The Gualala Arts Center is a multimillion dollar cultural and community center -- an architectural delight nestled in 11-acre redwood forest. It is just a quarter-mile off Highway One on the south coast of Mendocino County where the coastal route connects with the Gualala River.
This handsome facility is quite an accomplishment for a community of perhaps 2,000 until you remember that Mendocino County is serious about the arts. All of them! Don’t be surprised if a third of the population -- especially in this coastal enclave -- are described as artists.
The Gualala Arts Center provides a year-round calendar of exhibits, productions, and classes in this elaborate 15,000 square foot facility.
In addition to the outdoor amphitheater, indoors there is a 300-seat auditorium, a commercial kitchen, classrooms, studios, galleries, and classrooms.
This is a full-fledged center of cultural activity and community service for Northern Sonoma County and Southern Mendocino County.
The grounds also include original sculptures, gardens and a hiking trail to the river, as well as a meditation area in a grove of old-growth redwoods and a 100-seat barbecue area.
The Gualala Arts Center takes a very broad perspective of what defines "art" as they present year-round activities for the pleasure and education of the community. Check their website for information about what's happening there during your visit.
Current examples of their thinking outside the picture frame:
Friday, July 9 through August 1, 2010 features the Sid Waterman Classic Auto and Art Show Exhibit. The highlight will be the Auto Show: Saturday, July 17, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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The Gualala Arts Center is at 46501 Gualala Rd, Gualala, CA 95445. You can get there from anywhere with Google Maps. The Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and most weekends from 12 to 4 p.m. For a complete schedule of activities, visit Gualala Arts Center or call 707. 884.1138.
All photos courtesy Gualala Arts Center
Learn more about the area around Gualala from the Redwood Coast Chamber of Commerce.
Explore the northern stretch of the Mendocino Coast.
Visit (all of) Mendocino County.
Now that your hooked on the arts in Mendocino County, learn more from the Arts Council. If there's anything happening in the arts, the Arts Council of Mendocino County is there!
Tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media about this artistic jewel in the forest!
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Comments
they are all gorgeous pictures, I agree with the one where you need a glass of wine to help you study the meaning of the art :-)
Thanks for another great piece Jay.
Nice one, Jay. You make the whole area sound delightful. Makes a person want to uproot and move there.
From everything you have written so far I would have to agree that Mendocino IS serious about the arts. Sounds like a grand place to live.
A church for the arts. How lovely.
The wine and scenery are natural draws for the artist. If you aren't tied to a location, this area would be the perfect place to locate. Inspiration all around.
It does indeed look like the perfect setting in which to enjoy art. Thanks for sharing.
That center sounds AWESOME, and I love the wall hangings in this exhibit. Another one for The List! At this rate, I'm going to need a month or so for my next visit up in your neck of the woods! ;-)
What is it about little coastal cities blooming into hidden art communities? The luscious settings must inspire people's creative side. I guess the ocean relaxes and when you're relaxed, you can create or appreciate creativity. Thanks for sharing this--I love the look of the place, so peaceful and contemplative.
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