Upcoming Exhibition

The Art of Wonder

opening Reception on May 23, 2025

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.

In this exhibition, we will 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 fifteen artists include Antoinette von Grone, Gene Avery North, Micah Sanger, Father Damian of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Red Wolf, and the late Sonya Popow.  During the run of the show, four public programs will be offered: an assemblage workshop with Spencer Brewer and Esther Siegel on June 28, an in-person presentation about painting icons by Father Damian on August 23, a virtual panel discussion featuring four of the exhibition artists on September 11, and a collage workshop with Rose Easterbrook on September 27.

The opening reception will occur on the evening of May 23, from 5:00 to 7:30. Saturday, May 24 will be the exhibition’s first full day, and the show will run through October 19.