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.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Monday, 29 December 2008
Open Door Arts @ Odd Fellows
OPEN DOOR ARTS @ Odd Fellows is about space for the community's creative spirit to thrive...
Since February 2007, 24 exhibits of local art have taken place in this historic 2,400 sq foot building; work by over 500 adults & 300 children has been enjoyed by locals & visitors...Between 1000 to 1,800 people typically stop into each show. Ceramics, sculpture, fine wood furniture, paintings and drawings of all sorts, textiles & fiber arts, photography, jewelry, and more, each exhibit profiles a unique mix of work by community artists, explores a special focus and is organized independently. "What's happening next??" is now the common refrain.
Here's the background...The Historic Odd Fellows hall was built in 1878 and it served many purposes over the years. By 1961, the building was in bad shape...needing roof, foundation and more. Dr. Preston donated it to benefit 4-H & Artist Warren Zimmer took on its rehabilitation. This set in motion 40+ year era of art in this special space fostered by the Zimmer family. The building was sold in 2003, and the new owner had major renovations plans; differences with Historic review process put things on hold. When a group asked if they could borrow the space to put on a photography show, the owner said yes...and a handful of shows happened in the next couple of years...
In fall 2006, the idea emerged to foster continual use of this amazing space and facilitate an on-going series of community art. The aim was to strengthen the artists community, include younger & older artists in more opportunities and draw wide community interest in local arts--exploring different themes, medium and more. The Owner graciously agreed and OPEN DOOR ART @ Odd Fellows began...FLOCKworks was formed, lights, phone and furnishings set-up and things took off from there...And WOW!
From the willingness of one person to allow others to use
Since February 2007, 24 exhibits of local art have taken place in this historic 2,400 sq foot building; work by over 500 adults & 300 children has been enjoyed by locals & visitors...Between 1000 to 1,800 people typically stop into each show. Ceramics, sculpture, fine wood furniture, paintings and drawings of all sorts, textiles & fiber arts, photography, jewelry, and more, each exhibit profiles a unique mix of work by community artists, explores a special focus and is organized independently. "What's happening next??" is now the common refrain.
Here's the background...The Historic Odd Fellows hall was built in 1878 and it served many purposes over the years. By 1961, the building was in bad shape...needing roof, foundation and more. Dr. Preston donated it to benefit 4-H & Artist Warren Zimmer took on its rehabilitation. This set in motion 40+ year era of art in this special space fostered by the Zimmer family. The building was sold in 2003, and the new owner had major renovations plans; differences with Historic review process put things on hold. When a group asked if they could borrow the space to put on a photography show, the owner said yes...and a handful of shows happened in the next couple of years...
In fall 2006, the idea emerged to foster continual use of this amazing space and facilitate an on-going series of community art. The aim was to strengthen the artists community, include younger & older artists in more opportunities and draw wide community interest in local arts--exploring different themes, medium and more. The Owner graciously agreed and OPEN DOOR ART @ Odd Fellows began...FLOCKworks was formed, lights, phone and furnishings set-up and things took off from there...And WOW!
From the willingness of one person to allow others to use
Thursday, 14 August 2008
FLOCKworks... What is it?
FLOCKworks is an idea and expression of creativity... It is also a local nonprofit aimed to support, sustain and enhance the creative spirit of the Mendocino Coast Community.
It is about keeping the Mendocino Spirit Alive!
Artists, musicians, writers, poets, singers, actors, gardners, wood workers, chefs, healers, innkeepers, shopkeepers, & "flower children of all kinds" flocked to the Mendocino Coast since the 1960s, setting a culture of creative pursuit & tolerance.
The result is an intact 1800s village, ancient stands of redwoods, crashing surf on open public lands and a special way of life. Our community is a landmark that shows if you DREAM BIG & FOLLOW PASSIONS, incredible things can happen.
This Spirit still rings true today. When people here talk about their lives, the story is of passions, hopes, friends, connections and creative endeavors to make a good life...And people get involved here to make things happen.
FLOCKworks honors this legacy of creative pursuit & tolerance and aims to fan the flames that will sustain it at the heart of our community!
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