In July of 1850 the Frolic, a two-masted clipper ship bound for San Francisco from China, shipwrecked a little north of present-day Mendocino. A salvage crew was unable to recover the cargo, but did discover vast stands of old-growth redwood trees. A mill was built, and the village of Mendocino grew up around it. Perched on bluffs painted with wildflowers and overlooking the … [Read more...]
#17 – Mendocino Art Center
With the decline of the lumber industry, Mendocino fell on hard times. Then, in 1957, a local mansion that appears in the James Dean movie East of Eden burned down, and Bill Zacha acquired the grounds with a $500 deposit. With the help of friends, other artists and townspeople, by 1959 he and his wife Jennie had established the Art Center there, utilizing the still-standing … [Read more...]
#21 – Mendocino Theatre Co. / Helen Schoeni Theatre
Since 1976 the Mendocino Theatre Company has produced over 200 plays at its intimate, 82-seat Helen Schoeni Theatre on the Mendocino Art Center Campus. Composed of a uniquely talented group of actors, directors, designers and theatre technicians, they have performed exciting, meaningful plays ranging from the classics to the cutting edge. In the process, they have strived to … [Read more...]
#26 – Ford House Museum
In 1851 Jerome Ford made his way overland to the Mendocino headlands, looking for salvage from the shipwrecked Frolic, which had met its fate off nearby Pt. Cabrillo the previous spring. He found no booty — local Pomo indians had beaten him to it — but he did discover vast stands of coast redwoods instead, and soon partnered with an eastern entrepreneur to establish both the tow … [Read more...]
#33 – Point Cabrillo Lighthouse & Preserve
The demand for lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake meant that maritime commerce on the north coast was at an all time high, and a lighthouse was critical to the safety of the ships and their valuable cargo. Construction of the Point Cabrillo Light Station began in 1908, and its lens, a British-build Fresnel lens, was illuminated for the first time in 1909. … [Read more...]
#39 – Gloriana Musical Theater
Since 1976, Gloriana Musical Theatre has entertained Mendocino County audiences with blockbuster Broadway musicals, musicals starring young performers, and one of a kind special productions. Audiences were amazed by the vocal and acting ability of the Gloriana Young Performer’s 2014 spring production of “Guys and Dolls, Jr.,” set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City and feat … [Read more...]
#56 – Anderson Valley Museum
Intriguing Pomo Indian basketry, antique logging equipment and rich history await you at the Anderson Valley Museum. It is located in a century-old schoolhouse directly adjacent to Hwy 128 between Elk and Ukiah. Although the building is no longer used as a schoolhouse, as a museum it still teaches a great deal about the rich history of the Anderson Valley and Mendocino County. … [Read more...]
#76 – Grace Hudson Museum
The Grace Hudson Museum features the best of the region’s art, history and anthropology. Exhibits in the museum range in subject matter from Native American culture and Northern California coast history to the works of contemporary artists. The primary focus of the museum is the magnificent work of Grace Carpenter Hudson. She painted some of the most brilliant oil paintings o … [Read more...]
#83 – Mendocino County Museum
The Mendocino County Museum collects, conserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts, archives and lives of the people and places of Mendocino County. Stop by for current exhibits, and enduring favorites: a “hippie” van, stagecoaches, a recreated creamery, Pomo baskets, relics from the ill-fated clipper ship the “Frolic,” Seabiscuit’s friends, and a great Museum Shop. Next door … [Read more...]
#85 – Home of Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit, the legendary race horse and subject of a 2003 motion picture, lived and is buried at Ridgewood Ranch along Hwy 101 in Willits. In 1936 San Francisco auto salesman Charles Howard paid $8,000 for Seabiscuit and hired trainer Tom Smith and jockey Red Pollard to race him. Together they turned a moderately successful 3-year-old, regarded by many as lazy, into a champion … [Read more...]
#90 – Willits Community Theater
There is nothing quite like the experience of a live theatrical performance. People who appreciate the arts flock to the Willits Community Theatre from all over Mendocino County and beyond to see and hear actors live and up close, and feel the interaction between performers and the audience. Established in 1977, the WCT is proud to present an annual season of new and classic … [Read more...]
