Safe Shopping Days During COVID-19

Fridays and Saturdays

11 am to 2 pm

CHAC gallery has now added safe shopping days on Friday and Saturday of each week.  We will have selected pieces of artwork on display from inside the gallery moved out to the courtyard.  On request, small groups can also be escorted inside the gallery during these hours for a more expansive viewing and shopping opportunity.  All the rules for safe distancing and hygiene measures will be observed.  Come out and join us to receive a lift to your morale during these trying days.  We will be happy to see you.

SUMMER IN THE GARDEN

During Safe Shopping Days in July, the Collective is featuring functional fabric art by Teresa Granath, aka The Green Bag Lady. Make-up bags, coin purses and cell phone holders are available from $8 to $16. A special line of face masks is priced at $12 each, many with lighthouse themes. Visit Teresamade.com for more products.

Point Arena artist Lauren Sinnott has created a line of “3-D” face masks that are generously sized and, while forming a barrier, provide breathing room, making them very comfortable. In classic Sinnott style, these masks are bright, colorful and very fun. Prices range from $25 to $45.

Handmade cotton shirts from the summer collection of July 5/Sky Dancer are on sale this month . The gallery also carries her line of warm "neck gators," cashmere hats and scarves, cashmere ponchos and silk scarves.

CHAC is also excited to promote the art work of East Bay artist Chris Johnson, who creates amazing gourds and wrapped rocks. The rocks are available now at the gallery. The gourds are available online only, but gallery manager Ling-Yen Jones says there are plans to have her work on site soon.

Johnson’s began working with baskets and gourds in the early 1990’s when she attended several classes at the Caning Shop in Berkeley. Later, she joined the Bay Area Basket Makers and the East Bay Gourd Patch.

Johnson says “Each gourd is like a blank canvas with an inherently unique shape so there is a challenge to see what will work the best for each one.  My penchant for using Asian motifs can be traced to living in Japan in the early 60’s.  I also enjoy using U.S. Southwestern designs as well as those found in nature or contemporary expression. Her works have been shown in several galleries in the east bay, at the Dolphin Gallery in Gualala and as part of the Bay Area Basket Makers on display at the Gualala Art Center in the past.  If interested, Johnson can be reached at chrisgourds@netzero.net

Sea Ranch fabric artist Barbara Dunsmoor is exhibiting several of her exquisite, quilted pieces that are framed as pieces of fine art. Dunsmoor, who recently joined the Collective, is known for her modern interpretation of fabric as art and her mastery of color and composition.

The Coast Highway Art Collective gallery is located at 284 Main St., Point Arena, the little red building next door to the Redwood Credit Union. 

Some articles on offer in the courtyard:

COVID DAYS SAFE SHOPPING - CHAC COURTYARD - MASKS BY LAUREN SINNOTT

FUNCTIONAL FABRIC PIECES BY TERESA GRANATH

Gourds by Chris Johnson

Textile Arts, by Barbara Dunsmoor

METAL SCULPTURES by KRISTEN HOARD

 Energizing space with captivating metal art design

Kristen Hoard of CHAC is one of our metals sculpture artists.  Kristen has exhibited at shows throughout the state and has won many awards.

Using various recycled metals, a plasma cutter and welding designs Kristen molds these pieces into beautiful works of art. Through grinding techniques, colored dyes and patinas, and powder-coated finishes Kristen brings a new and beautiful life to a discarded piece of recycled metal. Every piece of art — whether eclectic metal wall art, color changing LED art, a majestic metal sculpture, or alluring fire pit — tells a story. And when you combine all of Kristen's treasured pieces of art, they tell her story.

Blue Green Dragonfly

Spiral Heart 

Yin Yang

 

Mermaid in blue sea, by Kristen Hoard

 Octopus by Kristen Hoard

 Paris, in steampunk, by Kristen Hoard

GERALDINE LIABRAATEN 

Visual Poetry in Photographs

We are pleased to announce a new member of our Collective, Geraldine Liabraaten.  Geraldine has a unique approach to selecting and framing her subject to give a uniquely poetic composition that will resonate with the viewer.  Here are a few words from her to describe her art:

There are many inspirations for the images I capture: poetry, architecture, automobiles, parking garages...pretty much anything can make me grab my camera and start shooting.

