1st Saturday, May 3rd, "Wild About Wonderful Art"

FOOD, FUN and fabulous art. Every 1st SATURDAY, the artists, restaurants and merchants of Three Rivers, California, open their doors and invite you to join in a town-wide celebration from 11 to 5 o’clock. You can pick up a map and schedule at Anne Lang's Emporium or the Historical Museum – the flier shows all participating venues, art to see, locations and times for special events. Anne Lang's Emporium serves a great breakfast sandwich, so you might grab a bite first, or try Antoinette’s Coffee and Goodies to start your day. Later on taste the amazing fare at Sierra Subs and Salads. They all offer discounts for 1st Saturday.

A DIFFERENT theme each month flavors the paintings, decorations and edible treats. This year we are WILD about the letter W, continuing with "Wild About Wonderful Art" for May. There are several galleries to see. Nadi Spencer has a colorful studio and gallery – showing  original paintings, along with prints, cards and gift items.  The Art Co-op features 20 artists, and offers jewelry, masks, print-making, pottery, paintings, and more.  Also, you can visit Spirit Hill Studio this month. Also, the Redbud Festival is being held today at the Memorial Building.

EVERY MONTH is different – the best way to keep informed is to visit the website. It is up-dated monthly. If you are an artist and would like to show your work at the event, the cost is only $7 to participate and the deadline to enter is always the 15th of the previous month.

Nadi's Art Gallery

NADI SPENCER has been painting full-time for 40 years. When not working on a commissioned mural she paints what she loves – Three Rivers, Sequoia, horses, dogs and food. Her colorist style can also be seen throughout Three Rivers in the murals she has painted with grades K – 8th each year.

"1ST SATURDAY has been fabulous. What can I say – good food, good people – lots of laughing.  And, sure, I make sales. But, more than money, I need to be passionate. Those who enjoy my studio and my art are all talented people in their own right- and it's that bouncing off each other's ideas that I love. It's such a rush."

JOIN NADI in her studio on May 3rd.
41838 Sierra Drive

Spirit Hill Studio

SHIRLEY KELLER explores nature through photography, art, ceramics and writing. Multi-media collages, drawings, and "stitching" with ink, make up what Keller calls Ink Quilts. Many of the Ink Quilts are illustrations of chapters of a memoir that is a work in progress.
FACES attract Keller so when she began to play with clay, ceramic masks became her focus. She was introduced to Clay Mono Prints at a workshop in Petaluma and, since then, set up a workshop with three of her friends, where they gather to learn more about this medium. Shirley is also co-ordinator of 1st Saturday.
THROWN AWAY OBJECTS made into art is a recent exploration. Keller takes rusty items, such as tools and machine parts, and transforms them with paint.
SPIRIT HILL STUDIO is tucked up against a hill, filled with food for the eyes and a delight to visit. Shirley opens her door every 1st Saturday, offering you a glimpse into her world. 43641 Skyline Drive.

Anne Lang's Emporium

ANNE LANG grew up in Exeter, and while in high school, fell madly in love with Dick Lang, a builder from Three Rivers. She married him the day after she graduated, and began a 42-year adventure with him. In 1979, in the smallest of the Newman building spaces on Sierra Drive, Anne opened up a bakery called "The Staff of Life", where she taught women to bake bread. She also carried 200 herbs, spices and teas. While shopping for display baskets at a gift show, Dick liked the greeting card idea, and that's how the store became a gift shop.

ANNE'S SUCCESS is partly due to her genuine desire to help. "When people ask for something, I try to find it for them," says Anne. "One day, a bride-to-be came in and asked if I could make a bouquet. I thought, 'I can make a bouquet', and that's how the store became an FTD flower shop. Then one cold day, a man came in wishing for a hot bowl of soup and I thought, 'I know how to make soup.' Next, a man came in hungry for a sandwich and I thought, 'I know how to make sandwiches.' And that's how the store became a deli."

THE STORE grew and Anne moved into both of the other spaces in her building, needing a bigger space each time. In 1984, it moved to its final destination – the house on the corner of North Fork and Sierra Drives. With Dick's remodeling talents and Anne's marketing skills, "Anne Lang's Emporium" has become just that – a place to find all your needs, a space of familiarity and a hub for our little community.

Antoinette's Coffee & Goodies

ANTOINETTE CLOUTIER has been in the food service business for 30 years. She loved the area and, in 2001, in order to stay close to family in Visalia, she moved to Three Rivers, taking the job as sous-chef for the Shoshoni Restaurant. In August of this year she and her partner DANNY DENIS opened Antoinette's Coffee and Goodies, a much-needed addition to our town.
COFFEE served is made of locally-roasted beans and soon there will be a fair-trade house blend that is 90% organic. To accompany your coffee or tea, enjoy a variety of scratch-made baked goods and breakfast specials.
HOLIDAY PIES, party trays, gift baskets and catering are all available. Local art dons the walls.
41727 Sierra Dr.

Gateway Restaurant

The Gateway Restaurant and Lodge is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains on the Kaweah River and is just minutes away from Sequoia National Park. Perfect hideaway for a relaxing meal or stay in one of our beautiful rooms for a memorable vacation. On 1st Saturday, show your server your 1st Saturday map and receive 10% off your entrée, and enjoy being pampered… because all we overlook is the Kaweah River!

The Redbud Garden Club provides a community service open to all those interested in gardening. In addition to monthly educational and social programs, supporting six native plant gardens at public buildings in Three Rivers, they do the Annual Plant Sale to raise money to maintain the public gardens.  Plants of all types are available for sale including many that would be perfect for Easter and Mothers' Day. Their members are available to answer your gardening questions. 

Location:  The grassy area at the Village Market