We headed north of Highway 1 to a rustic Sonoma County coastal town called The Sea Ranch and stayed there for Memorial Day weekend. The nearest town over more northern, about 10 more miles which becomes Mendocino County, is another coastal small town called Gualala, California. It just so happens that there was a Fine Arts Fair going on that weekend and I thought we'd check it out before heading to Point Arena Lighthouse, along the Mendonoma (= Mendocino + Sonoma) coast.
The Fine Arts Fair happens to be at the Gualala Arts Center, an art center within the redwoods. Some artists showcasing their work belong to The North Coast Artists' Guild of The Sonoma - Mendocino Coast, while there also promoting the The 24th Annual Studio Discovery Tour happening on labor day weekend (Sept. 3 - Sept. 5, 2016) and the weekend before (Aug. 27 - Aug. 28, 2016). Featured below are some artists I met along the way at the fair.
:: Siobhan Elder ::
Her exquisite silk scarves are all perfectly handmade by the artist. All her silk scarves starts off white then hand paints each and every one. Her scarves that day ranged from $85 - $125 each mostly sold at Mendocino art galleries.
:: Which Craft Workshop ::
Jan Maria Chiappa makes beautiful clay art mostly inspired by nature and knits scarves too. Each clay art piece has a meaning behind it. She also teaches pottery art workshops to individuals and groups. At this time, Jan has no online presence, but you will find her and her husband on the 2016 Studio Discovery Tour and at 46278 Fish Rock Rd., Gualala, CA 95445.
She also makes these ever so cute succulent pots!
:: Paul Maurer ::
One of a kind turned wood art. He creates bowls, keepsake boxes, urns and other art pieces from 20 - 30 year old trees.
Email: [email protected]
There is something intriguing about these art sculptures surrounding the Gualala Arts Center. They blend so well with the redwood trees that surrounds them. It's so pretty and well worth the time to visit and admire.
Experiencing nature and art along the Mendonoma coast was one of many highlights during our weekend.
Did you go out of town during the Memorial Day Weekend?
Thanks so much for reading.
~ marissa