There Is Always Something Happening At The Mendocino Art Center

There Is Always Something Happening AtThe Mendocino Art CenterNicole BeaucheminApril Gallery ExhibitsMain GalleryMENDOCINO ARTCENTER’SARTISTS IN RESIDENCEEXHIBITMixed Media ArtworkNichols GalleryTHREE RIVERS STUDIOSThree Rivers in Spring: Work from theStudios; Mixed Media Gourds, Paintings,Color Photography, Ceramics, StainedGlass, Etched Blown GlassMay Gallery ExhibitsMain GalleryMIASA, JAPAN- Sister CityArtworkNichols GalleryMENDOCINOCOAST ARTISTSMiasa, JapanArtworkWataru YamagamiJune Gallery ExhibitsMain GalleryFLORAL AND GARDEN-THEMEDMEMBERS’ JURIED EXHIBITNichols GalleryTHE WINE COUNTRYSADDLE TREES OFMIDDLETOWN, CAReinterpretation ofthe Saddle FormUpcomingEventsLarry Williams“A Masterpiece”Cabaret Show at the Hill HouseFriday, April 23, 8 pm18th Annual Mendocino Coast Homeand Garden TourSaturday, June 19, 10 am - 5 pm51st AnnualSummer Arts & Crafts FairSaturday & Sunday, July 17 & 18,10 am – 5 pmVisit www.MendocinoArtCenter.org for updates2nd Saturday Artists Receptions each month at 5 pm18Mendocino Art Center45200 Little Lake Street at Kasten Street, Mendocino707 937-5818 • 800 653-3328 • www.MendocinoArtCenter.org

Experience Inspiration AtThe Mendocino Art CenterRetreat Style WorkshopsCeramics • Fiber ArtsFine Arts • Jewelry • Sculpture51st AnnualSummer Arts & Crafts FairSaturday & SundayJuly 17 & 18 • 10 am – 5 pmHigh Quality Arts &Crafts BoothsJewelry • Fine ArtCeramics • SculptureWearable ArtFood • DrinksAnd Much More!Free AdmissionMonthly Gallery ExhibitsPaintings • Ceramics • PhotographySculpture • Jewelry • Wearable ArtMendocino Art Center’sArtists Open Studio TourSeptember 18 & 19, 2010Artists Westport to CasparSeptember 25 & 26, 2010Mendocino to ElkMariko IrieOpen 7 Days • 10 am - 5 pmGet a behind-the-scenes peek at thestudios of a selection of the north coast’sfinest artists on this free, self-guided drivingtour on the beautiful Mendocino CoastArtists: Applications available atMendocinoArtCenter.org/studio_tour.pdfMendocino Art Center45200 Little Lake Street at Kasten Street, Mendocino707 937-5818 • 800 653-3328 • www.MendocinoArtCenter.org19

The Passion of Fine Enamelby Marge StewartThe use of enamels in art is one of the most enduringand diverse techniques found throughout the worldand throughout history. For thousands of years, artistsand artisans have been captivated by the rich, sensuousproperties and striking colors of enamel. The earliestknown enameled objects are six enameled gold rings,found in a Mycenaean tomb in Cyprus, dating back tothe thirteenth century B.C. The Greeks enameled goldjewelry as early as the 5th century B.C., and during theByzantine era, numerous enameled religious works weremade during the 4th through 12th centuries.Fifteenth century artisans in Limoges, France, perfectedthe use of enamels in a painting technique. DuringHarlan W. Butt. Earth Beneath Our Feet: Texas Horizon #4 – silver,enamel, 14K gold 2007 – private collectionthe 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and the early decadesof the 20th century a great volume of luxury and decorativeenamels were created, including the world renownedFaberge eggs. Since the last third of the 19th century,both Japan and China have used enamel extensively formany decorative objects. The end of the 20 th century hasseen a rebirth of fine enameling as many contemporarymetalsmith artists have re-awakened the passion ofenameling in fine jewelry and vessels.Enameling is the colorful result of fusing powderedglass to metal with high heat. The glass melts, flows, andfuses to the metal to form a durable vitreous enamel coating.There are many enameling techniques used by fineartists today, including cloisonné (French for “cloison”or “cell”), champlevé (French for “raised field” or “raisedplain”), plique a jour (French for “membrane throughwhich passes the light of day”) and grisaille (French for“greyness”).Cloisonné is one of the most popular techniques.It is created using specially formulated glass crushed toa powder somewhat finer than granulated sugar. Finesilver or 24K gold flat wires are placed onto an enameledsurface and fired in a kiln to hold their position. Afterthe wires are fired in place thin layers of colored enamelare packed into each cell and then fired in a kiln at 1475degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes. This process isrepeated until the enamels reach the top of the wires. Thebeautiful depth in the resulting enamel piece is created bythe blending and shading of the finely ground enamelsand from the repeated firings. An individual piece maybe fired as many as 15 to 20 times. Once the enamelingprocess is complete, the enameled piece is ground andpolished.For more than fifteen years, the Jewelry Department20

Irene McGuckin and Susan Elizabeth Wood, Terra Incognita:Hic Dracones, Brooch/Pendant, 1994 – Cloisonné, set withsterling silver, 14K & 22K gold, diamond, moonstoneand tourmaline.Patsy Croft, “Athena” EarringsFine Cloisonné Enamels on Pure Silver with 24k Gold.Set in 18k Gold Accented with Iolites and CarnelianD. X. Ross, Broach with Grisaille and Cloisonnéwith precious stonesat the Mendocino Art Center has offered workshops ina wide range of enameling techniques, taught by someof the most renowned enamel artists in the country.Two people instrumental in developing MAC’s Jewelryprogram, Irene McGuckin and the late Susan ElizabethWood, were both involved with enameling. Irene beganteaching cloisonné in 1995 and often collaborated withSusan, a goldsmith. Susan’s perfection of gold settingscombined with Irene’s provocative enamels producedaward-winning work that was exhibited nationally andinternationally. Irene’s detailed and meticulously createdimages set her work apart from most other enamellists bycombining the perfection of line with depth and richnessof mysterious color. Symbolism figures predominately inher pieces, each telling an intriguing storyOther enamellists who have taught at MAC include:Colette, one of the country’s best known enamellists, hashad an unyielding aspiration – to use enamel to conveyessential emotional truths. Layers of fused glass on miniaturemetal canvases depict recurring symbols of jeopardy,loss, and love in her work.Jamie Bennet’s use of floral and abstract designs,undulating curves, three-dimensional illusions and contemporaryimages evokes the Middle Ages, Istanbul, andthe Orient. He is one of today’s most important enamelartists.The late D. X. Ross started working in pen and inkand printmaking. During her studies she was influencedby Bill Helwig, one of the country’s foremost enamellists.D. X. was especially known for grisaille, a technique thatdates back to the 13th century, a style of finely detailedmonochromatic painting in which shades of gray areachieved when successive layers of white are applied overa black background.Harlan Butt’s influences often come from the floraand fauna of the places he has lived, their colors, texturesand shapes. On many of his pieces, cloisonné has beenused to create repeated patterns on the surfaces of threedimensionalvessels. From the cell structure of plants andanimals to the multiplicity of stars in the sky to the days inour lives, repetition supplies structure to chaos, and this isreflected in Harlan’s work.Enamellist James Carter believes windows themselves,rather than what is seen from them are the sourceof inspiration. “What goes on behind the blinds and shutters?”he asks. In his work, he creates windows for theviewer. Jimmy gets much of his inspiration from his pastwhen he worked at sea, as a pipe fitter in the engine room.21

