What is “wonder”? How should it be understood? According to one dictionary it is, “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.” Other words associated with wonder are grand, powerful, sublime, and awe.
With The Art of Wonder we present art by fifteen contemporary Mendocino County artists that evokes a sense of wonder. This could emanate from the subject matter or by the style or approach by which it’s rendered. It may also be caused by an unusual treatment of materials, leading one to ask, ”how did the artist do that?” Viewers will find art that may connect one to a place of spirituality, to the rhythms of nature, or to pondering the particles and energy that comprise the building blocks of our universe. Some of the art may stimulate in the viewer a fleeting moment of clarity around the mysteries of life, love, and other deep emotions, maybe even to a stronger appreciation for our shared humanity.
The Art of Wonder is made possible by the generosity of the Sun House Guild and Grace Hudson Museum Members.
Image: Mendocino Evening by Antoinette von Grone
Exhibition Dates: Friday, May 23 to Sunday, October 19, 2025
Exhibition Programs:
Friday, May 23, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Opening Reception
Meet the artists featured in this exhibition as you enjoy their work and light refreshments.
Saturday, June 28, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Assemblage Play Day
Create your own wondrous little world by combining everyday objects in new ways in this workshop led by assemblage artists Spencer Brewer and Esther Siegel. All participants will be able to take home their own small to medium sized assemblage piece - no experience or artistic talent required. There is a fee of $40/person. Scholarship spots are available. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Call to secure your place.
Friday, August 1, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
The Light Within — Paintings of the North Woods
Celebrate the opening of a new pop-up exhibition featuring Linda MacDonald’s Redwood paintings. The pop-up will run through August 17.
Saturday, August 23, 2:00 to 3:15 PM
Painting Icons
Hear Father Damian speak about the tradition of Eastern Orthodox iconography and his practice of creating iconographic art. Father Damian serves as the Abbot at the Hold Transfiguration Monastery. See his work in The Art of Wonder.
Thursday, September 11, 7:00 to 8:15 PM
Artists Talking Wonder: Panel Discussion
Delve deeper into wonder as you discover more about four artists and their work featured in this exhibition. Hear from Antoinette von Grone, Micah Sanger, Jazzminh Moore, and Red Wolf in this virtual program. Check our website for the program link.
Saturday, September 27, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Painting with Collage
Layer images with drawing and painting in this workshop led by Rose Easterbrook, a multi-media artist featured in the exhibition. Call to reserve your spot. Ages 15 and up are welcome.