - proverbs in Spanish (many from Mexico) which have been passed down for years. Some have literal meaning but most are symbolic or proverbial in wisdom or a thought-provoking idea.


Sin Saber © 2011 Kate Dana mixed media on paper 5x5 in
inspired by Pablo Neruda

Espanol es mi corazon y mi pasion. I can't crank this stuff out fast enough.
See more @ katedana.com


Hormiga Buey © 2011 Kate Dana mixed media on paper 5x5 in

With the recent "improvements" to Facebook, I am now left questioning where all of my art will go. It used to be a fun site to connect with friends, keep up on shows, find out about events, but for me lately it has just become too complicated. I hail from the Deep South, where we like to say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." We all know Facebook has plenty of funds so that's not the broke here. The fixin' however, leaves much to be desired. I know, it's free right? Yep. You get what you pay for. :)

México, mágico y mas

It is remarkable how fast time seems to fly by.
I blinked, and lost August and part of July.
With two months gone but Mexico to remember,
Cool evenings tell me now that I am in September.

El sigh.


Colorful papel picado on Pipila Street

Mexico me encanta. I have been studying Spanish for past 2 years (socially through friends, formally in school, one semester) and finally took a trip to immerse myself: a 10-day solo excursion to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco MX. The town was charming, the weather sticky-hot and the people muy simpatico. I practicado habla español everywhere I went, and experienced the true cultura by living in an apartamento in el distrito histórico.


The view from mi apartamento. Buenos dias, Puerto Vallarta!

I was surrounded by amazing smells and city sounds, vibrant arts and a pulsing nightlife that continued until daylight. I rode a horse through a river, zip-lined through the jungles, swam with colorful fish, drank muchas cervezas and celebrated mi cumpleaño, as well as made some very special friends to keep in touch with. México es mágico para mí!


Buena sonrisa por Mexico and the zip line tours!

More art and mas escula. After Mexico, it was back home to start school, Spanish 402 at City College, and participate in another art show. Curated by Evie Turner of Evie Turner Marketing, "Bent Twig" is a show at VOXSacramento about artists supporting artists. My bent twig, Valerie, submitted a beautiful glass piece, and I submitted a new collage as well as an old painting.


With curator Evie Turner and Valerie's glass piece at VOX

The new collage, "Batalla" is based on a Mexican proverb which reads: In the Battle of Love, a Field of Feathers.



The show continues through the month of September at VOXSacramento, 1818 11th Street at R.

Unleashed! Wag & Brag

Last weekend I was one of the artists included in Unleashed!, an art show about the bond between humans an animals benefitting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. I donated several sets of pet-themed stationery, framed collage pieces with pet silhouettes, and free bonus bookmarks "take aways."

Promoted by Evie Turner Marketing and VOX Sacramento, Unleashed! took place on July 9th in Midtown at ThinkHouse Collective, a "coworking community for Sacramento's creative class." Pet-themed paintings, collages, illustrations and more were presented salon-style on the Victorian house walls, tables and chairs in various rooms. All artwork was for auction or sale - with proceeds going to Happy Tails.

As a vibrant 2nd Saturday crowd mingled inside and Robert Jordan from Ireland entertained on the spacious front porch, "Mi familia de California" - Marlene, Val, Carl and Alyssa - joined for the festivities and stirred up the creative love. While the house pulsed with generous energy from the bidders and (people) tails wagged happily over bids and buys, it was clear that the show was a PAW-SOME success.

Star-Spangled Secrets

“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.” - Thucydides (ancient Greece)

Feliz de cuatro de julo, amigos! Star-spangled secrets from the studio, an entire day of cooking up creativity. So delicious.

HOT for ART

Fourth of July weekend and it is MUY CALOR en Sacramento! I am so thankful for air conditioning. Sunday is always a great day to relax and be creative, and today is perfect to quedate en mi estudio, escuche a musica de espanol y hago arte.

Messy studio! Or the way it is best... busy. :-)

Evie Turner Marketing has invited me to participate in a show at VOX Sacramento Gallery benefitting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. "Unleashed" happens Saturday, July 9th at 1726 11th Street at R. The show is free and open to the public; presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing. You can read more about it on Evie's blog: Evie's Ark, All Things Animal.

Envy into Action

Patience is the companion to wisdom.

- Saint Augustine



Discovering Blogger has this feature called "Pages" and can help me build a website that means more frequent updates, actual blog posts and photo galleries may be the answer to my recent search as I try to simplify my current website.

Thanks to a tip from my friend and crafter extraordinaire, Amy Cluck, director of marketing and all things creative at amyistheparty.com, I may have a functioning site very soon. Although I admit serious envy over what Amy has done with the Blogger templates, it is also motivation for me to take action...soon.

An Attitude of Gratitude

It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation.

-Roberto Benigni

So many things to be thankful for since my last post....hace seis meses

- Estoy aprendiendo español y me encanta la lengua mucho mas
- Friends: the creative ones, the scooter ones, the vegan ones, the ones who just are
- Running again - 9 minute miles - OK after a Winter of respiratory problems
- Farm Sanctuary - I began volunteering here in April. My life is already more amazing
- New CD's and fantastic singles by Latin artists Maná, Enrique Iglesias and REIK
- Bryant Terry's Vegan Soul Kitchen - traditional Southern food...without the meat
- Finding the time (and the courage) to start blogging again ¡Vamos ahora!

Re-Gif-tin' for the Holidays

As the holidays become more and more about the "stuff" - artificial trees for sale in October, Plasma screen TV's as gifts - it is reassuring to know that for the brainwashed big spenders out there, are equal DIY counterparts armed with a glue guns, scrapbook paper, canvas, paint and a whole mess o' creativity.

For the 2010 Holidays, I repurposed 10 Myntz tins that had been stashed away during the year. These cute 2 x 3 inch aluminum bins come in black and bright aqua blue, with rounded corners and flat surfaces on all sides (unlike Altoids tins, which are embossed). Trader Joe's sells Myntz for around $1.99 and while the mints are tasty, I'm all about the tins.

Starting with a profusion of paper options - magazines, books, paint chips, scrapbook stock - I collaged each tin indivdually on top and bottom with backgrounds, images and text. I then added a small collage inside to cover the "Myntz!" logo on the back of the top. Next, Highlights, dots and borders were added with a black Sharpie marker. Finally, 3 to 4 coats of Mod Podge were used for sealing all over, before placing tiny gifts inside, ranging from jewelry and stickers to lotion samples and candy.

The tins were inexpensive to mail - in a tiny bubble-padded envelope, only $1.56 from California to Carolina - and arrived quickly, averaging 3 days coast to coast. My hope is that all the recipients enjoyed finding their own uses (saving pocket change, storing wishes on paper slips) for the repurposed tins and more than anything, celebrated a wonderful holiday, heavy on DIY.