Sarah Perkins, Vessel with EnamelLinda Crawford, Cloisonné Bead on Fine SilverHe has taken industrial tools, rivets, and tried to compressthem into a small scale.Diane Almeyda specializes in plique-a-jour, one ofthe most difficult techniques in enameling. This beautifulenameling technique is also called “backless cloisonné”because of the appearance of the fine silver or gold filigreewire “veins” running through areas of transparent andtranslucent glass (vitreous) enamel.Barbara Minor uses the influences of form, color, patternand texture from a variety of sources and translatesthem into jewelry utilizing metal techniques and vitreousenamel color. Her metalsmithing processes allow forms tobe created to which enamel can be applied in an almostendless variety. Her enamel work conveys a sense of preciousendurance.The vessels of Sarah Perkins have generated a newdepth and content to contemporary enamelware. She givesmetal an equal standing with enamel. Disrupting the absolutecalm of the enamel surface, in other words, is a meansof invigorating the conceptual serenity of enamelware.Linda Crawford’s cloisonné enameled jewelry uses avariety of precious gems, fossils, stones, found objects, finesilver, sterling silver and gold, all with a special message. Inmany of her pieces you may find a silhouette of an angelfloating within the cloisons of the enamel or special symbols.Patsy Croft has a passion for life and beauty thatshines through in her meticulous craftsmanship of cloisonnéand fine jewelry. She has traveled the world gatheringinspiration from all of her adventures, and now worksto create her own wearable interpretations of the naturalbeauty she has encountered. Patsy creates from the finestquality silver, gold, enamels and gemstones and willbe teaching a workshop, Cloisonné and Beyond, at theMendocino Art Center, July 26-30. For more details onthis workshop, please visit www.MendocinoArtCenter.org.There are numerous books devoted to the many differentforms of fine enameling. Some of the most inspiringare The Art of Fine Enameling by Karen L. Cohen,Enameling with Professionals by Lilyan Bachrach and TheArt of Enameling by Linda Darty. Many resources are availableon the Internet as well. Glass on Metal is a nationalmagazine produced by Thompson Enamels.Marge Stewart is the coordinator of MAC’s Fine ArtDepartment, the Art Director and Associate Publisher ofMendocino Arts magazine and an enamellist. She is teachingCloisonné Basics at MAC, May 29 – 31. Patsy Croft willbe teaching an intermediate cloisonné workshop, Cloisonnéand Beyond, July 26 – 30.22James Carter, Pendant of 18K gold,Cloisonné and precious stones

Book ReviewMendocino Art Center:A 50-Year Retrospectiveby Bruce LeveneReviewed by Peggy TemplerMendocino Art Center: A 50-Year Retrospective, atwo-year project by local historian Bruce Levene, is nowavailable and makes for fascinating reading, whether youhave a connection to the Art Center or not. The book isa treasure trove of information, images, and photos thatcelebrate the evolution not only of the organization, butof the community in which it has flourished.The initial part of the book is devoted to a retellingof Bill and Jennie Zacha’s story, of how they came to startan art center in such a remote location in what was thena boarded up town fallen on hard times. There are manyfirst hand recollections by people who knew Bill Zacha,in particular, and the passageof years does not diminish theoverpowering charisma of thisman, who could summon upmoney, building materials, artistsand volunteers by the sheerforce of his will and his compellingvision. Included amongthe many people contributingmemories of the Art Centerand the Zachas to the book areBeverly Kjeldsen, Sue Siskin,Hilda Pertha, Carol GoodwinBlick, Fionna Perkins, DeeLemos, and Lucia Zacha.Following the Zacha storythere is a brief text entry andmany photos, reproduced articles,playbills, class