I love color, diagonal lines, and rich patterns. The final work may look quite different from the original object, as I like to move in close, grab a corner or change the angle of view, though I do not alter the photographs once taken.

I want to make you wonder, to ponder, and then to have that “aha!” moment when recognition strikes. 

We invite you to stop by our gallery and view some of Geraldine's work, and perhaps visualize the dramatic effect they may lend to an area in your own home.

ANDREA POLK - EXPRESSIONIST PHOTOGRAPHER

Coast Highway Artists Collective welcomes a new member, Andrea Polk, a superb expressionistic portrayer of urban, architectural, industrial, rural, and environmental themes, that are both exciting and meditative, at once.

 Andrea’s introduction to photography began at Georgetown University, where she acquired extensive training in color darkrooms along with photography classes. That experience inspired her particular interest in vivid, manipulated color, and “painterly”, abstract photography images. Drawing from a minimum of five photo editing applications, she produces each image as a time-consuming labor of love.  Attracted to such disparate subjects as old cars and motorcycles, atmospheric city streets, and scenes from nature, her travels, through the United States, Canada, Central America, Northern Africa, England, Ireland, Japan, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, and her desire to craft representative images has been guided by the essential principle that “in photography, light is the magician”.

The advent of digital technology has vastly expanded the art, bringing new creativity to the medium and making it accessible to an astonishing number of people around the world. One of Andrea’s favorite images, taken in Sharm El Sheikh, depicts a fully veiled Saudi Arabian woman, with holding an iPhone in one hand and a “state of the art” Nikon in the other.

We invite you to observe and enjoy some of Andrea's work now on exhibit in our gallery.

Art Gallery Grandeur

Feathered Collaborators

Kiosk Sentries

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the coast highway artists collective recognizes the urgent need to take the preventive measures recommended by national and state authorities, and we have decided to temporarily suspend normal operating hours in the gallery.  Effective beginning April, 2020, days and hours open will be curtailed to conform with Safe Distancing and other preventive measures. See this page for announcements. If you need a gift outside the open days or hours, or to pick up a special order, please contact lingyen1969@gmail.com and Ling-Yen will open the gallery for you.

 June Exhibit - Ron & Bobbie Jeanne Quercia

PAINTING AND SCULPTURE

Safe Distancing Requirements still in effect in Mendocino County have precluded our ability to mount Ron & Bobbie Jeanne's artwork in the gallery as well as hindered their traveling up the coast to our gallery for the exhibit.  We are disappointed, but you can also take a relaxing VIRTUAL TOUR of the artists' work by clicking on the link in this paragraph, or click on the triangle beside the above tab heading, Virtual Tours, to get a drop-down menu listing all the currently developed virtual tours.  Click on any that interest you and you will be taken directly to that page.

As government officials gradually relax the lockdown provisions of self-isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us may be getting a bit edgy with the growing length of days of self-isolation. So what could be more relaxing now than a slide-show of our featured artists collection in our June 2020 Exhibit.  The gallery may indeed be open if regulations permit by the beginning of June.  Begin your virtual tour by clicking on this link: 

  VIRTUAL TOURS   

 For as long as the COVID lockdown continues, we will be featuring the scheduled artist for each months exhibit on the virtual tour page.

 SOCIAL DISTANCE SHOPPING

FRIDAY, MAY 22

 Join us, if you are able, in another of our one day limited trials of outdoor, Social Distance Shopping at our gallery in Point Arena.  We will be observing the public guidelines and protocols for protecting shoppers and artists as our California business venues cautiously reopen in this warmer, late spring weather.  If you are out strolling through downtown Point Arena on Friday, consider stopping by at our table if distancing precautions look okay for you.

 COAST HIGHWAY ARTISTS COLLECTIVE (CHAC) 

Our normal opening days and hours for Spring would be Thursday through Sunday, 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. However, as noted further above, we have termporarily discontinued normal opening times until further notice, owing to state mandates, and our own concerns, for mitigating public vulnerabilities to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please view this page later for further information on a full reopening of the gallery to the public.