#91 – Willits Center for the Arts
The Willits Center for the Arts was created to support and showcase the local art scene in and around Willits, providing low-cost art and art-related services to the entire community. It holds publicly-sponsored and locally-grown art shows throughout the year. Work on renovating the historic 1926 Women’s Improvement Club building that would house the WCA began in 1993, and by 2 … [Read more...]
Art Center and Corner Gallery, Ukiah
Art Center Ukiah is a non-profit organization with classes, workshops and public events. Corner Gallery Ukiah is an artist cooperative with local artists showing their work and in a full variety of art forms. They offer changing exhibits and featured artists, fine art and handmade gifts, art classes, community events, and event space. They are located centrally in downtown … [Read more...]
Arts Council of Mendocino County
The Arts Council of Mendocino County promotes the arts and cultivates creativity to benefit and enrich the lives of residents and visitors. They support and promote the arts throughout Mendocino County, and advocate for artists and arts organizations with government, business, and tourism leaders. MORE INFO: ArtsMendocino.org … [Read more...]
Gualala Arts Center
A community arts organization, located in Gualala, Ca dedicated to promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961. Find art exhibits, workshops & classes, classical & popular music performances, theater, lectures and much more. WHERE: 46501 Old State Hwy, Gualala (google map) MORE INFO: (707) 884-1138 GualalaArts.org … [Read more...]
John Hanes Fine Art Gallery, Boonville
Established in 2009, this fine art gallery was built and is operated by John Hanes who shows his sculptures along with the other artists works. The gallery displays high quality contemporary paintings and sculptures created by artists from several western states highlighting a wide variety of styles, subject matter, materials and techniques. WHERE: 14051 Hwy. 128, Boonville … [Read more...]
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg
A Rare Botanical Jewel on the Mendocino Coast While traveling in Mendocino County a must see is Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG). The Gardens offers everything from colorful displays in the perennial garden, to thunderous waves at the oceans edge. The mild maritime climate makes MCBG the Gardens for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers alike. Manicured … [Read more...]
Prentice Gallery, Mendocino
Fine Art & Custom Picture Framing Located right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Prentice Gallery offers one of the finest collections of local art in Mendocino County. The addition of exceptional custom framing, sometimes the same day, is what sets the Prentice Gallery apart. While wandering down Main Street, in the Village of Mendocino, come in and enjoy amazing … [Read more...]
Rodrigues Studios at Maple Creek Winery
If you have a chance to visit the Maple Creek Winery and enjoy some of their delicious wine make sure to take some time to check out some of vintner’s Tom Rodrigues’ fine artwork at his studio, Rodrigues Studios also located on the property. Tom's paintings combine his passions for Art and Wine. The vineyard and wines are his canvas. He is inspired by the beauty and nature an … [Read more...]
SPACE, Ukiah
Near & Arnold’s School of Performing Arts & Cultural Education (SPACE) is an acclaimed afterschool performing arts program serving youth age infant through18. SPACE, located near downtown Ukiah at 508 West Perkins, offers an innovative year-round program that has become a vital beacon for hundreds of children and their families. A priority of SPACE is the Scholarship … [Read more...]
Triangle Tattoo & Museum, Fort Bragg
Experience Art with a Pulse Triangle Tattoo and Museum is one of the few public museums in the world dedicated to the display of tattoo artifacts. Founded in 1986 by tattooists Mr.G. and Madame Chinchilla, the museum houses portraits as well as exhibits of tattoos throughout history and across many different cultures. School and personal guided tours are given upon request. T … [Read more...]
Village Books, Ukiah
Village Books include literary fiction, mysteries, westerns, science fiction, adventure/espionage, romance, kids books, young adult literature, poetry, drama, Christian fiction, religious studies, history, science, sports and, well, you name it. They're all about creating a fun, friendly atmosphere to browse, schmooze and relax, and offer store credit for books in good shape. … [Read more...]