schedulesand more for each year, 1959 to2009. Through the photos thereader can follow along as theArt Center’s physical plant changed and grew throughthe years (and can also note the changing fashions andhairstyles of the Art Center’s students, visitors, and artiststhrough the decades.)The book is a time capsule, and a wonderful historyof the Mendocino Art Center, and of the town ofMendocino as it developed as a result of the Art Center.It is also a fitting tribute to the many, many people whohave labored over the years to establish and support thisunique center for the arts.One thing that is striking and, truly, almost overwhelmingto consider is the tremendous range anddiversity of activities that havecharacterized the MendocinoArt Center from day one. Therewas from the onset an exuberantwillingness to embrace“the arts” in all their manymanifestations, from totempole carving to science fictionwriting to guitar playing and,oh yes, painting, ceramics andweaving. And, normally, theseactivities were all going onsimultaneously, and still do tothis day.Mendocino Art Center– A 50 Year Retrospective isavailable at local bookstores,at the Kelley House Museum,and by contacting the authorat pactrans@mcn.org.23

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The Emerging Talent ofGwyneth MorelandA Review by Bruce LeveneGwyneth Moreland was born and raised on theMendocino Coast, but she is not your usual NorthernCalifornia folkie. Accompanying her multifaceted voicewith accordion, piano, guitar and ukulele (plus sometimesHammond organ, sandpaper, stones, spray can, beads,analog synthesizer, whistling, bells, Farfisa, Wurlitzer tubeorgan, penny whistle, cow bells and Glockenspiel), Gwynethhas created a diverse sound with deep roots in the Americantradition. Her musical style is derived from old-time blues,pop, and true American country, creating a “tangiblegentleness” that foretells future stardom in the indie folkscene. Since graduating from Mendocino High School,Gwyneth has belonged to a tight-knit community ofmusicians who live near Mendocino. She was a lead vocalistin her brother Morgan Daniel’s acoustically charged band,Foxglove, and is a founding member of the sweet Americanaband, The Blushin’ Roulettes.“What strikes me about Gwyneth’s music is the breadthof styles, and the refreshing straightforwardness of herwriting. She speaks her mind in her poetry, and is notafraid to set up a musical expectation that shifts gearsin unexpected ways. She evokes the lurch of the tavernand the comfort of home with a playful and poignantlyricism wrapped in clear musical arrangements.” — DavidRemedios, Sound Designer and Composer, Boston MA“Gwyn’s smooth, angelic voice is mesmerizing.” —Stringband.com“Her passionate uplifting lyrics and melodies aresoulful and steadfast and shed light on the beauty of thedark secrets within us all.”“Gwyneth Moreland has been a standout member ofour musical communities for years but, with the release ofGwyn’s first solo album Wishbone, we get to share nuances,emotions and music only hinted at in the past. This one isdeep and rich. Nice work!” – Tom Yates, KOZTWishbone was recorded at Old School Studio inCaspar and produced by Calvin Turnbull, whose experienceGwyneth Moreland at the 2009 Casparfestbecame the perfect catalyst for Gwyneth’s musical sparkle.From the first track, Wishbone, to the fourteenth song,Sleep, Gwyneth Moreland feeds your soul with stories ofthe human heart and mind. Her musicality, like the stopactionsinging (for seven seconds) of the word “ukelele”in Chess or the octave-doubling in the refrain of Sleep, isunforgettable.Local musicians accompanying Gwyneth on this CDare Steven Bates, Andrew Bell, John Bush, Sean Connelly,David Hayes, Angela Rose, David Sinclair, Scott Southard,Judy Stavely, Lena Stavely, Jubal Stedman, Will Stenberg,Buddy Stubbs, Calvin Turnbull, and Emily Jane.The recording was dedicated to Brandy: “She’s a goodol’ horse.”For more information visit www.gwynethmoreland.comPhotograph by Sienna M. Potts25