CHAC 2020 GALLERY SCHEDULE

Jan:  Regular Hours/Days, except closed for Renovations Jan. 6 to approx. Jan. 17

Feb 1-23  John Stickney, Sculpture and Wood Carvings

Reception  Feb 1 Sat.,New 2020 Receptions time 4-6 pm

March 5-29  Charles Ross, wood, 3-D constructions & carvings

Reception  March 6 , 4-6  pm   

THE FOLLOWING GALLERY ACTIVITES ARE TENTATIVELY CANCELLED AND WILL BE SUBSTITUTED WITH ONLINE VIRTUAL EXHIBITIONS, DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS.  CHECK THIS SCHEDULE AGAIN LATER FOR RESCHEDULING OR MODIFICATION OF THE FUTURE PLANNED EXHIBITIONS INSIDE OUR GALLERY

May 1-31 Virtual Tour, click on Virtual Tours Tab above: Mike Conner, painting;  Brian Donahue, Sculpture

June 4-28,  Virtual Tour, click on Virtual Tours Tab above: Bobbie Jeanne Quercia, Painting and Scupture

July 2-26 Featuring CHAC Artists, Mon-Thu, 11-5 pm, plus special activities on dates to be announced.

Special Lighthouse Exhibition, including CHAC artists, 150yrs. anniversary.  

Aug 1-31  Wesley Lutluster, painting, oil & acrylics; Deborah Caperton, Assemblage and Jewelry

Reception  Aug 1, 4-6 pm

Sept 3-27  Rozann and Deb Billings photos/quilts

Reception (Tentative) Sept 5. 4-6 pm

Oct.1-25  Geraldine LiaBraaten, visual poetry, photography, and Colette Coad, glass art.

Reception:(Tentative) Oct. 2, 4-6 pm

Nov. 5-29,Deborah Threlkel, Abalone Queen,Sara Costello,Costello Rose jewelry

Reception Nov.6, 4-6 pm

Dec.3-27  Holiday Gift Group Offerings

Dec. 5  Gala Showing 5-7 pm

 

 ALMOST FRINGE KITE DISPLAY

Part of the annual ALMOST FRINGE events includes the kite flying at the Point Arena Lighthouse grounds.  Here are a couple of photos by Chris Grassano.  The kites are truly works of art!

ALMOST FRINGE FESTIVAL

The Coast Highway Art Collective is exhibiting the Almost Fringe artwork of our collective members, plus we will feature local guest artists, Doric Jemison Ball, Sue Friedland, Margaret Lindgren, Paula Haymond, and Michael Grab of Gravety Glue.  Michael will be, showing his new, avant garde works: balancing rocks.  Have a look at his Facebook page to preview these remarkable rock sculptures. . The exhibition is up April 1-27,2018 with the grand opening on April 13, 2019 from 12 noon to 6 pm.  We will have music at 1 pm with Brut and Blush, Leslie and Eric Dahlhoff.

The Almost Fringe Festival is always interesting!

by Rozann Grunig

 The unusual, the bizarre, just a bit whacky, maybe even shocking – that’s what the Almost Fringe Festival is all about. Join the members of the Coast Highway Art Collective for a celebratory weekend of this fun and free-form event on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 in Point Arena. The Collective is hosting two nights of music, food, special guest artists and new works by its members.

Loosely based on the International fringe art movement, Mendocino County celebrates this as a month-long festival at several venues to celebrate all of the creative happenings countywide, from traditional to cutting edge and artsy to agrarian.

The original Fringe Festival is held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the largest art festival in the world.   This festival spans 25 days and includes events in 294 venues in the following categories theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.

Locally, this idea was created by the Mendocino Council for the Arts and is being promoted county wide by Visit Mendocino. The goal of the festival’s planning group is to have a culturally diverse festival that reflects the complexity of our amazing community. In addition to encouraging all local merchants and restaurants to participate, plans include creating a fun and engaging festival street scene, with street performers, musicians, food vendors, vendors, dancers and performance art.

The Coast Highway Art Collective is joining into the festivities with guest artists Karen Shapiro, ceramics, Laurie MacAdams, jewelry, Jane Reichhold, ceramics; Carol Frechette, leather and Doric Jemison Ball, ceramics. Collective members will also have new and interesting pieces on exhibit in the spirit of the festival theme.

