OSP Ranger Bain shows a hiker special settings on their camera. Photo by Nathaniel Lopez
May 3 was another Saturday full of things to do in Oracle. It started in the morning at Oracle State Park, with the First of the Month photo hike. The event was lead by park ranger Michael Bain, who had previously led photography hikes in Alaska before coming to Oracle State Park. There were about five patrons in attendance, one being from Phoenix. Prior to going on the hike, Bain went over some tips and tricks for improving wildlife photos on cameras. While out on the trail, the group stopped at specific spots to test out the photography tips that Bain had shared.
After the photography hike, there was another event in the park. Oracle State Park’s Artist in Residence, Chloe Foster gave a workshop on clay work.
Chloe Foster makes a pit fire to finish clay pots. Photo by Nathaniel Lopez
Originally from Syracuse, NY, she has been in Arizona for four years, currently in Bisbee and managing the ceramics studio at Cochise College in Douglas. Chloe has been managing ceramic studios for around 10 years.
During her workshop, which had around 11 to 12 in attendance, she discussed her process for gathering the right type of clay, and then the process of turning clay into ceramic through heat. She even demonstrated by building a pit fire, and placing some clay pots around the fire. Getting the pots hot enough was a longer process due to the size of the fire, versus a kiln.
Spontaneous Combustion Percussion performs at SPATS with various artists from the show. Sprite Night at Spats. Photo by Nathaniel Lopez
The SPATS Theater hosted “Sprite Night at SPATS” which took place in the early evening. Sprite Night consisted of seven various artists going up for seven minutes, and bringing some entertainment to the crowd. The entertainment consisted of acoustic music performances, a rap/hip-hop performance, a spontaneous combustion percussion performance, and a Twilight Zone-esque comedy sketch. The crowd left the theater buzzing with joy from the enjoyable performances they were able to witness.
The Ore House Hilltop Tavern played host to a night of country music provided by San Manuel’s Root 77 band. The parking lot was so packed that people were having to park at the bottom of the hill.
If one thing is apparent, it is that Oracle is the art heartbeat of the Tri-Community, with the various artistic and creative events that are hosted in town.