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Mendocino County Gallery Guide28FIRST FRIDAYS IN FORT BRAGGMost galleries and businesses holding First Friday art openingsare open from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.SECOND SATURDAYS IN MENDOCINOMost galleries and businesses holding Second Saturday artopenings are open from 5 to 7:30 pm.FIRST FRIDAYS IN UKIAHOpening art receptions the First Friday of every month 5 to 8 pm.LAST SATURDAYS IN WESTPORTGalleries & businesses holding Last Saturday art openings areopen from 5 to 7:30 pm.WESTPORTGALLERY THISHighway 1, Main Street707 964-2027FORT BRAGGART EXPLORERS305 E. Redwood Avenue707 961-6156BRAGGADOON435 N. Main Street707 964-5050DAN HEMANN SCULPTURE ANDTHE GREEN DOOR STUDIO121 E. Laurel Street707 964-6532DIRT CHEAP17975 N. Highway 1707 964-4211EDGEWATER GALLERY356 N. Main Street707 964-4668ERIN DERTNER STUDIO137 E. Laurel Street707 964-7781FABRIC INDULGENCE101 B. Boatyard Center707 964-6365FAMILY HANDS200 Redwood Avenue707 961-0236FRAME MILL ARTWORKS116 Laurel Street707 964-6464GALLERY L337247 North Main Street707 964-8300GARDEN ART & GIFTS1230 N. Main Street707 964-7897GLASS FIRE ART GLASS GALLERY18320 N. Highway 1707 962-9420A unique display of art glass,including jellies, vessels, lighting,sculpture and jewelry. Visit theworking studio.HEADLANDS COFFEEHOUSE120 E. Laurel Street707 964-1987MENDO BISTROCompany Store at N. Main707 964-4974MENDOCINO COAST DISTRICTHOSPITAL700 River Street707 961-4610MENDOCINO COASTPHOTOGRAPHER GUILD& GALLERY344 N. Main Street707 964-4706NORTH COAST ARTISTS362 N. Main Street707 964-8266PARTNERS GALLERY335 N. Franklin Street707 962-0233PIACI PUB & PIZZERIA120 W. Redwood Street707 961-1133RACINES OFFICE SUPPLY344 N. Franklin Street707 964-2416RUBAIYAT BEADS222 E. Redwood Avenue707 961-0222TOTO ZAIDA142 E. Laurel Street707 964-8686V’ CANTO124 E. Laurel Street707 964-6844MENDOCINOAMERICAN PIE45050 Main Street707 937-3235ARTISTS CO-OP OF MENDOCINO45270 Main Street707 937-2217CELTIC CREATIONSAbove Gallery Books707 937-1223COLOR & LIGHT GLASS STUDIO10525 Ford Street707 937-1003DAZZLING LITES ON THE COAST42580 Little Lake Road707 937-0837707 226-2815GALLERY OF THE SENSES45104 Main Street707 937-2021GARTH HAGERMANNature Photography Gallery45021-C Little Lake Street707 937-1987HIGHLIGHT GALLERY45052 Main Street707 937-3132ICONS10483 Lansing Street707 937-1784MENDOCINO ART CENTER45200 Little Lake Street707 937-5818MENDO BURGERS10483 Lansing Street707 937-1111MENDOCINO CAFÉ10451 Lansing Street707 937-6141MENDOCINO GEMS10483 Lansing Street707 937-0299MENDOCINO JEWELRY STUDIO45104 Main Street707 937-0181MENDOCINO COASTPHOTOGRAPHER GUILD& GALLERY344 N. Main Street,Fort Bragg707 964-4706The Bald Eagle by Ron LeValleyDevoted to inspiringphotographic excellence onCalifornia’s North Coast.OLD GOLD6 Albion Street,Mendocino707 937-5005Where you will find beautifullydetailed jewelry fabricated inthe original art form of die strikingand hand chasing.MENDOCINO ART CENTER45200 Little Lake Street,Mendocino707 937-5818John Fisher sculpture “The ThreeAges of Woman.”New gallery exhibits eachmonth featuring emerging andestablished artists. Open daily10:00 am - 5:00 pmMendocinoArtCenter.org