On Friday, April 27, entertainment by the Highwaymen with guest flute, Leslie Dahlhoff will be at the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. The following evening, Saturday, April 28, Barbara Johannes will be playing the accordion in the afternoon and Amy MacFarland from Renegade Botanicals will be available tao demonstrate her natural beauty products. That evening, from 5 to 7 pm, Black Sugar Rose, featuring Todd Orenick and Charlene Rowland, will entertain guests. Wine, drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be available on both evenings…

You don’t have to wait until the closing weekend to see the artwork on exhibit. The show actually opens on April 6 and runs through April 29 during regular gallery hours, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 284 Main St., Point Arena, the little red building next door to the Redwood Credit Union. 

7th Anniversary Celebration

BEA ACOSTA - MASKS, CERAMICS, BASKETS

BRENDA PHILLIPS - CERAMICS

The Coast Highway Art Collective celebrates its 7^th anniversary on Friday, March 1, from 5 to 7 pm. with a new exhibit, food and drinks. The exhibit will focus on the range and diversity of the collective member’s work and a celebration of community involvement, a founding ideal of the group. The members invite the entire Mendomona community to celebrate with them.

Located in a small, historical building built in 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 the help reinvigorate Point Arena, which was undergoing a kind of renewal after years of boom and bust. 

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. 

Currently there are15 artists whose work ranges from oils and watercolors, photography, jewelry, textiles, woodworking including birdhouses and ceramics.  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 experiences. 

Founding member Ling-Yen Jones says “It means bringing together artists, new and old, and creating a place to exhibit and promote the creativity of these local artisans. The gallery is a place to learn and get a feel for what it’s like to exhibit and sell work. I enjoy this gallery’s idea and feel of community.” 

Recent member John Stickney explains it this way “The collective is a place where the pressures are low and the friendliness is high.    The CHAC is a place where they can show their art and where you can find interesting art in an engaging environment. Everyone pitches in, so the overhead is low, and the prices are very reasonable.” 

Original member Bea Acosta says “The gallery has provided me with a venue to show my work and a camaraderie of local artists who support each other.” Another original member, Brenda Phillips, noted “I love having the gallery as a place I can show my latest inspirations. For years now, the gallery has been a wonderful showroom for my art. 

The gallery often has guest artists in addition to the collective members. Monthly opening receptions for featured artists often include tasty food, drinks and live music in the garden when the weather cooperates. 

The gallery participates in American Craft Week and 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 night 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. 

The Coast Highway Art Collective is located at 284 Main Street in Point Arena. The winter hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment.  Summer hours are typically from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

 POTTERY, CERAMICS, AND BASKET WEAVING

by Beatrice Acosta

Bea is one of our foremost artists featuring southwestern contemporary and traditional motifs in her work.  We are presenting some of her art in this column to give our viewers a few ideas for their gift shopping.  Visit our gallery to see these and more!

"My Native American/ Mexican roots have emerged in my pottery and ceramics. The joy I feel as my hands create with the clay must have connections to my ancestors. I am enamored with the piece as it unfolds and I rarely know beforehand what I want it to look like. It evolves as the clay and I create together."









FINE ART WOOD CARVER

John Stickney

John Stickney has recently joined the Coast Highway Artists Collective, making avaliable to our Point Arena art gallery visitors a unique line of art work.

His art is focused on carving and furniture design.   All pieces are handmade and one of a kind.  He has a love for wood:  the grain, texture, and appearance, and is attracted to color, and has worked with toy dyes, and paint on wood.  He has worked on relief carvings of paintings by artists he admires, including Michelangelo, as his paintings read as sculpture. Recently, he has worked on album covers of bands from his youth.  In other woodworking, he has designed tables, beds, desks, lamps, a rocking horse, and many other architectural and interior furnishings.

Stickney works extensively in some of the more exotic hardwoods, for their color, grain, hardness, ability to take a high finish and their capacity to be carved with fine detail.   For larger pieces, he has used Basswood, Jelutong, Maple, Mahogany, and Redwood, as they are excellent for carving. Basswood, Maple and Jelutong show little grain are nearly white, allowing his exploration of color on their surfaces.  He enjoys working with Mahogany and Redwood, for their ease of carving and their inherent beauty.  

Stop in at our art gallery soon to view some of Stickney's latest pieces.

Carolyn's Table

Lady With a Blue Ribbon

Maskies



 Picasso's Reader