Stories in Wood
August 23 through September 21
Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center
You’re invited to explore the artwork of three artists, Catherine Mackey, Diane Olivier, and Laurie Wigham, inspired by the craftsmanship of Sierra Valley Barns
Opening Reception
Saturday, August 23
5pm to 8pm
Join us for the opening reception of the art show, including a talk and Q&A with Bill Copren and other guest speakers about barn building in Sierra Valley and restoration efforts. Free to attend. Doors open at 5 pm—wine, charcuterie, and music!
Can’t make the Opening Reception? View the artwork anytime between August 23 and September 21 at the Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center. Open Thursdays through Sundays 10am to 5pm (check the preserve page for special hours and conditions before visiting!).
Meet the Artists
Catherine Mackey
Catherine lives in San Francisco and works from her studio in a converted mayonnaise factory in the Mission District. She explores the demise and abandonment of structures no longer suited for today’s industries, and she searches for the accidental moments of beauty caused by their neglect and decay.
Artwork by Catherine Mackey
Artwork by Diane Olivier
Diane Olivier
Diane works in all manner of drawings, with a special emphasis on charcoal, pastels, landscape and the figure, and has exhibited widely. She’s had a studio in the 1890 Bryant Street building in San Francisco since 2006 where she works and holds community drawing classes.
Laurie Wigham
Laurie works in the wilderness and on city streets, and her watercolors have been shown at galleries around the Bay Area. She founded and leads the SF Sketchers Meetup group, which has more than 5,000 members and organizes sketching events throughout the Bay Area.
Artwork by Laurie Wigham
About the Sierra Valley Preserve and Nature Center
Since 2003, the Feather River Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the Northern Sierra Partnership have worked together to create the Sierra Valley Preserve: 2,575 acres of protected land in California’s largest mountain valley. This biodiversity hotspot is at the headwaters of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Feather River and a key stop along the Pacific Flyway.
With tremendous community support, we have established the Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center as a hub for nature-based recreation and learning where visitors and locals alike can experience the wonders of Sierra Valley’s beauty, cultural richness, and incredible biodiversity. The new Nature Center and facilities include interactive exhibits, new interpretive trails and picnic areas, and year-round educational programs and activities.
Check out more from the Feather River Land Trust!
Sierra Valley Preserve Conservation Story
Sierra Valley Preserve is an ecologically rich 2,575-acre preserve protected for its unique wetland habitats and Feather River headwaters. On the Pacific Flyway, the Preserve offers spectacular birding.
Birding in the Feather River region
Workshop Video: Birds of the Feather River region and where to see them with wildlife biologist and FRLT founder Paul Hardy.
FRLT Preserve Coloring Pages
Our gift to you - coloring pages of all five of our preserves, illustrated by an FRLT staff member.
Stories in Wood: Sierra Valley Barn Art Show
Explore the artwork of three artists, Catherine Mackey, Diane Olivier, and Laurie Wigham, inspired by the craftsmanship of Sierra Valley Barns
Plein Air Painting Club
Join us monthly at the Nature Center for the Plein Air Painting Club with Sarah Horton.
Yoga with Cindy Noble
Join instructor Cindy Noble for an afternoon of nature-based yoga!
2024 Conservation Successes
Take a look back at 2024 with us and celebrate all you helped make possible in the Feather River Watershed.
FRLT Nature Journaling Club
Join FRLT's new Nature Journaling Club as we visit each of FRLT's five public preserves!
Home & 101 Ranch Conservation Story
Home & 101 Ranches, owned by timber company Sierra Pacific Industries, are now protected with conservation easements.