MENDOCINO SANDPIPER45280 Main Sreet707 937-3102MOODYS ORGANIC COFFEEBAR & GALLERY10450 Lansing Street707 937-4843OLD GOLD6 Albion Street707 937-5005PANACHE ON MAIN45120 Main Street707 937-0947PANACHE GALLERY10400 Kasten Street707 937-1234PRENTICE GALLERY45110 Main Street707 937-5205REFLECTIONS KALEIDOSCOPES45050 Main Street707 937-0173RUBAIYAT BEAD & RUGGALLERYCorner of Lansing & Little LakeStreet707 937-BEADSTANFORD INN BY THE SEAHwy. 1 & Comptche-Ukiah Road707 937-5615THE WORLD OF SUZI LONG611 Albion Street – Watertower707 937-5664WISDOM HOUSE GALLERY45280 Main Street707 937-3360ZACHA’S BAY WINDOW GALLERY45110 Main Street707 937-5205LITTLE RIVER &ALBIONGLENDEVEN INN8205 N. Hwy. 1, Little River707-937-0083LEDFORD HOUSE3000 N. Highway 1, Albion707 937-0282STEVENSWOOD FINE ARTS8211 N. Highway 1,Little River707 937-2810ELKARTISTS’ COLLECTIVE OF ELK6031 S. Highway 1707 877-1128POINT ARENATHINK VISUAL THE ART OFPHOTOGRAPHY215 Main Street707 882-4042GUALALAALINDER STUDIO GALLERY39165 S. Highway 1707 884-4884BLUE CANOEAnchor Bay707 884-1800THE DOLPHIN GALLERYAn associate of Gualala ArtsCenter39225 Highway 1707 884-3896GUALALA ARTS CENTER46501 Old State Highway,off Highway 1707 884-1138HENLEY’S ART & INTERIORSCypress Village707 884-1531PLACEWARES + LYNDONDESIGNCypress Village707 884-1184THE SEA RANCH LODGEFRONT GALLERYAn associate of Gualala ArtsCenterThe Sea Ranch707 785-2371S/K GALLERYCypress Village707 884-3549STUDIO 391 FINE ART GALLERYCypress Village707 884-4484HWY. 128MAPLE CREEK WINERY20799 Highway 128, Yorkville707 895-3001ROOKIE-TO GALLERY14300 Highway 128,Boonville707 895-2204UKIAHAlden T.D. Lifestyle Gallery215 W. Perkins #105462-3446ART CENTER UKIAH –THE ANNEX203 S. State Street707 462-1400Classes Adult & ChildrenRotating ExhibitsCINNABAR CERAMICS GALLERY106 W. Church Street707 621-1135CORNER GALLERY201 S. State Street707 462-1400A cooperative gallery featuring24 local artists. Visual arts, photography,ceramics, metal work,textiles, and more.CRAFTSMAN ESTATEFINE ART & ANTIQUES396 N. State Street707 463-3900GRACE HUDSON MUSEUM431 S. Main Street707 467-2836GRACES ON MAIN/HOYMAN-BROWE STUDIO323 N. Main Street707 462-5911707 468-8835MENDOCINO ENVIRONMENTALCENTER & GALLERY106 N. Standley707 468-9800NOMAD’S WORLD GALLERY290 S. School Street707 463-2949TIERRA312 N. School Street707 468-7936TRIBE 13Art Gallery221 N. State St.707 391-6791WESTSIDE RENAISSANCEGALLERY1003 W. Clay707 462-0083WILLITSBLUE SKY GALLERY21 S. Main707 456-9025WILLITS CENTERFOR THE ARTS71 E. Commercial Street707 459-1726LAKE COUNTYANTIQUES9495 Main Street, Suite 4(Corner of Main & 1st Street)Upper Lake707 275-8762DIEGO’S GALLERY9495 Main Street, Suite 3Upper Lake707 350-4209GRACIOUS LADIES9460 Main StreetUpper Lake707 275-2307LAKE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL &MAIN STREET GALLERY325 N. Main StreetLakeport707 263-6658LIGHTNING ROD GALLERY9475A Main Street, Upper Lake707 275-8018PERLZ3970 Main StreetKelseyville707 279-2080THE GOURD GALLERY6197 E. Hwy. 20Lucerne707 274-2346To be listed in this Guide call:COASTSteven P. Worthen707 964-2480,707 813-7669Joanna Fleming707 357-1060INLANDJill Schmuckley707 391-8057LAKE COUNTYSherry Harris707 350-211629

Artists In ResidenceProgram And Exhibitby Tracey HillmanThe Mendocino Art Center has had an Artistin-Residence(AIR) Program of one kind or anothersince the inception of the Center fifty years ago.Enabling the opportunity for emerging or establishedartists to investigate their art form in an environmentthat supports them is one of the bottom-line goalsof the Center, no matter what form it has taken overthe years. The current AIR program consists of oneto nine-month terms for artists to live and work atthe MAC facility to fulfill a proposed course of selfprescribedfocus and study in a particular medium.The AIRs also have exhibitionopportunities, the biggest ofwhich is the annual AIR Exhibitin MAC’s Main Gallery duringthe month of April, which showcasesthe exciting variety of artthat is created at MAC.The Mendocino Art Centeroffers AIR opportunities inthe areas of Fine Arts, FiberArts, Ceramics, Sculpture, andJewelry. The AIRs who are livingat the Center this 2009/2010term have come to us from asclose as Fort Bragg, and as faraway as Russia! There are currently17 AIRS working at theCenter, representing