BILL MARTIN - Mendocino Art Center

Cover Feature
BILL MARTIN
– A Visionary’s View
By Peggy Templer
A Bill Martin painting will stop you in your
tracks. A passing glance or a casual stroll-by is
simply not possible. His imagery is startling, riveting,
beautiful and unique, compelling the viewer
to stop and look deeply. Like William Blake contemplating
the tiger in the night, you find yourself
wondering “what immortal hand or eye” framed
that “fearful symmetry.”
Well, the hand and eye belong to Bill Martin, a
resident of Navarro Ridge in Albion and one of our
region’s most accomplished painters. He paints
in oils, creating archetypal images that “bring
the shifting world of the unconscious into the
light of day, reconnecting us to our own creative
wellspring.”* Bill is a mythmaker,
a landscape painter, painting
the landscape of his
imagination, exploring
the universal
truths that reveal
themselves in
u n e x p e c t e d
ways.
B i l l
c a n n o t
remember
a time
when he
Origin of the Waves
did not want to be an artist. As a very young child, he
would draw constantly, a pencil or crayon seemingly
attached to his hand. His mother tried to
steer him into more practical lines of work – some
way to earn a living and do art at night – but Bill
was not willing to consider an occupation that
would make a sideline of his artwork.
Bill took every art class he could, beginning in
middle school. When it was time to go to college,
he received a scholarship to the San Francisco Art
Institute, from which he received his BA and MFA
degrees. He went through a brief period in which
he was “art schooled” out of his own unique style,
but found his way back through abstract forms to
the super-realism and the imaginative landscapes
that are his hallmark.
After college graduation, Bill began
working as an art instructor,
teaching at such places as
the Art Institute, UC
Berkeley, San Jose
State and College
of the Redwoods.
Even though he
enjoyed teaching
and had many
devoted students,
he decided
many years
ago that teach-
6

Sphinx Moth
ing took too much time away from his
painting. He recently created a website, www.guidetooilpainting.com,
to help others learn to paint and to give
himself more time to devote to his own work.
Bill considers his best and most influential teachers
the artists of the Hudson River School, Albert
Bierstadt, Thomas Cole, Thomas Moran, Edwin
Church and other notables. The Hudson River School
was hugely unpopular at the time Bill was
developing as an artist. Nonetheless,
Bill was profoundly influenced by
this group. “They were doing
what I wanted to do. I was
impressed by the scale of
their paintings and their
ability to create depth and
luminescence. I didn’t
want to just paint pretty
pictures. I was looking
for something more.”
Bill is driven to create
paintings with big
themes and what at first
glance appear to be opposing
forces: birth and death, fire
and ice, creation and destruction,
good and evil, the micro
and the macro. But, after closer examination,
the viewer gets to experience
Oracle Fire
how these opposing forces merge into
the whole, or what Bill often refers to as a “unified
vision.” Bill views painting as an ongoing challenge,
a journey and a quest, rather than an end in itself.
Each painting represents an enormous commitment
in time and effort. Many of Bill’s paintings take years
to complete.
Much of Bill’s imagery focuses on transitions
and transformations. Bill has faced many life-threatening
health challenges and at the time of
this interview, he is undergoing chemotherapy.
So the issues of life, death
and transformation are personally
relevant to him. His painting,
“Between Worlds,” depicts our
brief moment on this planet,
and yet connects us to the
infinite.
What does Bill want
the viewer to experience
when looking at one of his
paintings? He wants us to
feel the interconnectedness of
all things. He hopes we will
find something in ourselves that
makes us feel larger, that lifts our
spirits in a strong, positive way, and
leaves us feeling that meaningful personal
growth is possible. His work
can be viewed on his online gallery:
www.billmartingallery.com.
7

Seashells
Bill is the author of three books, The Joy of
Drawing, Bill Martin’s Paintings 1969 – 1979, and
Lost Legends, a beautiful presentation of 36 of his
most compelling works, with accompanying
stories about the myths and archetypes
represented by the paintings. This book is also a tribute
to his
abilities as a writer.
Bill feels that
the comm
u n i t y
is a
Bill is a man with a
fantastic
sense of humor and a
deep appreciation
for life’s ironies. Any conversation with him is
always punctuated with laughter. Bill is also a devoted
family man, and owes much to the support of his
wife, Shelley, his children Shanti and Gabriel, and his
grand daughters Lauren and Brooke.
With a wonderful family and a distinguished
career in this world, and a brilliant imagination that
enables him to envision the stunning landscapes and
the grandeur of the next world, Bill Martin truly does
have “the best of both worlds.”
*Quoted from the Introduction by Michael Babcock to
Lost Legends.
Between Worlds
source of support and inspiration to him. When he
came to Mendocino in 1980, he felt right at home.
Bill says the Art Center was really essential to him:
“An artist’s life is a solitary one. You are kind of a
‘lone weirdo,’ but the Art Center was full of weirdos
so I felt right at home there, hanging out with other
artists. I just loved it – the camaraderie of others with
the same obsessive personalities.” Bill joined MAC’s
evolving figure drawing group, led at that time by Bob
Ross. Wherever he has gone, he has sought out a drawing
group, because he states, “I paint better if I am
drawing well.” Bill has been the mentor of the MAC
figure drawing group for many years.
For all his serious themes and important issues,
Spider Web
8

in all the world no waters like these
Kaleidoscopes G Glass G Mirrors
Jewelry
KALEIDOSCOPES
45050 Main Street, Mendocino
Entrance on Albion
Open Th – M 10 am to 5 pm
937-0173
Dr. Richard Louis Miller, Proprietor
A Victorian hotel and hot springs
nestled into 1,800 private acres
2 1 /2 hours directly east of Fort Bragg
530-473-2306 www.wilburhotsprings.com
GALLERY OF DECORATIVE
AND FINE ARTS
For the Art Collector and the Craft Lover
45052 Main Street, Mendocino, CA
707 937-3132 • www.thehighlightgallery.com
Tasting Room & Art Gallery
20799 Hwy 128, Yorkville, CA
707 895-3001 • www.maplecreekwine.com
9

