Located in a small, historical building from the early 1900’s, the gallery is in the heart of Point Arena. The collective was founded in 2012 by a group of local artists who wanted to help reinvigorate Point Arena, which was undergoing a kind of renewal after years of boom and bust. The founding ideals of the group include community involvement, diversity and inclusiveness.

The gallery participates in the annual Almost Fringe Festival, a fun event where artists are encouraged to let their imagination run wild and create from the heart, not from the wallet. The gallery opens its doors for the Point Arena’s annual Hometown Holidays, a special day & evening when Main Streets fills up with holiday shoppers and revelers. The gallery lights up with a holiday tree decorated with handmade ornaments made by collective members. Members also participate in shows at the White Cap Café in Anchor Bay and displays work at the library and the Post Office in Point Arena.

The building has a very interesting history. Local book publisher, the late Warren Jones, purchased the building in a state of disrepair, having no idea how to use it other than improving his beloved City of Point Arena. A group of artists suggested an art gallery and he embraced the idea. Volunteers rebuilt the building and called the gallery CityArt. The interior was completed in 1997, and was active as the creative and vibrant CityArt Gallery for ten years. The gallery closed in 2007 and the building sat empty, waiting patiently for a new life. 

Then, in 2012, the idea of the gallery was resurrected and Barbara Fast, a renaissance woman in her own right (former pediatric surgeon, artist and musician) became the founder and first manager of the newly minted Coast Highway Art Collective. The artists who work to make this collective succeed are just as eclectic and quirky as the building they inhabit. The beating heart of the collective is co-founder Ling-Yen Jones, jewelry artist, business woman, community volunteer and a tireless advocate for the arts in Mendonoma. She has been the gallery manager for several years and has encouraged many local artists as a mentor and friend. 

Works from the Collective artists range from oils, watercolors, mixed media, prints, photography, ceramics, sculptures, woodworking, glass, jewelry, and textiles. With so many creative outlooks among this diverse group, one thing all agree on is the importance of the gallery as a place to display and sell their work, and the amazing sense of community and nurturing each member's growth. The gallery exhibits often feature guest artists in addition to the collective members. Monthly opening receptions for invited artists often include tasty food, drinks and live music, including in the garden area when the weather cooperates. 

The Coast Highway Art Collective is located at 284 Main St., Point Arena, the little red building with the big yellow sun, located next to the Redwood Coast Credit Union. Regular hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.