In January I will be attending ZAP. This is HUGE! It is one of the largest events internationally for wineries and artists alike! For more info about ZAP, the website is http://www.zinfandel.org/default.asp?n1=26&n2=920&member=

Have you heard about the Trinity Project??

This program is the creation of Carla Almanza-deQuant, artist and sculptor in collaboration with wineries and like minded businesses to take discarded and unusable wine bottles and convert them into beautiful collectible art pieces for profit. Empty wine bottles of all shapes and sizes that are normally discarded, are recycled and given “new life” through the artistry of embellishment techniques using decoupage, ancient art “patinas” based on oil paints, filigree and metal leafing to create these masterpieces for resale.
The profits created from this art to be used for the good of the community by donating part or all proceeds to charitable organizations, schools, parks, etc. to do our part to give back. Givers always receive more abundance with this gesture and communities and charities prosper.

I want to thank all that attended for coming and creating together. The class was at Gioia Company in Los Gatos, California on October 23rd, 2011. What a fun time we had together! I taught metal leafing techniques as well as decoupage and painting of the Venetian Masks. Also, I would like to acknowledge and thank our Hostess Kathy for surprising us with champagne with gold leaf and her delicious signature Italian pasta salad, delicious appetizers and treats. I also would like to thank Gioia Company for the beautiful and quality products they had there.

Coming soon!!! There will be more classes and Art showings in the next few months. As soon as these dates have been established I will post them and have details available for anyone who would like to take part!

~Carla Almanza DeQuant

Below are some of the photos from this class! Enjoy!!

We have had a busy last few months. Finalizing our website and traveling throughout Northern California for exhibits of Carla’s latest art creations and artwork. We are happy at the positive and overwhelming response we have received regarding our art. Starting as,”Featured Artist of the Month of November”, at Rosie’s Cracker Barrel Tasting Room in Carmel Valley, for our friends Richard Oh and Dan Tudor, winemakers/ owners of Otter Cove Wines and Tudor Wines introducing their latest creations of wines. Both created some fantastic wines which were delicious !! We were joined by our dear friends and business associates at Gioia Company of Los Gatos for the event and enjoyed a beautiful day in Carmel Valley with new friends and old in attendance. The event was a hit ! We have also displayed our art in Saratoga, California  at Heatherfields Designs, traveled back to Livermore, California at Deer Ridge Vineyards fantastic new complex for another exhibition, Carla also shot another TV interview with Darlene Carman of “The Painting Gourmet Show”, this was an Italian Segment, highlighting Darlene’s beautiful and amazing Venetian paintings she created. Introducing Carla’s new “Wine Series Collection” and sculptures along with our partners, Gioia Company’s, Kathy Winkelman, giving a history of Italian art and artists she supports and represents. Carla will be at the The Quarry Ponds, in Granite Bay this upcomming Saturday and Sunday exhibiting her art. The Quarry Ponds,  is one of the newest upscale and high end malls in Northern California. It’s like, having San Francisco Locally. I have to stop for now but not for long.

“Enjoy Life and Make A Difference in Others”, Be Happy….

Johan de Quant