There Is Always Something Happening At
The Mendocino Art Center
October Gallery Exhibits
Main Gallery
WALTER PADGETT
“The Works”
Japanese Woodblock Prints
& Other Media
Gallery Ten
LINDA SHEARIN
“Making Waves”
Acrylic
Abramson Gallery
“FOREIGN AFFAIRS”
Mixed Water Media
Nichols Gallery
SIXTH BIENNIAL MENDOCINO FIGURE
DRAWING COLLECTIVE EXHIBIT
Life Drawing
November Gallery Exhibits
Main Gallery
MARC CHAGALL COLLECTION
Gallery Ten
STEFANIE KRAUS
“Organic Abstractions”
Photography
Abramson Gallery
JESSICA JADE NORRIS &
DOUG DESMOND
Stefanie Kraus
“Crooked Lines”
Original Drawings & Etchings
Nichols Gallery
DAY OF THE DEAD EXHIBIT
Linda Shearin
December Gallery Exhibits
Main Gallery
ARTISTS OF THE MENDOCINO COAST
From Larry Wagner’s Volume II
All-Media
Gallery Ten
GEORGE GRIFFITH
Abramson Gallery
“HOLIDAY EMPORIUM”
Nichols Gallery
GERT RASMUSSEN
“Wild Steel”
January Gallery Exhibits
Main Gallery
MEMBERS’ JURIED EXHIBIT
All-Media
Nichols Gallery
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
All-Media
February Gallery Exhibits
Main Gallery
BILL ZACHA & FRIENDS
Abramson Gallery
DAVID SILVEIRA
Watercolor
Nichols Gallery
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE EXHIBIT
All-Media
Visit www.MendocinoArtCenter.org for updates • 2nd Saturday Artists Receptions each month at 5 pm
Mendocino Art Center
45200 Little Lake Street, Mendocino
707 937-5818 • 800 653-3328 • www.MendocinoArtCenter.org
10

The Mendocino Art Center
Four Art Galleries
& Unique Handmade
Gift Items
Upcoming Events
49th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Fair
Walt Padgett’s “History of Tokaido”
Friday, October 10, 7 pm
Mariko Irie
Marc Chagall Cocktail Party
Friday, November 7
Benefit Dinner at Silver’s at the Wharf
Wednesday, October 15
49th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Fair
Friday & Saturday, November 28 & 29,
10 am – 5 pm
“I Remember You”
Marcia Sloane and Todd Walton in Concert
Sunday, December 7, 3 pm
Broadcast Legends of Radio
Dinner and Performance Benefit
Monday, February 2
9th Annual Mendocino Art Center
Open House & Studios Tour
Saturday, February 14, 12 pm - 4 pm
Judith Griswold
Satoko Barash
Fine Art • Wood • Jewelry
Ceramics • Textiles • Sculpture
Photography
Open Wednsday - Sunday • 10 am - 5 pm
Mendocino Art Center
45200 Little Lake Street, Mendocino
707 937-5818 • 800 653-3328 • www.MendocinoArtCenter.org
11

Jeff Hillier’s
Eloquent Eye
“All art is but a picture of certain basic relationships; an equivalent of the artist’s most
profound experience of life.”
– Alfred Stieglitz
by Michael Potts
The Serene Girl Is Pretty, Waiting For Me At The Corner
Point Arena photographer Jeffery Hillier shoots
what puzzles him. Meaning may come later, and
when it does, it is tempered by a lifetime of invention
and unexpected perspective.
Jeff was born and raised on Chicago’s south side
by a family that was always filming everything (at the
end of an era characterized by pushcarts and neighborhoods).
He doesn’t recall exactly when he started
taking pictures. He remembers getting serious about
photography during his senior year in high school,
when he bought a Brownie box camera and turned in
his film at the corner
drugstore for developing.
Jeff recalls, “I
never doubted I was
an artist, but I never
got any encouragement
from my family.
Being an artist
isn’t a job, you
know.”
Vietnam scooped
Jeff off the loading
docks of his father’s
trucking firm, but
he is uncharacteristically
reticent about
his years as a medical
corpsman with the Marines. Despite the stress of
long range patrols through the DMZ, he remembers
having his camera with him all the time. Honorably
discharged in 1970, he brought his skills to the
Chicago chapter of Vietnam Veterans Against the
War, coordinating its actions while taking pictures for
its magazine Winter Soldier.
Inventing his own version of Dorothea Lange’s style
of photojournalism, Jeff did not make the theoretical
connections between his work and that of photographic
greats until he started studying photography
in college on the GI bill. He pounced on an opportunity
to pursue his studies at the San Francisco Art
Institute, where he
got to work and
study with several of
those greats, including
Ansel Adams,
Edward Weston,
and Imogene
Cunningham.
Like so many
who came of age
during the 1960s, Jeff
rattled around for
awhile, Manchester
to Chicago to
Santa Cruz, opening
galleries wherever
he went, but
12

Another Cup....A Dream Of Home
the Mendocino Coast captured
his attention. One of his first
shows was at the Mendocino Art
Center, where he hung examples
of his painterly hand-manipulated
Polaroids. Ever an activist, one of
his proudest achievements came
in his third Santa Cruz gallery,
Abattoir, where he mounted illegal
“Tattoo Me” shows that ultimately
brought down the county’s blue
laws against tattooing.
Still inventing, Jeff’s striking
Polaroids “are etched using the
ignition key from a 1965 Mustang.”
First shown at the MAC in 1980,
these works continue to provide
Jeff’s impressionistic canvas. His
wonderment at the contradictions
and surreal tensions within
our culture can be seen in his
“Expectation/Reality” series, begun
in 1973 as 35mm Tri-X black
and white images. A third series,
“Industrial Strength,” continues
the photojournalistic exploration
of chaos in the world, giving Jeff a
“political soapbox” for his strong
anti-war emotions.
Just Before The Frost....The Harvest
Smooth Ride
Jeff still shows in Chicago and elsewhere,
but his Think Visual gallery
at 215 Main Street in Point Arena
is his home base. “I want to affect
the community I live in. I’m not
looking to be famous. I’m happy
in my life, what I do, and who
I am.” His tools evolve with the
technology – he’s working with a
digital camera now. “I get it right
in the camera. I shoot digital just
like I shot 35mm. I haven’t been
in the darkroom for a couple of
years,” Jeff says.
Asked what makes a
picture, Jeff is quick to
reply, “Quality of light.
Composition. Emotion: puzzlement,
wonder. Steiglitz influences
my language about art, and it’s his
idea of ‘equivalents’ that moves
my finger on the shutter button. A
viewer looking at my work should
experience emotion equivalent to
mine when I took the photo.”
13