all departments.Some AIRs come backfor a second year of residency,so that they can continue theircourse of study. Art residents areencouraged to increase their skill set by teaching aworkshop, offering a demonstration, or presenting alecture at the Center, all for the benefit of the public.One of the second-year Fine Art AIRs, CarolSoth, has been working on collage creations, artistbooks, cards, and personal shrines that speak of mythand mystery. Also a storyteller, Soth has traveled tothe Mendocino Art Center from Patagonia, Arizona.She has offered two workshops at MAC through thespring 2010 catalog, and is generously donating 100%of the proceeds from one of them to the Center.When asked about herexperience as an AIR forthe last two years, Sothsays, “The AIR programhas been such a creativegift for me, affording methe space to try out newart forms and to shareinspiration with fellowartists. This is a jewel ofa program!” She plansto make the Mendocinoarea her home after herresidency ends, whichholds true for manyAIRs who come to thearea. It is one of manyways that the MendocinoArt Center continues toenrich the region.(left to right, back to front) Lindsay Mis’, Tom Estrada, CarolynWatkins, Curtis Allen, Diane Reed Veach, Eva Nichols, NicoleBeauchemin, Arie Grie, Jules Stout, Ryan Hurst, Avi Arenfeld.Ellen Marsh, anothersecond-year AIR, is30

Ryan Hurstfrom the San Francisco Bay Area, and is currentlythe “sole AIR” in MAC’s Fiber Arts Department.Ellen has been a professional textile artist, workingin the medium of fabrics and dyes for over 20 years.She has taught classes at MAC during her residencyin Thermal Screen Printing and Shibori Dyeing, andhopes to stay in the area and offer a Surface Designopen studio on a weekly basis at MAC.Ceramic Department AIR Allen Chen was born inTaiwan and immigrated to Santa Barbara, California,at age 12. He creates large, organic, thrown vessels outof clay that are pit-fired in a kiln. He is also experimentingwith dipping free-formsteel constructions in a clay andpaper mixture (called paper clay)before firing.The shared experience and theinspiration that artists can givefellow artists is another benefit ofthe AIR program. Chen embarkedupon a collaborative art projectwith fellow Ceramic DepartmentAIR Avi Arenfeld, who came toMAC from the Bronx, NY. Chenand Arenfeld installed pit-firedceramic forms from the galleryceiling and visually played thoseagainst Arenfeld’s illustrationsplaced on the wall. If not for theirresidencies, these two would probablyhave never met and thereforenever benefited from the uniquelearning experience that resultsLindsay Mis’Ellen Marshfrom a collaborative investigation such as this.One of the best-kept secrets of the MAC is thejewelry studio. There are not many jewelry studioson the west coast, and the AIRs who come to MACappreciate the opportunity to have a fully-appointedstudio available so that they can develop and refinetheir metal-working skills. There are currently threeJewelry Department AIRs, including one who drovecross-country in January to be at MAC.The AIR’s show and sale of their art at the MACGallery during the month of April showcases the varietyof art that represents the group’s skill and expertise– and it reveals what they arepassionate about. It is a very excitingcollection to behold! The art spiritis definitely alive and well at theMendocino Art Center, supportingartists of all kinds, working withexciting media, from all corners ofthe world!The Artists in Residence Exhibit at theMendocino Art Center opens on April8 and runs through May 2, 2010.The reception for this exhibit is onSaturday, April 10 th , at 5 pm.31

july 10throughjuly 24two thousand tenKaleidoscopes G Glass G MirrorsJewelryKALEIDOSCOPEStwenty – fourth season45050 Main Street, MendocinoEntrance on AlbionOpen Th – M 10 am to 5 pm937-017332