May 17 Friday
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
Partners Gallery is very proud to celebrate twenty-five years of fine contemporary art on the Mendocino Coast. Twelve members committed to presenting high quality art first opened in Little River at Glendeven Inn, moving to Franklin Street in downtown Fort Bragg and most recently to the historic Beacon Building in Mendocino. Some of the membership has changed over the years but Partners has long supported its members as they explore new directions and media. The gallery also brings in new visions and techniques by exhibiting artists from the North Coast community and beyond. Members work cooperatively to run the gallery and make decisions by consensus. This exhibition is showing a variety of works by members, including references to silver.
There is a special Second Saturday Reception May 11 from 5 – 7pm with catered appetizers to celebrate this Silver Anniversary exhibition.
Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday 11-5pm
www.partnersgallery.com
The picturesque Mendocino Farmers Market will be open May-Oct. The market will be growing through the season with fresh local produce, meat, eggs, olive oil, baked goods and some crafts will be available. Shop local and have some fun!
For millennia, people have been coming together outdoors to sit on the earth among birdsong and wind whispering through trees. Each class will have a few minutes of gentle qigong like movements to release tension, guided mindfulness meditation, and a short wisdom teaching to apply to your everyday life. There are benches to sit on or you can recline in the grass and gaze at the sky. Because we are practicing outside in a public garden, the practice will be open and inclusive of the environment and all of the possible distractions. It will be good practice for life! This class will explore topics such as staying steady in uncertain times, the interconnected abundant nature of this world, and the cultivation of gratitude and other positive psychological states.
THE DETAILSThis class will be held outdoors, so please be prepared for the weather with appropriate layers.Rain, soggy conditions, or temperatures below 40°F cancel – check this web page or the Facebook event for cancelation notices. Bring something to sit on (if you prefer the grass to a bench), sunscreen/sun protection, and drinking water.Plan to arrive at the Gardens' entrance by 12PM to allow plenty of time to reach the Event Lawn, the class will begin promptly at 12:30PM.To reach the Event Lawn stay on the South Trail (veer left) and breeze past the Dahlia Garden, you will arrive at the Event Lawn in a flash.
The Japanese Art of Hapa-Zome: Flower PoundingIt’s Hammer Time!Friday, May 17 at 3 PM
What do fresh, juicy flowers, hammers, and cotton fabric have to do with each other? They are all part of the Japanese art of Hapa-Zome! One of the easiest natural dye processes, by using this method you’ll be arranging flowers and leaves on a cotton cloth and pounding them into the cloth with a hammer to create a colorful imprint.
Join us at 3 p.m. on May 17 at the Ukiah Branch Library to try your hand at Hapa-Zome. Reservations are required, and you need to bring your own hammer. We’ll have a smashing good time!
For more information, please visit www.mendolibrary.org or contact the Ukiah Branch at 707-463-4490.
On Friday, May 17th, celebrate Mendocino High School’s hands-on learning experiences by attending their sixth annual Career Technical Education Spring Showcase. The showcase will feature hand-made products and demonstrations from the school's Culinary, Woodshop, Art, Horticulture, Electronics, and Media programs.
Expect to see all sorts of student-led activities and demonstrations, including:-Garden tours-Art shows-Music performances-Film screenings-Robotics demonstrations-Student work showcase
With a donation, you could even walk away with things like:-Plant starts and seeds-All types of art, including ceramics, paintings, and photography-Cutting boards, lidded boxes, nutmeg mirrors, spice cabinets-Tech pens and electronic goodies-KAKX Swag-Chicken tacos
Celebrate with Mendocino High School’s Career Technical Education Department. Friday, May 17th, from 4 PM to 8:30 PM, at the Mendocino High School (Corner of Cahto and Ford Street)
Food and beverages will be available on-site.
Monies earned from this event will be funneled directly into each program to continue buying supplies to further student enrichment.
If you have any questions about this event, contact Mendocino High School at 1-(707) 937-5871. You can also email Marshall Brown at mbrown@mendocinousd.org
One of the most favorite events of the festival is the casual BBQ! Mingle with locals and winemakers, while soaking up the vibe of our amazing community. This year’s BBQ will be held in the Deep End of the Valley, with live music and tons of great wine!
Relax amidst the beautiful views at Lula Cellar for live music and Lula Cellars renowned Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and wines along with special bottles shared by the valley’s winemakers. Optional – bring a bottle to share!