Linda Shearin
Photo by Larry Wagner
14
By Peggy Templer
Coast artist Linda Shearin grew up in San Francisco,
nurtured in an environment in which creativity was
expressed through crafts. She, like her mother, was
“always doing something” – hooking rugs, sewing quilts,
and other household crafts, but Linda was also always
drawing. At the age of 10 she went with a group of school
children to the de Young Museum and was so awestruck
by the van Gogh’s – the sunflowers, the starry skies – that
she knew then and there
that she wanted to be an
artist. She had at least one
inspirational art instructor
in high school, and after
graduation embarked on
a 25 year mission to take
every painting class or
workshop that she possibly
could.
The year 1992 was
a significant turning
point. Studying watercolor
painting simultaneously
with three influential
instructors – Jane
Hofstetter, Charlotte
Britton, and Patricia Akay
– Linda finally realized
that she
Land & Sea – acrylic, 24” X 24”
“really had something to offer.” She was involved with
the San Carlos Fine Arts Association and through them
had her first exhibition opportunities.
Linda and her husband came to Mendocino for their
20th wedding anniversary, and continued to vacation on
the coast. She discovered the Mendocino Art Center late
and almost by accident, when she ran out of paints! At
the end of her business career in the Bay Area in 2000,
Linda made a permanent move to Mendocino. She
began taking all kinds of
painting classes, at the
Art Center and College
of the Redwoods, from
Bob Rhoades, Nancy
Collins, Patti Osborne,
Judith Hale, Judith
Cunningham, and
the very influential
Bob Burridge. After
studying with him, she
began painting with
acrylics and pastels and
is only recently getting
back into watercolor.
Linda’s themes have
been wide ranging,
including florals, figures,
incredibly atmospheric
skyscapes and seascapes.
She will do as many as

ten or more paintings on a theme
before moving on to something
else. Her paintings are often, however,
unplanned and completely
spontaneous. It is not unusual for
her paintings to change direction
completely – to start as a seascape and wind up as a flower
or, as in one recent occurrence, to start as a study of rocks
and end up as a portrait of an African woman. The figures
“just kind of appear.”
Inner Force – mixed watermedia, 22” X 30”
Linda’s show in the Art
Center’s Gallery 10 in October features
abstract landscapes and seascapes.
A museum tour to the Bay
Area to see the work of the artist
Richard Diebenkorn inspired this
new direction.
Linda’s family has always been very supportive of
her life as an artist, and now Linda passes that encouragement
along to her 11-year-old granddaughter, Chandler,
an aspiring artist who has recently completed a series of
small watercolors. Linda and Chandler enjoy doing the
“museum scene” together.
When Linda is away from her art, she is overtaken by
a nervous “antsyness” because she “just HAS to be doing
art.” And she has learned from painter Bob Burridge
never to give up on a painting, no matter how “ugly” it
might seem at first.
Linda hopes that viewers of her landscapes, seascapes
and skyscapes will feel as though they are actually “in” the
painting – enough to get wet from the waves or feel the
mist from the clouds. Above all, she wants viewers to feel
peace and joy, as they comtemplate her paintings.
Linda’s work can be seen at Edgewater Gallery in Fort
Bragg, Prentice Gallery in Mendocino, Artists Cooperative
of Mendocino, Stevenswood in Little River, and the
Mendocino Art Center.
Sea Serenity – acrylic, 24” X 24”
15

Fort Bragg
A Great Place to Shop
16
Shopping is its own art form and deserves a place
on everyone’s itinerary. And Fort Bragg, a largely undiscovered
little gem, is a fun and quirky shopping destination.
This small town on the spectacular Pacific Ocean
is the largest coastal town between San Francisco and
Eureka. And even though only 7,000 people live there,
shopping in Fort Bragg can be an all-day experience.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the renewal
taking place in the historic downtown. Many small scale
streets are newly-paved and designed for strolling – with
shops, lots of shops. There are no big-box stores, and
almost no chain stores. Most are locally-owned businesses
such as boutiques, bookstores, clothing and shoe
stores, hand-crafted gifts, bed
and bath shops, antique stores,
and home décor galleries.
If you know about Fort Bragg’s
history as a fishing and logging
town, you might be surprised
by the wealth of art. The county
has more artists per capita
than any other rural county,
which means you’ll find galleries,
shops and cafes showcasing
famous and soon-to-be-so
artists and craftspeople. There
are unexpected finds around
every corner, numerous galleries
and other businesses showcasing
local paintings, jewelry,
fine woodworking and quality
crafts.
There are even monthly ‘First Friday’ Art Walks
which offer a combination of music, dancing, art and late
evening shopping. Recent Art Walks included Sidewalk
Chalk Art for artists of all ages, and participatory Street
Art ranging from small graffiti-style statements to grand
masterpieces. There’s also been free family skating at the
Mendocino Coast Recreation Center, and outdoor entertainment
provided by Two Blue Dudes, Kevin and the
Coconuts, and the Trillium Tribe Dancers. All that just
to entertain you as you wander between the art displays
and complementary snacks and libations provided by
galleries, restaurants and shops.
And as you walk the historic district of Main, Laurel
and Franklin Streets, you’ll discover not just great shops,
but also a coffeehouse with live music, an ice cream parlor
with handmade ice cream, local wine tasting, a micro
brewpub, and restaurants and cafes for every taste and
budget. Once you’ve satisfied your shopping and food
cravings, you can take yourself on a walking tour of the
town’s ‘Oddities’ (see related story), explore a city park
with redwoods too big to put your arms around, or cross
a creek at the ocean’s edge on the historic Pudding Creek
Trestle. All walked-out? Maybe there’s still time for a
rejuvenating massage at one of Fort Bragg’s spas.
Shopping in Fort Bragg is more than one-of-a-kind
shops brimming with quality merchandise. There’s also
a strong “Shop the Coast First” attitude, embraced by
residents who understand they’re helping to sustain
their unique lifestyle when they support local merchants.
The folks who live here realize that whether it’s buying
Christmas gifts or replacing worn socks, the money
they spend in town allows mom-and-pop shops to keep
friends and family members employed.
So the next time your itinerary calls for a shopping
trip, discover Fort Bragg – a small town destination that
wants for nothing but infinite time to explore it.
Fort Bragg ‘Oddities’
Walking Tour
It’s nice to walk. Walking is a wonderful way to
get to know Fort Bragg – which is why Ron Bloomquist

