Ceago Series at Ceago Vinegarden: an account of events

My exhibition of the 'Ceago Series'  at Ceago Vinegarden was one of my shortest and most eventful exhibitions. On the morning of  Oct 10 my son Mario and I transformed the covered dining  area that faces the Biodynamic Courtyard into a brightly illuminated exhibition space.

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(To view all the paintings in this exhibition and to learn more about Arminda Flores scroll down to my last two blogs)

Arminda Flores, who had flown up from Michoacan, Mexico for the event began preparing her first dinner to celebrate the birthday of Franz Weber who holds the world's ski speed record (140 mph!). He and some of those attending the dinner had bicycled up from San Francisco, over three days, on what they whimsically called the 'Tour de Franz".

Arminda Flores

The evening began quietly with a delicious meal.

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Sheila Fetzer sang a deep and soulful repertoire during the meal, to much applause.

After the meal we  sang happy birthday to Franz.  Arminda Flores emerged from the kitchen and sang 'Las MaƱanitas', Mexico's 'Happy Birthday', to Franz and then charmed the crowd with two songs in her native Purepecha.

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After supper,  Sheila Fetzer prevailed on Lake County DA, Jon Hopkins, to sing for us. He sang late into the evening while many of us gathered round a massive bonfire in the courtyard.

Oct 11

Morning

After breakfasting with his entourage in the main hall, Congressman Mike Thompson joined me to view the exhibition.  I explained  that I chose to document  Ceago Vinegarden not only because of it's beauty, but also because of the sustainable agriculture that Jim Fetzer practices here. We agreed that Ceago is a real asset to Clearlake.

Early afternoon

Forty eight guests attended the afternoon reception and lunch. There was a lot of interest in the show. Some members of the Lake County Arts Council suggested that I conduct painting workshops at Ceago.

Late Afternoon

Friends and students began arriving for the evening dinner:

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I was  delighted when Regina Maciula arrived representing Michael Dean of the law firm  Wendel Rosen Black & Dean .  Michael Dean had originally suggested that I check out Ceago as a painting subject

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Seventy-two guests attended the dinner which included Sopa Tarasca Patzcuaro Style Tarascan Soup

Pollo Con Mole Michoacano Arroz A La Mexicana Chicken with Michoacan Mole With Mexican Rice

Calabacitas Con Elote & Crema Fresca Petite Squashes with Fresh Baby Corn and Crema Fresca

Ensaladas Organico Hecho con Vinagre de Ceago Organic Greens Tossed in Ceago Estate Vinaigrette

Chilies Rellenos De Queso En Salsa De Tomate Arrozo y Frijoles Mexicanos Salsa Fresca, Guacamole, Chips y Tortillas Hecho en Casa Chili Rellenos Stuffed with Cheese in a Tomato Sauce and Refried Beans

Fresh Salsa & Guacamole with Crispy Chips Handmade Tortillas

Postre ~ Dessert Flan & Ate a Morelia Michoacan Original

Wines for This Special Occasion ~ Hand Selected by Jim Fetzer

Arminda and her husband Kevin Quigley personally served  the Michoacan desserts.

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Quite amazingly, after cooking for seventy two people,  Arminda closed the evening by singing three songs in her indigenous Purepecha language and one in Spanish.

(To hear Arminda Flores singing and to see the entire Ceago Series scroll down to the previous two blogs.)