Cool weekend weather was no deterrent to thousands of people who attended the 29th annual Sierra Festival of the Arts in downtown Grass Valley over Memorial Day Weekend.

Artists from Nevada County and beyond gathered on Sunday to display photography, prints, sculpture, wood work, ceramics, stone work, jewelry and painting in oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastels, said Grass Valley Downtown Association Executive Director Howard Levine.

“It's really a fun afternoon,” Levine added.

San Juan Ridge jazz musician Ludi Hinrichs coordinated the music and played, and a belly dancer entertained the crowds, Levine said.

Local organizations that had booths at the event included Center for the Arts, Neighborhood Center for the Arts, Artist Studios in the Foothills and Artworks Gallery, Levine said.

Levine and Hinrichs dedicated the day to octogenarian Mel Henderson, who grew up working a mine in the Iowa Hill area southeast of Colfax in Placer County.

"Because he's so cool," Levine explained.

Henderson is a large-scale environmental sculptor who became famous for his artistic war and pollution protests in the San Francisco area during the 1960s. He was also Levine's graduate adviser when Levine attended California State University, San Francisco.

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To contact Senior Staff Writer Trina Kleist, e-mail tkleist@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4230.