DOWNTOWN FORT BRAGG
created a self-guided walking tour of the
unusual things you’re not likely to detect
on a shopping tour. Things like horseand-buggy
hitching rings, obelisks, a house
that looks like a boat, a stagecoach step,
and more! The free printed tour map is
available at the Chamber of Commerce,
several downtown businesses, and many
inns and campgrounds. Or, if you prefer,
you can download it from Ron’s blog,
WalkingFortBragg.com.
You can start the tour anywhere, but
most begin at the Guest House Museum
on Main Street. A half mile walk can bag
six hitching rings, a bar and church that
predate the 1906 earthquake, and one misspelled
bronze plaque. An additional two
tenths of a mile will get you the stage coach
step. Or, if you plan your route carefully,
you can walk six and a half miles and get
every Oddity on the map! Ron says, “Have
fun and be sure to look both ways before
you cross the street.”
INTIMATE
APPAREL
BRAS,
PANTYS
AND
SLEEPWEAR
Check out these
local businesses
Edgewater Gallery is located on Main
Street and features the work of 17 local artists.
Gallery artists work in the gallery each
day so customers will have an opportunity
to meet an artist and see their work.
Visitors to the gallery will be intrigued
by the unique mixed metal jewelry of Carlie
and Jima Abbott and the gold creations by
Art Weininger. Paintings in the gallery run
the gamut from very representational to
‘TWEENS
TO
QUEENS
310 N. FRANKLIN
FORT BRAGG
964-5013
17

GALLERY
CONTEMPORARY ART
Painting • Sculpture
Photography • Jewelry
Handwoven Rugs
the abstract by artists Patricia Breed, Joseph
DuVivier, Roy Falk, Janis Porter, Robin
Randall, Christine Schomer, Linda Shearin,
and Sunshine Taylor. Photographers
Leonard Leum, Julie Masterson and Leslie
Jo Tone surprise viewers with photos –
from around the world to close up studies
of nature. An exciting array of pottery by
Meg Courtney, Alexis Moyer, David Russell
and Thais Mazur shares their interpretation
of functional and decorative work as well
as sculptural pieces. Unusual redwood burl
furniture and sculptures created by Patrick
Doyle are sure to please. Edgewater is open
daily 10-6. For more info: 707 964-4668;
www.EdgewaterGallery.net.
Custom Picture
Framing for artists
and art lovers
since 1977
Sept.ember 4 – 30
Arlene Reiss, paintings
October 2 – November 3
Pamela Hahn, paintings
Carolyn King, sculpture
November 6 – December 1
Mina Cohen and Karen Fenley
Mixed Media
December
Small Works
335 North Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707 962-0233
www.partnersgallery.com
Gabrielle – Are you ready to nest this
season? Gabrielle features local art, jewelry,
home furnishings, accents and gifts galore.
Wrap yourself in a cozy throw or a heavenly
robe perfect for a crisp morning or
unwinding in the evening. Embrace your
home and body with delicious fragrances
from Archipelago, Voluspa, and Lollia.
Indulge in a treat for yourself or that
special someone. Gabrielle’s will help make
your house a home. Stop by and see the
Gabbie Girls.
Founded two years ago, Mendocino
Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery
has become a major Fort Bragg attraction.
Their spacious gallery in the Company
Store on the corner of Redwood and
Highway 1 provides a wide array of photography
that brings people back for many
visits. Ron LeValley has a vast collection of
nature photography, Dr. Bill Rohr offers up
incredible panoramas, John Birchard and
Jim Moorehead delight people with their
scenic and exotic travel shots, Patrick Davis
impresses all with his dramatic composition
and color, and Larry Wagner shows
unique collages and art shots.
The Guild offers classes from everything
from learning how to use your digital
camera, to nature and sunset photography,
macro and panorama photography and
photographic workflow. On occasion they
conduct walk-abouts for photographers to
Art inspired giftware
for creative
inspiration
116 E. Laurel, Fort Bragg
964-6464
“Abstract Landscape” by Mike Barnes, acrylic
Art Explorers, Inc.
A nonprofit program with
studio and gallery.
Offering unique and
affordable art, hand-made crafts
and cards.
Open Tuesday, Thursday
and Friday 9-3;
Saturday 12-3.
305 E. Redwood Ave.
Fort Bragg
707 961-6156
18

shoot with the artists. New photography
is on display every First Friday.
Partners Gallery displays notable contemporary
painting, sculpture, photography,
jewelry and hand-woven rugs. Now
in its tenth year, this popular gallery (formerly
in Little River) is run by artists and
provides fine art in a relaxed setting. New
shows are mounted each month with a
First Friday Reception from 5-8.
Racines is an independent Art and
Office supply store, tucked away on the
Mendocino Coast, in California. Because
of the uniqueness of the area, Racine’s
also reflects its own uniqueness. They
are the Stationery Store of twenty years
ago, but with a pinch of the modern
world. Many artists have found their
home here and Racine’s works hard to
provide them with the tools they need to
create their art.
They’ve been selling office and
art supplies for 30 years and know the
names and faces of most their customers.
Now with the advent of the web, Racine’s
has also made friends with folks who live
across the country. You are invited to
visit their store, whether that is in person
or on line and enjoy.
Understuff, in the heart of Fort Bragg,
is an intimate apparel destination boutique.
Offering an extensive selection in
sizes ranging from pre-teens to queens,
highly trained sales staff will help you
with all of your undergarment needs
from everyday to special occasion. Are
you wearing the right size bra? Does
your bra drive you crazy by the end of
the day? Let Understuff’s Certified Bra
Fitters help you find the best fit for your
body type. With a selection of over 165
styles from Wacoal, Vanity Fair, Felina,
DKNY and more, you are sure to find
the perfect bra! Understuff! also carries
hard to find specialty brands such
as Elita, Lunaire, Vera Wang, Donna
Nadeau, and Hanky Panky. Sleepwear
and robes provide for one of the best
selections in Northern California. You’ll
find bamboo from Cuddlduds, cozy cottons
from Carole Hocheman, sensuous
silks from Linda Hartman, as well as
classic nylon tricot from Shadowline.
Understuff’s camisoles include Mary
Green, Arianne, Honey Dew, Cuddlduds
and many more. From basic to sexy,
you’ll not find a better selection of camisoles
or cami-sets. Something for that
special weekend getaway? On the fun
side, Understuff! has great sexy wear.
Bustiers, teddies, garters and novelties.
Understuff! provides excellent customer
service, combined with a fabulous selection
of intimate apparel at highly competitive
prices. So whether you are looking
for everyday essentials or something
for that special occasion, Understuff! will
be of service to you!
These are but a few of the wonderful shops,
galleries and businesses to be found downtown
Fort Bragg!
“the Ultimate Discount Store”
Pet & Party Supplies
Holiday & Seasonal
Items
Gourmet Coffee & Teas
House Painter’s
Hardware
800 964-0184 • 707 964-9383
1131 N. Main St. Fort Bragg, CA
www.surfsandlodge.com
338 North Main
Fort Bragg, CA
707 964-2233
19

