Mendocino Art Center's Fifth Annual Marine Wildlife Exhibit February 27, 2008

Artwork by talented local and national artists, celebrating the oceanic wildlife that is an integral part of the local environment, is featured in the Mendocino Art Center's Fifth Annual Marine Wildlife Exhibit, February 27 through March 29, in the Main and Nichols galleries. Capturing the mood and movement of sea life, the original, multi-media art will be on exhibit through both the Mendocino (March 1 and 2) and Fort Bragg Whale Festivals (March 15 and 16). The artwork will also be available for viewing and purchase on the Mendocino Art Center web site at www.MendocinoArtCenter.org.

Nearly 100 pieces of artwork were submitted for consideration for this year's exhibit. Through a highly competitive jury process conducted by internationally recognized watercolor artist Christiaan "Dutch" Mostert, over 50 were selected for exhibition from artists from throughout California and several states across the country. Once the exhibit opens, a "Best in Show" award will be presented and first place winners in each category will be selected.

Works were chosen in a variety of media, including two-dimensional art in oil, acrylic, water media, mixed media and limited edition photography; as well as three-dimensional works, including sterling silver, gold and freshwater pearl jewelry; fabric art; and sculpture in steel, brass, rock, terra cotta, ceramic, alabaster and myrtlewood. A diversity of wildlife is represented with penguins, seagulls, seals, sea otters, starfish, shark, dolphins, whales, sea anemone, lionfish, crab, pelicans, and many more.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the beautiful coastal village of Mendocino, the Mendocino Art Center serves as an ideal location to host a marine wildlife exhibit. Over the years, many artists have been attracted to the ocean environment, drawing creative energy from the sea and the wildlife it contains. One such local marine wildlife artist, the late J.D. Mayhew, served as inspiration for the 2004 inauguration of the exhibit, and was instrumental in providing assistance and inviting participation among artists across the country. Serving as an institutional model was the annual "Bird in Art" exhibit, hosted by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI, which over a 30 year period has garnered international acclaim by featuring the finest bird artists in the country.

Coos Bay, OR, area resident and juror Christiaan “Dutch” Mostert, a member of the prestigious American Society of Marine Artists, has enjoyed a successful career as a professional artist. Painting with transparent watercolor, his work reflects, with striking realism, the everyday scenes of life around the waterways of the Northwest United States. Born in Holland, the son of an artist father, the young painter’s early visual impressions were influenced by ships and barges working the canals and waterways in his European hometown.


Wine Tasting Event
On Saturday, March 1, from noon to 4:00 p.m., the Mendocino Art Center will host McDowell Valley Vineyards for a pouring of their Grenache Noir, Syrah 2003, and Shiraz 2004, as part of the 26th Annual Mendocino Coast Whale Festival. A number of Mendocino County wineries will bring their unique vintages for tastings at village shops, galleries and inns. Wine tasters may register ($30 per person) at the Ford House Visitor Center or Crown Hall in Mendocino Village.

"The Mendocino Whale Wars"
Meet filmmaker Scott Barry as he hosts a day of archival memories on Sunday, March 2, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mendocino Art Center. Barry will present a viewing of his classic 1976 documentary, "The Mendocino Whale Wars," and share vivid Mendocino stories about local artists J.D. Mayhew, George Sumner and Byrd Baker. Baker's passionate art and concern for the gray whale drew national and international attention to Mendocino. Mendocino joined the global call for a moratorium on the slaughter of whales, which became international law in 1982.


2nd Saturday Artists Reception
A 2nd Saturday Artists Reception will be held Saturday, March 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Mendocino Art Center. The free reception offers guests the opportunity to meet and mingle with March's featured gallery artists, while enjoying food, wine, live music and fabulous artwork.


For more information on the Marine Wildlife Exhibit, please call 707-937-5818 (toll free 1-800-653-3328) or visit www.MendocinoArtCenter.org. The Mendocino Art Center is located at 45200 Little Lake Street (at Kasten Street) in Mendocino Village. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Official Website: http://www.MendocinoArtCenter.org