We hope you have enjoyed this series honoring 40 icons of Art & Culture in Placer County to commemorate the Arts Council of Placer County's celebration of 40 years! 

This is the tenth, and final, in our series. The honorees presented have had a significant and important impact on Placer County arts and culture for a variety of reasons.

The honorees have been shared with you in no particular order, and this list is only a small portion of those who create and help make our community thrive. Thanks to all who deserve recognition, day after day, year after year.

The past is behind, learn from it.

The future is ahead, prepare for it.

The present is here, live it.

Thomas S. Monson

ERIC & PAULA PEACH are freelance ceramic artists, environmental activists and educators. They have worked tirelessly to protect and enhance natural landscapes and resources throughout Placer County. They collaborate closely with local schools using art and music to inspire and connect youth to the American River Canyon, specifically the North and Middle Forks of the American River Watershed. The couple are active members of the Protect American River Canyon Board of Directors.

J RANDALL SMITH - Auburn artist J. Randall Smith's bronze and clay sculptures, featuring his trademarked Kraku method, are in collections and galleries throughout Northern California. In addition to public art pieces, he has shown his work in numerous galleries throughout the U.S. His art varies in size and medium ñ from monumental outdoor environment sculptures to smaller works. Following a 30-year career in television art direction and marketing, he has focused on the fine arts.

RODNEY MOTT, an adjunct professor at American River College for almost 30 years, has dedicated his life to teaching a variety of mediums, including clay, painting, drawing and sculpting. Starting in 1992, Mott hosted workshops at his studio in Penryn, inviting many well-known artists to demonstrate their skills. In 2022, he collaborated with American River College students and other artists to present ìWorldStroke,î a multi-day wood firing featuring demonstrations by nationally and internationally recognized artists as well as discussions of social inequities in ceramic art. In 2005, he was Juror of the National Ceramic Competition and Exhibition Feats of Clay XVIII in Lincoln.

APRIL MAYNARD - A family law attorney in Auburn since 1977, April Maynard is the current chair of the Auburn Arts Commission. One of 11 members appointed by the Auburn City Council, Maynard guides the commission in fostering and promoting the visual and performing arts in Auburn while serving in an advisory capacity to the council. Currently, the commission is overseeing the establishment of a new arts and culture community resource in the historic Carnegie Library building on Almond St. The commission supports public art projects throughout Auburn as well as a series of summer concerts, Music Around Town, Make Music Day, Auburn Community Service Day and the Auburn Art Walk.

40 years of bringing more art

to more people

Please give these honorees a "like" on our social media,

and join us in congratulating them!

Arts Council of Placer County is proud to be the state and local partner of California Arts Council and Placer County