FIDDLES & CAMERAS
Camera bags • tripods • cameras
lenses • filters • darkroom supplies
repair service • digital memory cards binoculars
• music books • guitar tuners metronomes
• hand percussion instruments
passport photos • strings & reeds + more
Major credit cards accepted
400 N. Main Street at Laurel
Ft Bragg 964-7370 or 964-9203
FAMILY
HANDS
MENDOCINO COAST
DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Discover
Decorate
Design
A gallery of unique
furnishings for
your home
Lighting • Art
Rugs
Furniture
Gifts from arround
the globe
At the corner of Franklin & Redwood,
Fort Bragg
707 961-0236
Expect Excellence.
Find it Locally.
• 24-hour Emergency Services
• Obstetrics, Labor & Delivery
• Comprehensive Laboratory
• Hematology - Oncology -
Infusion Clinic
• Home Health & Hospice
• In-patient & Out-patient
Surgery
• Physical Therapy, Speech
Therapy, Occupational Therapy
• X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI,
Ultrasound, Mammography
700 River Drive, Fort Bragg
(707) 961-1234
www.mcdh.org
20

Infant Boutique
in the Fort Bragg Depot
964-1901
10 Years in business
in the Fort Bragg Depot
Tees, Hoodies & more for Kids & Adults
962-0497
21

Fort Bragg Rent-All
&
Party Works
Event Planning • Tents
Tables • Chairs • Linen • China
Lights/Sound
t - shirts • athletic apparel
awards • trophies • gifts
engraving • lettering
screen printing
since 1978
334 N. Main Street
Fort Bragg
707 964-9122
Complete Event and Wedding Production
707 964-6661
18550 HWY 1, Fort Bragg, CA
www.fortbraggrentall.com
Photo by Michael Antoneli
[ S P L E N D! F E R O U S ]
Women & Children’s Unique Clothing Boutique
707.964.8880
115 EAST LAUREL STREET • FORT BRAGG, CA
NATURAL WOODS
Fine Home Furniture
We are happy to serve the Mendocino
Coast with Natural Woods products.
We know that you want nice items at
good prices, and this is what we offer.
Stop by our showroom today and look
around. You’ll be surprised to find just
the thing you need.
155 Boatyard Drive, Fort Bragg
964-1002
Round Table
Country Table
Hutches
End Tables
Office Furniture
Wellspring Futons
from recycled fibers
Futon Covers
Kitchen Islands
Children’s Furniture
Armoires
Bedroom Furniture
Recliners
Cheshire
Books
A good book begins here.
Cheshire
Books…
your
independent
community
bookstore in the
heart of Fort
Bragg’s downtown
shopping district.
Fiction • Non-Fiction • Children’s
Open Daily
345 North Franklin
Street
Downtown Fort Bragg
( 707) 964 -5918
22

Marc Chagall:
Biblical Dreamer
Marc Chagall was a 20th century multi-cultural and
multi-media artist. His art covered a wide variety of subject
matter. Chagall famously said, “Art elevates the soul of
humanity.”
From November 7 – 22, the Mendocino Art Center will
feature work by Chagall, concentrating on his biblical work.
He was quoted as saying, “I did not see the Bible, I dreamed
it.” The exhibit will show Chagall’s biblical scenes from both
the Old Testament and New Testament.
A PowerPoint presentation by Chagall collector and
authority Jerry Karabensh will show you how he used oil,
watercolor, ceramics, mosaics, etchings, lithographs, tapestries
and stained glass to bring the viewer closer to his God.
He said, “In arts, as in life, everything is possible, provided it
is based on love.”
Chagall was born an Orthodox Jew in Russia in 1885,
took up art in his late teens in Russia, and eventually moved
to Paris, where he became part of an art community that
included many notable artists. While not practicing Judaism,
he used many biblical themes in his art. He took Jesus as the
symbol of the Jewish people tormented by the world. One
of his most famous oils is the “White Crucifixion” which
hangs in the Chicago Art Institute. It was painted after
“Krystalnacht,” the Nazi attack on the Jews in 1937. He
spent some time in America during the Nazi occupation
of Paris, but returned to France after WWII and eventually
settled in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in southern France, where he
was buried in 1985. He worked on his art until his death.
One of Chagall’s most famous works is the series of
stained glass windows which he created, along with Charles
Marq, for the chapel at the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem.
He also made lithographs of them which will be on display at
the exhibit at the Mendocino Art Center. The subject matter
of the windows is the Twelve Tribes of Israel as described
by Jacob in Genesis and Moses in Deuteronomy. Also on
display will be the book of Exodus for which he created 24
lithographs.
From Genesis to the Prophets and then on to Jesus in
the New Testament, Chagall used 97 years to make his point
and stated that “My sacred book is the Bible.” To quote
novelist Henry Miller, “He is a poet with the wings of a
painter.”
The Chagall exhibit will be preceded by a cocktail party
at the home of Jerry and Cathy Karabensh on the evening of
November 7th. Please phone 707-937-5818 ext. 12 for information.
Attendance at the exhibit at the Art Center will be by
suggested donation.
23

