May 11 Saturday
Always a rollicking good time! Dancing to the live music of "Raise the Rafters", jigs, reels, waltzes and more.All dances will be taught and called by Ken Olcott.There is a FREE lesson at 6:30 pm before the dance starts.All ages welcome. No partner needed.
Tennessee Williams’ poignant drama, "The Glass Menagerie", will show at the Willits Community Theatre April 12 through 28. The award-winning play delves into the fragile dynamics of a mother and her two children, haunted by the memory of an absent father and their struggle to escape their suffocating circumstances. Shows will be on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20 and available at the door or online at: www.wctperformingartscenter.org.
May 12 Sunday
We are resuming the Free DaysOn the Second Sunday of every month in 2024, the Hendy Woods Community is covering the Hendy Woods State Park’s Day Use fee ($8) for local residents from the following communities: Yorkville, Boonville, Philo, Navarro, Comptche and Elk - Know your zip code.Enjoy a free visit to the park on us and stroll the old growth redwood groves and beautiful meadows, hike the trails, and unwind along the river!Note: Day use is from 8:00 AM to SunsetWant to join our great team and support your wonderful park? We are always looking for motivated Volunteers for the Hendy Woods Visitor Center, remove invasive plant species and lead forest walks! Interested? Contact: hendywoodscommunity@gmail.com
Check out local artist and Redwood Coast Senior Center participant Ann Erickson's artwork featured in the Hallway Gallery at 490 N Harold St. in Fort Bragg. Her work is for sale and will be on display through June, as a benefit for the Senior Center. She works in watercolor, acrylic, and oil and has a lovely selection of landscapes on display. Call (707) 961-0165 for information.
Focusing on the 40-plus-year history of the Krenov School of Fine Woodworking in Fort Bragg, this exhibit shares the story of how a remarkable institution came to be. The philosophy and practice that made James Krenov a master woodworker and teacher is explored, along with examples of his own work and fine furniture made by instructors and graduates of the program.
More About Photographer Tony Eppstein
A New Zealander by birth, Eppstein acquired a simple box camera when he was about ten years old, and relatively soon graduated to developing film rolls in his parents’ bathroom. He wanted to make a career in photography, but was persuaded that further education in math and physics would be more practical. Fine art photography remained his avocation and secret love while he worked as a development engineer in the disk drive industry, from which he retired in 1998. He had some photographic successes: an award from Popular Photography; one-man shows in Palo Alto, Stanford University and Mendocino; images on the cover of the Stanford University Annual Financial Report and other book covers, in newspapers and journals, and on websites. However, the self-effacing New Zealand culture in which he grew up made him reluctant to put himself forward. On his death in 2023, his family found more than a dozen boxes of matted prints, many of which have never been shown.
Eppstein found a visual poetry in the shapes and patterns of the natural world, which he preferred to photograph in close-up. He named these images “Intimate Landscapes.”
Mendocino Coast Photographers Gallery is the only landscape photography-centric gallery on the coast, featuring the work of John Birchard, Jonathan Pazer, Scott Chieffo, Ken Van Der Wende and
Nathaniel Smith arrived in Mendocino County in the 1850s and is believed to be the first African American to settle on the coast. His life story is revealed through photos, clippings, and artifacts in this Kelley House Museum exhibit. Smith was at one time “known to every man, woman and child on the coast.” This exhibition presents details of Nathaniel Smith's life set against the history of California’s treatment of people of color. Besides the exhibit, which is open ever week, we are hosting a special event on March 23 at 4pm with guest presentations from Susan Anderson, Curator at the California African American Museum and Alexander Wood, Guest Curator. Purchase advance tickets.This project was made possible with support from California Humanities.
We are pleased to be hosting an exhibition of work by Stan Miklose, who was the owner of Down Home Health Foods. On display will be original paintings that have been described as 'abstractions under a veil of constructionism reflecting his unique view of the world'. Limited edition prints of the originals will be available at the gallery. Stan's paintings will be on display for the entire month of May with a reception on the 18th during Second Saturday's Art Walk in Mendocino from 4-7pm. Don't miss this opportunity to see Mr. Miklose's distinctive art in person. We look forward to seeing you here at Highlight Gallery.
The Willits Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipated opening of "The May Show," the first juried exhibition to grace the galleries of Willits. This momentous occasion invites art enthusiasts and community members alike to join in a celebration of creativity and talent on May 4th, from 6 to 9 pm."The May Show" promises an evening of artistic wonder and community camaraderie as attendees peruse the carefully curated selection of artworks and cast their votes for the coveted "People's Choice Award." This esteemed award allows attendees to have their voices heard and contribute to the democratic spirit of artistic appreciation.Experience the power of art to unite and inspire as you stroll through the galleries adorned with a diverse array of artistic expressions. Engage with local artists, gain insight into their creative processes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Willits community.Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate art and community at the opening of "The May Show" at Willits Center for the Arts; Saturday, May 4th between 6 and 9 PM. Let your voice be heard as you join your neighbors in voting for your favorite piece of art, thereby contributing to the rich artistic landscape of our community.For more information, please contact: Gary Martin Curator, Willits Center for the Arts gtm1950@gmail.com