Thursday 26 March 2009

With Love From Mendocino... Celeberation of the Heart

52 Artists celebrated the special history of local art on the Coast with an eclectic exhibit entitled WITH LOVE FROM MENDOCINO. From traditional to contemporary approaches in oils, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, photography, sculpture, ceramics, wood, jewelry, gourds, glass and more, this wide ranging group of artists share a passion for creativity as a way of life!

Each weekend, a team of artists hosted art lovers of all ages, sharing art in the studio and insights into their work. Visitors watched, asked questions and perhaps, even got their hands in the process. Young children enjoyed creative space in the studio, letting families explore the exhibit. More than 1,200 visitors--more than half from out of the area, toured the show. At the end of January, another group of artists added a special mini-exhibit of TREASURE LOVE BOXES--traditional cigar boxes they had transformed into art-treasures with proceeds of $650 benefiting community programs.

Coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the Mendocino Art Center, the exhibit reflected the varied nature of arts that has flourished here since. "This remarkable diversity of work speaks from the creative heart of our local community." says organizer Janet Self. "We all wish the best for the Art Center and believe that this core of creative passion is what makes our community truly unique".

The historic Odd Fellows is on-loan by the owner to local groups of artists and "WITH LOVE"...exhibit kicks off the 3rd year and 26th exhibit in this on-going series. FLOCKworks, a nonprofit aimed to support the community's creative spirit, organized "WITH LOVE..." and facilitates the on-going OPEN DOOR ARTS @ OddFellows series. 12 community shows are set for 2009. Historic Odd Fellows is located at the corner of Kasten & Ukiah streets, one block up from Main St in Mendocino Village.