Walt
Padgett
by Michele Ketterer
24
In October, the Art Center is pleased to welcome
Walt Padgett, from Grants Pass, Oregon, into our
Main Gallery.
Walt is a most versatile artist: a painter, in
watercolor and oils; a sculptor in metal and bronze;
a photographer, a printmaker. He has taught and
exhibited extensively throughout his long career,
and just recently retired from his full-time teaching
position in the Art Dept. at Rogue Community
College.
The work that has so greatly captured his imagination,
and which will be featured in his exhibit, is
that of his traditional Japanese woodblock prints
– and it is the story of his pursuit of this art form
which connects Walt in a fascinating and oddly
synchronistic way to the Mendocino Art Center.
Although this is the first time that he will be showing
his work here, Walt’s ‘belonging’ is without question,
as the story which brings him to this point began to
unfold almost 30 years ago.
1978 marks Walt’s first exposure to traditional
Japanese woodblock printmaking – the work of
Junichiro Sekino – shown to him by a well-known
collector and teacher of the form, Robert McClain,
the founder of McClain’s Printmaking Supplies,
which, to this day, promotes the traditional style
of Japanese woodblock printing, known as ‘Moku
Hanga’.
“It blew me away,” he states, all these years
later – ‘the design, the richness of the colors... the
bold lines.” He began to study and learn more. In
1983 he decided to attend a summer workshop in
Japan, under the tutelage of Toshi Yoshida, a master
printmaker. He registered for the class at the Miasa
Bunka Center (the equivalent of the Mendocino Art
Center, in Japan) – Miasa being (one of the first of
our little ‘coincidences’, here) Mendocino’s ‘sister’
city – an arrangement that had begun the previous
year, through Bill Zacha’s own friendship with Toshi
Yoshida.
As sometimes happens here as well, the class
was cancelled. Walt called and got the master, himself,
on the phone. “Well, you’re still coming, aren’t
you??”’ he was asked. So he went. He and one other
student spent a month studying in the basement of
the Yoshida family home, where he learned the traditional
skills from the artist, as well as observing the
work of all the additional artisans who performed

the other pieces of the process.
It was during this stay in Japan that Walt began
to discover that he was falling in love – with a place,
with a culture. His connection with Japan was to
continue to grow.
A woman he met during that time showed him
a small book of Hiroshige’s prints of the Tokaido,
made in the 1830’s. This was another significant
hint in his odyssey, which led him further down his
path.
The Tokaido was the Eastern sea route from
what is now Tokyo to Kyoto, dating from the time
of the Emperors. In the 1600’s, 53 stations were
built along its 310-mile route. Many artists over the
centuries have depicted, in their own way, the series
of stations.
Walt now decided that he would return to
Japan the following year to travel this route himself,
and create his own interpretation of the Tokaido
series.
And so he did. Spending two months on his
Mt. Fuji (appropriately enough) mountain bike,
with camping gear and tent (at times enjoying the
hospitality of the local Japanese people he met,
curious and appreciative of this American traveler
who seemed to have such a great respect for their
culture), he traveled the length of the Tokaido and
back, recording the images that would become the
source of inspiration for much of his work for years
and years to come.
At this point, Walt still had no awareness of Bill
Zacha, the founder of the Mendocino Art Center,
and of the similar fascination they shared in visiting
this ancient landscape, and in depicting its beauty.
Though, as we spoke on the phone, Walt commented
that the signed (by Bill and Jennie) copy
of Tokaido Journey was right there by him – pored
over and closely studied through the years. It was
in 1985 that Walt heard about Bill Zacha and his
Tokaido series. Zacha was to give a lecture in San
Francisco; Walt made the trip to attend. There was
just that one contact all those years before, and ever
since, a seed of desire to come and be a part of the
Mendocino Art Center.
Sometimes the pursuit of a goal takes us on a
long and circuitous route, and requires of us much
patience to finally see something come to fruition.
I find I am very touched by this story and its farreaching
connections, and feel happy to welcome
Walt Padgett to the Mendocino Art Center. I only
wish Bill Zacha were still here, so that the two of
them could catch up.
Please join us on Friday evening, Oct. 10th, at
7pm, for a very special hour and a half. As a prelude to
the ‘Second Saturday’ opening of the show, Walt will
be sharing with us a documentary slideshow
presentation on the traditional
process of Japanese woodblock printing:
an educational and inspiring look
at the history of the Tokaido, weaving
photos of its landscape and architecture
with the work of the early printmakers
who depicted its beauty, Sekino and
Hiroshige. His presentation has been
enthusiastically received at the Portland
Art Museum, the Berkeley Art Center,
the Japanese Garden in Portland, and
many other centers for the arts. We are,
indeed, fortunate for this opportunity, so
mark your calendars now!
25

@@@@@
Jewelry Artists
Chris & Shani Christenson
show fine Celtic and nature
inspired jewelry and specialize
in Custom Celtic Wedding rings
Corner of Main and
Kasten Streets (upstairs)
Mendocino • 707-937-1223
www.celticcreations.com
26

OCEANFRONT INN
& COTTAGES
Just steps to the beach and
a stroll to fine restaurants, galleries
and the Mendocino Art Center.
ocean views • decks • fireplaces
An enchanting refuge for
rest and renewal...
On Main Street at Evergreen
Mendocino Village
800 780-7905 • 707 937-5150
www.oceanfrontmagic.com
Dazzling Lites
on the coast
icons
global gifts
local art
10466 Lansing Street
Mendocino
(up the stairs)
Photography & Glass
Hours 1 - 6:00 pm
2nd & 4th Weekends
SALLIE MAC
HOME & GARDEN
GIFTS & ACCESSORIES FROM
THE EUROPEAN COUNTRYSIDE
ONE-OF-A-KIND
FRENCH ACCENT PIECES
EUROPEAN POTTERY
FINE BATH & BODY PRODUCTS
ELEGANT GIFT WRAPPING FREE
SHIPPING ARRANGED
GIFT CERTIFICATES
COME FOR THE EXPERIENCE
LEAVE WITH A TREASURE
10540 LANSING STREET, MENDOCINO
937-5357 • OPEN DAILY 10 - 6
WWW.SALLIEMAC.COM
937-0837 • 226-2815
42580 Little Lake Road
937-1784 Raindrops with Mendocino Church by Jon Klein
Mendocino
Sandpiper
Affordable Jewelry
since 1987
Featuring Jewelry
by Tabra
“Where The Locals Shop”
937-3102
45280 Main Street,
Mendocino
Open Daily
At west end of Main St.
Roxanne Vold, Proprietor
Studio
& Gallery
MENDOCINO
gems
Custom design & repair
10540 Lansing St. • Mendocino
937-0299
Behind Sallie Mac
27

