The streets have quieted down a wee bit from the energetic chaos of the months of July and August. Kids are back in school, the summer has left on the cross-channel boats with the last of the Labor Day Weekend warriors. Ahhh, September.

Don't be fooled. Those people "in-the-know" say that one of the best months on the Island comes after the "season" is over.the businesses, outdoor activities, restaurants and bars remain in full swing, the sun continues to shine, and the water is still warm enough to go swimming. (Or snorkeling, kayaking, diving, parasailing, etcetera, etcetera.) But there are two very special reasons to visit Catalina in September - The Annual Catalina Pottery and Tile Extravaganza sponsored by the Catalina Island Museum, and the 46th Annual Catalina Festival of Art produced by the Catalina Art Association.

The Catalina Pottery and Tile Extravaganza (I just like the way that sounds!) will be open for viewing during regular museum hours from September 1st - 30th. I visited the enthusiastic staff as they were moving some of the regular exhibits to make room for the most comprehensive Catalina pottery and tile show anywhere. Just watching them work, white-gloved and care-full, made me want to come back and see the finished display.

If you missed the lecture that covered the island's pottery and tile history, here's my crib notes. From 1927 to 1932, Catalina Clay Products Tile and Pottery Plant used the abundant rich red clay found naturally on the island to create unique - you guessed it - pottery and tile. By 1932, the makers found through trial and error that the red clay was just too brittle, and so began importing white clay from off Island sources. Production continued until 1937, at which time the entire business was sold and moved off the Island.

What is so special about that? you might ask. Let me tempt the enthusiast that lurks inside you - the one who watches The Antiques Road Show on the sly.

Popularity. From practical things like bookends and dinnerware to hand painted plates and nick-nack novelties, during the time Catalina Pottery was being made, it became so popular that it was sold across the nation.

Artistry. The potters and tile makers were allowed a lot of freedom as far as color, style and glazing techniques were concerned. With distinctive hues and creative designs, the diversity of pieces can make a collector swoon.

Rarity. Because the production of "original" pottery and tile lasted for a short ten year period, finding it becomes an adventure. Most desirable are the pieces that were made from the local dark clay. Treasure!

Okay, I digress. It's just so interesting! Along with the extensive exhibit, which includes uncommon and exceptional pieces lent from private collectors, a variety of activities will be taking place throughout the month. Tile walking tours, lectures and the Catalina Pottery & Tile Collectors Show and Sale. For more information about all the fun, contact the museum.

Steven Hoefs is sponsoring the 13th Catalina Island Pottery & Tile Collectors Show in the Catalina Room of the Hotel Metropole, The show, a group of collectors invited to display and sell their pieces fine and fancy, takes place on the 18th, and will be open (no charge to get in) from 9am - 5 pm. Peruse, enjoy, maybe even purchase? It could be the beginning of a wonderful obsession.

If you time your visit to Catalina wisely, you will be further blessed.the 46th Annual Catalina Festival of Art, held from the 18th-19th of September, is an experience unto itself. Anticipation flows through the veins of art fans when the city workers begin their yearly chore of lining Crescent Avenue with wide-white panels. The artists arrive, masterpieces trailing in pull carts behind them - oils, watercolors, sculptures, photos, and fine crafts. The first day begins, and downtown is transformed into an outdoor gallery, where you can wander, wonder, sit or stroll, speak to the artists, spend some money and/or a lot of time just appreciating.

Numerous artists will be displaying their work this year; some local, some not; some un-known soon to be recognized for their brilliance, some well known whose brilliance you probably recognize already.

If you see some very official type people walking about with serious faces and ribbons in their hands, those would be the expert judges. Not only does the festival offer a place to view and buy great art, but it's also got that exciting competitive edge. The Catalina Art Association offers quite the incentive to new artists and masters alike.

One of CAA's main missions is introducing young people to the stimulating world of art. Each year the festival features a Young Artists Exhibit. In the past, the aspiring artistes presented their work on the Wrigley Stage; but this particular facet of the Festival event has grown in such proportions that it will now occupy Sumner Ave., where winning participants (I think participating makes them all winners, don't you?) receive prizes of art supplies or cash, just like the big fish do.

In closing, (yes, I'm done.and exhausted, aren't you?) if the natural beauty of the Island and all the fun-tastic things to do don't entice you to visit us this September, then perhaps the once-a-year Extravaganza and Festival will get you calling to make your reservations. If I didn't live here already, I'd be dialing the phone right now.

Ahhh, September.

Rebecca Twiss