The New Dolphin Gallery Welcomes A Unique Exhibit August 13 Featuring Long Time Coastal Resident and Artist Judith Greenleaf
This summer the Dolphin Gallery welcomes a unique exhibit by Judith Greenleaf, a Mendonoma Coast artist who taught at Gualala Arts for 23 years. The exhibit opens on Saturday, August 13 and takes place at the Grand Opening of the new Dolphin Gallery as it moves into a its new home in the Sea Cliff Center, 39140 So. Hwy One (next door to Trink’s Cafe) in Gualala. An opening reception is set for Saturday, the 13th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
“If You See The Buddha”
In 1985, Judith Greenleaf was introduced to Gualala Arts by Jer Skibbens, a retired college executive and very active member of Gualala Arts. He called and asked if she would give a lecture at the opening of an exhibit of works by world famous watercolorists. “The priceless collection was loaned to the fledgling Gualala Arts Center by a wealthy collector through the then Gualala resident, the nationally celebrated artist, Millard Sheets. Skibbens must have heard about me because I was teaching art and art history at the College of the Redwoods’ Fort Bragg campus. I accepted his invitation and came to Gualala for the first time (from my home in Little River, about five miles south of Mendocino village.)”
Soon after her lecture (and through Skibbens’ recommendation) Gualala Arts made an arrangement with Santa Rosa Jr. College, and college art classes became available on the Mendonoma Coast for the first time. (Classes continued for more than 20 years.)
Almost all of the work in this exhibition at the Dolphin Gallery was produced as Greenleaf was teaching at Gualala Arts, working along with her students. Then she would further refine and develop (if needed) her work at home in her studio, often after a day of teaching, while the inspiration was still fresh.
“Resting Dancer”
Greenleaf adds, “This work reflects what is closest to my heart, the beauty of the natural world and the expressive possibilities of the human form. The drawings, paintings, and sculpture inspired by the figure are started while looking at the model. They may be transformed in the studio, pared down to essence, with themes of movement, transformation, historical reference, and myth. There is always a romance with the material in a spontaneous and intuitive process.”
“From the Beginning” continues through Sunday, Sept. 5. More at GualalaArts.org.