Mendocino County Gallery Guide
FIRST FRIDAYS IN FORT BRAGG
Most galleries and businesses holding First Friday art openings
are open from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
SECOND SATURDAYS IN MENDOCINO
Most galleries and businesses holding Second Saturday art
openings are open from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.
FIRST FRIDAYS IN UKIAH
Opening art receptions the First Friday of every month 5 to 8 pm.
LAST SATURDAYS IN WESTPORT
Galleries & businesses holding Last Saturday art openings are
open from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
RUBAIYAT BEADS
222 E. Redwood Avenue
707 961-0222
SEAVIEW GALLERY
18877 N. Highway 1
707 889-0962
TOTO ZAIDA
142 E. Laurel Street
707 964-8686
V’ CANTO
124 E. Laurel Street
707 964-6844
MENDOCINO
MENDOCINO COAST
PHOTOGRAPHER GUILD
& GALLERY
301 N. Main Street,
(In the Company Store)
Fort Bragg
707-964-5063
The Curl by Larry R Wagner
WESTPORT
GALLERY THIS
Highway 1, Main Street
707 964-2027
FORT BRAGG
ART @ 3g
Company Store at N. Main
707 964-9666
ART EXPLORERS
305 E. Redwood Avenue
707 961-6156
BRAGGADOON
435 N. Main Street
707 964-5050
DAN HEMANN SCULPTURE AND
THE GREEN DOOR STUDIO
121 E. Laurel Street
707 964-6532
DIRT CHEAP
17975 N. Highway 1
707 964-4211
EDGEWATER GALLERY
356 N. Main Street
707 964-4668
ERIN DERTNER STUDIO
137 E. Laurel Street
707 964-7781
ESTATES GALLERY
330 N. Franklin Street
707 961-0932
FABRIC INDULGENCE
101 E. Boatyard Center
707 964-6365
FRAME MILL ARTWORKS
116 Laurel Street
707 964-6464
GARDEN ART & GIFTS
1230 N. Main Street
707 964-7897
GLASS FIRE ART GLASS GALLERY
18320 N. Highway 1
707 962-9420
A unique display of art glass,
including jellies, vessels, lighting,
sculpture and jewelry. Visit the
working studio.
HEADLANDS COFFEEHOUSE
120 E. Laurel Street
707 964-1987
MENDO BISTRO
Company Store at N. Main
707 964-4974
MENDOCINO COAST
PHOTOGRAPHER GUILD
& GALLERY
301 N. Main Street
707 964-6704
NORTH COAST ARTISTS
362 N. Main Street
707 964-8266
PARTNERS GALLERY
335 N. Franklin Street
707 962-0233
Local artists exhibiting painting,
sculpture, photography, jewelry,
water sculpture and handwoven
rugs.
PIACI PUB & PIZZERIA
120 W. Redwood Street
707 961-1133
PRENTICE GALLERY
17701 N. Highway 1
707 962-0732
Local artists’ paintings, sculpture,
photography, jewelry, wood turnings
and ceramics. On site jeweler
Wed. Largest custom picture frame
shop on the North Coast.
AMERICAN PIE
45050 Main Street
707 937-3235
ARTISTS CO-OP OF MENDOCINO
45270 Main Street
707 937-2217
ART THAT MAKES
YOU LAUGH©
Corner Main and Lansing
707 937-1354
CELTIC CREATIONS
Above Gallery Books
707 937-1223
COASTSIDE GALLERY
45055 Albion Street
707 937-4960
COLOR & LIGHT GLASS STUDIO
10525 Ford Street
707 937-1003
DAZZLING LITES ON THE COAST
42580 Little Lake Road
707 937-0837 • 707 226-2815
GARTH HAGERMAN
Nature Photography Gallery
45021-C Little Lake Street
707 937-1987
HIGHLIGHT GALLERY
45052 Main Street
707 937-3132
ICONS
10466 Lansing Street
707 937-1784
LISA KRISTINE GALLERY
45104 Main Street
707 937-3898
MENDOCINO ART CENTER
45200 Little Lake Street
707 937-5818
Devoted to inspiring photographic
excellence on California’s North
Coast.
OLD GOLD
6 Albion Street,
Mendocino
707 937-5005
Mark Hileman, Opal
Wave Bracelet
Where you will find beautifully
detailed jewelry fabricated in
the original art form of die striking
and hand chasing.
MENDOCINO ART CENTER
45200 Little Lake Street,
Mendocino
707 937-5818
Cloisonné necklace with freshwater
pearls by Marge Stewart and burl
wood box by Steve Kale.
Four gallery exhibits each
month featuring emerging and
established artists. Unique,
handmade gift items in the
Gallery Shop.
Open Wed. - Sun.,
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
28

