Travel with a purpose is always much more satisfying than simply visiting a destination. Of course, you could be like everyone else and visit the village of Mendocino to celebrate the architectural homage to New England fishing villages.
Or, you could stroll down Main St.in Mendocino to the rugged bluffs overlooking the not-so-pacific ocean. Just standing there, soaking up the sounds of the powerful surf can make you feel like the cover of a romantic novel.
If that’s not enough -- and why should it be? -- you can be a part of the artistic heritage of the Mendocino Coast by “dropping in” one of the weekly open studios at the prestigious Mendocino Art Center. Try your hand at watercolor, figure drawing, jewelry making, sculpture, or figurative sculpture.
Yes, some of the more popular classes are six weeks long -- ideal part-time pastime for the extended visit. However, the Mendocino Art Center is always teeming with activity. There are exhibits of the best work of regional artists -- and they are countless. Arts and crafts workshops are ongoing -- more than 200 each year.
There are 57 different, one- to five-day courses. Try your hand at ceramics, weaving, collage, photography, painting, drawing, jewelry etching and many other disciplines. Practice your craft; hang out with other artists, both amateur and professional. Beret, paint-stained smock, and paintbrush clenched between the teeth are optional.
Details of the April-June, 2010 workshops.
When Examiner travel articles becomes past-date, you may find new stories on your
subject of interest by visiting Examiner.com and entering the topic, such as Mendocino
Art Center.
Prepare for your visit by reading Mendocino Arts magazine, until recently only available at select outlets throughout Mendocino County. Now online. It is a quarterly report of the most important trends in art, culture, and cuisine with insights into the history and cultural heritage of Mendocino County.
Admission to all gallery events is free. For class schedules and fees, call 707-937-5818 or visit the Art Center website. The Mendocino Art Center is located at 45200 Little Lake Street (at Kasten Street) in the village of Mendocino, a short walk from downtown. The galleries are open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
As always, you can get there from anywhere with Google Maps.
More Examiner articles by Jay Gordon about Mendocino County.
Tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc. about this chance to be an artist in Mendocino County, where there’s art without the angst. Life -- and art -- should be fun. It is in Mendocino County.
Of course, the Arts Council of Mendocino County will introduce you to the arts scene throughout Mendocino County. Join and get advance notice of all important arts events in Mendocino County.
Photos courtesy Mendocino Art Center. Many thanks to Mike McDonald for providing them.
While you’re here, let Visit Mendocino tell you about the rest of Mendocino County.
Explore the Mendocino Coast.
Enjoy this travel article?
Receive e-mail alerts
when new articles are
available. Just click on
the “Subscribe”
button above.
Comments
Open studios and art classes? Wonderful. What we need is to bring art into our lives. Public art, creative experiences, all benefit a society.
Another reason to visit the area. THANKS! Now if only I could throw a pot.
Traveling with a purpose is such fun! Whether it be to museums or art galleries or just to cross off another state, the traveler feels like something was accomplished.
I took a pottery class years ago, and loved it.
Sounds like such fun! I have retweeted this piece Jay, thanks for another great article.
This is the first I've read about the availability of "open" art classes in Mendocino (and I read a fair amount about CA travel). I'd think marketing this as part of a "getaway package" might meet with success. Good on you, Jay, for helping them get the word out!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!