Welcome to the Coast Highway Art Collective in January Ever Changing, Always Interesting
At the Coast Highway Art Collective, the members strive to create an ever changing and dynamic space for visitors. Art displays change regularly as works are sold and replaced, new artists join the group and artwork is moved to new locations to better group complimentary pieces. Members leave from time-to-time for various reasons, but their influence on the group and the space lingers long after their works are gone.
The Collective will not be hosting an opening reception in January but will be featuring the work of its two newest members, Perry Hoffman, photography, mosaic maker, tile maker; and Nicolette Kailebe, painted leather goods. The next opening reception, “Insight into Love,” a tribute to Valentine’s Day, is on Friday, February 3 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.
Hoffman studied art at California Institute of the Arts in Valencia before moving the San Francisco in 1975 (Perry notes that his art education actually began in the first grade, but he got into trouble for drawing a nude.) In the Bay Area, he created color Xerox collage and mail art, photography and clay, as well as small backyard gardens. In 2000, Hoffman moved to the Mojave Desert, near Joshua Tree National Park. From 2000 to 2008, he created The Tile House, covering an entire house, both inside and out with mosaics. He says he was “inspired by my first visit to the Watts Towers when I was 10-years old, and currently, by the wildlife, huge skies and magic of the desert.” In 2005, he collaborated (and later married) artist Douglas Smith. The house now features Hoffman’s mosaics and Smith’s furniture.
Kaliebe, best known for her repurposed leather handbags and wallets, has created the “LOVE trumps ALL” product-line to empower women with an entire wardrobe of repurposed, personalized flare, including leather coats, shoes, boots, and accessories. Each piece is restored and customized with painted designs, then sealed for protection, creating a one-of-a-kind line of unique products, allowing each owner to express their individuality.
Her current line includes up-cycled hand bags, wallets and briefcases. Since 2015, The Nicolette Collection has been exhibited in coastal galleries, including The Discovery Gallery, Coast Highway Art Collective and the Gualala Arts Center. Kaliebe has sold her work at retail shows from Saratoga to Mendocino, while also creating local wholesale and commission accounts, including the Point Arena Lighthouse, Timber Cove Inn, Anabel's Boutique and The Green Room. She has also established local, national, and international relationships with clients for commission work.
The Coast Highway Art Collective is located at 284 Main Street, Point Arena, the little red building with the big yellow sun, located next to the Redwood Coast Credit Union. Regular hours are Friday through Sunday, 11:00am to 4:00pm. Visit the website at www.coast-highway-artists.com for information about the collective’s artists, upcoming events and how to join. To find out more about becoming a member of the Collective, contact Ling-Yen Jones via the website above.
Photo: Coast Highway Art Collective artists celebrating at their annual holiday party.