THINK VISUAL
THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY
215 Main Street,
Point Arena
707 882-4042
Beautiful, so Beautiful is the Lady,
Shining as She Stands by the
Window, Shining by Jeff Hillier
Open daily • Hours will vary
Photographs by
Elizabeth Perillat and
Jeff Hillier
MENDOCINO BAKERY & CAFE
10483 Lansing Street
707 937-0836
MENDOCINO CAFÉ
10451 Lansing Street
707 937-2422
MENDOCINO GEMS
10540 Lansing Street
707 937-0299
MENDOCINO JEWELRY STUDIO
45104 Main Street
707 937-0181
MENDOCINO SANDPIPER
45280 Main Sreet
707 937-3102
MOODYS INTERNET CAFÉ
& GALLERY
10450 Lansing Street
707 937-4843
OLD GOLD
6 Albion Street
707 937-5005
PANACHE ON MAIN
45120 Main Street
707 937-0947
PANACHE GALLERY
10400 Kasten Street
707 937-1234
PRENTICE GALLERY
45110 Main Street
707 937-5205
REFLECTIONS KALEIDOSCOPES
45050 Main Street
707 937-0173
RUBAIYAT BEAD & RUG
GALLERY
Corner of Lansing & Little Lake
Street
707 937-1217
STANFORD INN BY THE SEA
Hwy. 1 & Comptche-Ukiah Road
707 937-5615
THE WORLD OF SUZI LONG
611 Albion Street – Watertower
707 937-5664
VOODOO PINK
10483 Lansing Street
707 937-2758
WISDOM HOUSE GALLERY
45280 Main Street
707 937-3360
ZACHA’S BAY WINDOW
GALLERY
560 Main Street
707 937-5205
LITTLE RIVER & ALBION
LEDFORD HOUSE
3000 N. Highway 1, Albion
707 937-0282
LITTLE RIVER INN
7751 N. Highway 1,
Little River
888-INN-LOVE
STEVENSWOOD FINE ARTS
8211 N. Highway 1,
Little River
707 937-2810
ELK
ARTIST’S COLLECTIVE IN ELK
6031 S. Highway 1, Elk
707 877-1128
GREENWOOD PIER INN/CAFÉ
& COUNTRY STORE
5928 S. Highway 1, Elk
707 877-9997
POINT ARENA
THINK VISUAL THE ART OF
PHOTOGRAPHY
215 Main Street
707 882-4042
GUALALA
ALINDER STUDIO GALLERY
39165 S. Highway 1
707 884-4884
BLUE CANOE
Anchor Bay
707 884-1800
THE DOLPHIN GALLERY
An associate of Gualala Arts
Center
39225 Highway 1
707 884-3896
GUALALA ARTS CENTER
46501 Old State Highway,
off Highway 1
707 884-1138
HENLEY’S ART & INTERIORS
Cypress Village
707 884-1531
PLACEWARES + LYNDON
DESIGN
Cypress Village
707 884-1184
THE SEA RANCH LODGE FRONT
GALLERY
An associate of Gualala Arts
Center
The Sea Ranch
707 785-2371
S/K GALLERY
Cypress Village
707 884-3549
STUDIO 391 FINE ART GALLERY
Cypress Village
707 884-4484
HWY. 128
MAPLE CREEK WINERY
20799 Highway 128, Yorkville
707 895-3001
The Gallery at Maple Creek Winery
features the artwork
of Vintner Tom Rodrigues.
ARTEVINO - art & wine.
ROOKIE-TO GALLERY
14300 Highway 128,
Boonville
707 895-2204
UKIAH
CINNABAR CERAMICS GALLERY
106 W. Church Street
707 621-1135
Unique, Italian-style china, handpainted
by artist on site.
Mon.- Sat. 11 am - 7 pm
CORNER GALLERY
www.artcenterukiah.com
201 S. State Street
707 462-1400
A cooperative gallery featuring
24 local artists. Visual arts, photography,
ceramics, metal work,
textiles, and more.
CRAFTSMAN ESTATE
FINE ART & ANTIQUES
396 N. State Street
707 463-3900
GRACE HUDSON MUSEUM
431 S. Main Street
707 467-2836
GRACES ON MAIN/HOYMAN-
BROWN STUDIO
323 N. Main Street
707 462-5911 • 707 468-
8835
NOMAD’S WORLD GALLERY
290 S. School Street
707 463-2949
ONE EARTH STUDIO
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP
310 Mason
707 467-0200
T B GREENE GALLERY
104 W. Church
707 462-5756
TIERRA
312 N. School Street
707 468-7936
WILLITS
BLUE SKY GALLERY
21 S. Main
707 456-9025
MENDOCINO COUNTY
MUSEUM
400 E. Commercial Street
707 459-2736
SUPERNOVA GLASSWORKS
1762 S. Main
707-456-9601
WILLITS CENTER
FOR THE ARTS
71 E. Commercial Street
707 459-1726
To be listed in this Guide call:
Mendocino, Fort Bragg
Steven P. Worthen,
707 964-2480, 707 813-7669
Inland
Jill Schmuckley,
707 391-8057
Tonya DiAndrea, Inland
707 391-3046
South Coast
Elizabeth Perillat, 707 882-1942
29

Mendocino & Lake Counties
Premier Music Store
Guitars, Drums, Percussion
New & Used Pianos
Over 100 Stringed Instruments
Pro Audio, Keyboards
Yamaha, Fender, Schecter, Vox, Roland
Big City Selection
Without the big city ‘tude...
745 N. State St., Ukiah
462-8863
www.ukiahmusic.com
“MORE USED BOOKS, PLEASE”
MAIN ST. BOOKSHOP
990 MAIN ST. MENDOCINO
937-1537
OPEN DAILY
“THE ONLY USED BOOKSTORE
IN TOWN”
Art Center Ukiah
Corner Gallery
A Cooperative Gallery featuring 24 local artists
Big River Realty
Window shop at our historic picture
window in the heart of Mendocino.
Browse our popular web site, which
highlights our listings with a pictorial
walking tour of the village.
Rest assured with our diligent
& personal service.
30
Events
Exhibits
Workshops
201 S. State Street, Ukiah • 707-462-1400
10483
Lansing St.
Mendocino
Owner/
Broker
David
Coddington
707 937-5071
www.BigRiverRealEstate.com

Village Bootery
Shoe Store
&
Cobblery
Vivanz
Merrell
Birkenstock
Handbags
&
Leather
Accessories
Keys Made
Ecco
Teva
Ugg
Keen
38951 Hwy. 1, Gualala
884-4451
Garden by the Sea
Elegant Wedding Flowers
Beautiful Bouquets
Indoor Garden & Flower Shop
Orchids, Roses, Bromeliads
Gourmet Chocolates
Gift Baskets
Full-service florist serving
our coast for fifteen years
Delivery service from
Jenner to Fort Bragg
Open Every Day
707 884-4223
39143 S. Hwy. 1.
Gualala, CA
31