Soar into spring with Sonoita by Starlight, Birdland Art, Nature Affair

The Mountain Empire communities of Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin soar into spring with a weekend-long celebration of art, nature and the return of our fine-feathered friends.

As birds flock back to the region so do human lovers of art, culture and nature in this showcase of the regions' many treasures through artwalks, nature exhibitors, music, shopping, birding tours, silent auctions and more.

Sonoita merchants have heeded the warblers' call and will kick off the weekend with Sonoita by Starlight with shopping for night owls on Friday, April 22, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Businesses along the Sonoita Crossroads will be open late for evening shopping or for doing what small towns do best--visiting.

Susan McDonald, organizer of the Sonoita event, says "to expect food, drink and music at some venues and just shopping and socializing at others."

The Birdland Art and Nature Affair kicks the weekend into high gear on Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hamlet of Patagonia.

"The event is intended to be a community affair highlighting the Mountain Empire's natural and cultural attractions," said Nancy McCoy, president of the Patagonia Area Business Association, sponsor of the affair, "but with a bit of small-town fun thrown in!"

Sculpture unveiling

Central to the affair is the unveiling in Patagonia Town Park of a unique large scale Grey Hawk sculpture made from sheet bronze, steel and recycled mining equipment by Tubac artist David Voisard.

The sculpture is part of the Santa Cruz Tourism Council's As the Birds Fly South promotional campaign and was jointly purchased by the Patagonia Area Business Association and Bob Canchola, superintendent of Schools for Santa Cruz County.

Grey Hawk sculpture

The Grey Hawk sculpture is one of 10 unique sculptures created by area artists and purchased by Santa Cruz County communities and businesses.

The sculptures, located throughout the county, act as directionals to the regions' many cultural, natural and historic treasures.

Another highlight of the cultural attractions is the Warbler Walkabout. A walking art tour of downtown Patagonia, the Warbler Walkabout includes more than 25 local businesses--galleries, shops, restaurants and B&Bs alike--participating with displays of featured local and regional artists.

Visitors can meet and buy directly from many of the artists. Look for the colorful banners outside each participating venue.

Gallery grand opening

The Creative Spirit Artists' Cooperative Gallery will have its grand opening during the weekend event. With more than 40 local artists as members, Creative Spirit Gallery is the anchor of the creative community.

To celebrate the grand opening and in keeping with the birding spirit, many of the co-op's artists have created Bird Houses or Artists' Abodes for Flying Friends.

These hand-fashioned birdhouses will be up for Silent Auction during the weekend affair as a benefit for the new gallery.

Creative Spirit Artists' Cooperative is also sponsoring the "Home Tweet Home" birdhouse competition with seven entry categories and a $100 grand prize for the entry judged "Best Overall."

Local musicians will have their chance to shine, too, with continuous live music at the park gazebo. Expect to hear a diverse selection of music, from classical and folk to rock 'n' roll and jazz.

Nature abounds in the Mountain Empire and nature and animal exhibitors from the area will be located in Patagonia Town Park offering a glimpse of the bounty the region offers.

Scheduled exhibitors include Diamond J Nursery on gardening to attract birds and butterflies, Patagonia Lake State Park with birding information on Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Cheri Melton on habitat gardening, and Square Top Ranch on raising alpacas.

Birding opportunities

The Mountain Empire is a premier birding region with an immense diversity of bird species. The Birdland Art and Nature Affair will have numerous birding opportunities available.

Matt Brown, birding expert and owner of Patagonia Birding & Butterfly Co., will be leading special half-day bird tours the mornings of the Birdland Art and Nature Affair.

Reservations are suggested, as space is limited; call Brown directly at 520-604-6300.

The Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, off Pennsylvania Road just minutes from Patagonia Town Park, contains some of the richest riparian habitat remaining in Southern Arizona where more than 300 species migrate, nest, and live.

The preserve will having continuous bird walks during the two-day event. Entrance fees apply.

On your way to or from the Nature Conservancy Preserve, be sure to drop by Paton's Birder's Haven, 477 Pennsylvania Road. Marion Paton has opened her yard to birds and birders alike for years.

Hummingbird feeders and variety of other feeders attract an amazing range of birds to the yard and has earned Paton's an international reputation for hummingbird viewing.

The Seniors Citizens of Patagonia will be providing continuous shuttle service to and from Patton's and The Nature Conservancy, leaving every hour on the hour from the Senior Community Center in Patagonia Town Park.

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, in Patagonia Lake State Park, just 12 miles from the town of Patagonia, has a weekend full of avian and nature tours including pontoon boat rides and birding hikes.

Designated as a significant riparian area, the Sonoita Creek Natural Area is home to giant cottonwoods, willows, sycamores and mesquites, nesting black hawks and endangered species. For a complete listing of events, go to http://www.pr.state.az.us/text/events/sonoita_cal.html or call (520) 287-2791 for more information. Entrance fees apply.

Local activities

The Friends of Patagonia Library will have a book sale in the park, the Volunteer Fire Department will serve lunch at the Senior Community Center on Saturday, classes from Patagonia High School will man carnival booths, and the Senior Citizens of Patagonia will sell crafts and Patagonia souvenirs.

The Patagonia Community Garden, across from the town park, will host an "open garden" with information on organic gardening and Native Seed/SEARCH.

The celebration continues Saturday evening, 8 p.m. to midnight, with the rockin' country blues sounds of local band Haywire at Patagonia's Art and Cultural Center, La Misi—n de San Miguel, 335 McKeown Ave.

As you enter La Misi—n, don't miss Diana Davis' clay and glazed tiled sculpture Owl Totem, another artwork on the As the Birds Fly South route and located in the front garden. $5 admission charge.

The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Visitor Center at Patagonia Lake State Park will present at 7 p.m. "Bats: Demons or Darlings?"

Learn the facts and fallacies about these fascinating mammals and the vital role they play in our desert environment.

The weekend events are sponsored by the Patagonia Area Business Association, Creative Spirit Artists' Cooperative Gallery and numerous Sonoita area merchants.

For more information contact Susan Ruff at 520-394-0101 or susan@patagoniaaz.com.

kwalenga@gvnews.com | 547-9739