Record Number of Artists’ Booths Offered Something for Everyone at Friends of Rockhaven’s ‘Art on the Rocks’

Colorful balloons mark the entrance to Art on the Rocks at St. Luke’s of the Mountains in La Crescenta.

By Ruth SOWBY

The “ladies” were in charge at the 3rd Annual Women’s Arts and Crafts Fair on April 22.

St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church was the setting for 30 booths full of crafty merchandise – all made by women. Available for sale in the church courtyard were art pieces such as wall art, prints, jewelry, pottery, tote bags, greeting cards and clothes. In Sadler Hall shoppers found even more booths. Snacks were provided for a small donation.          

Adrineh Issaghoolian awaits customers on Saturday afternoon at Art on the Rocks.

One hundred percent of the proceeds were dedicated to Friends of Rockhaven to maintain and preserve Rockhaven, the historic woman-owned and -operated sanitarium that was founded 100 years ago. During its years of operation under founder Agnes Richards and granddaughter Patricia Traviss (1923 to 2006) it was known as a place that treated women with respect. The women who were at Rockhaven were never referred to as patients, but as “ladies.”

Rockhaven was purchased by the City of Glendale 15 years ago.

“Our goal is to open a museum on the 3½ acres [on Rockhaven grounds],” said Friends of Rockhaven President Joanna Linkchorst.   

Photos by Mary O’KEEFE and Ruth SOWBY