Catherine Evans' acrylic/multi-media work, "Ancestors," was
awarded first prize out of over 170 entries in the Mendocino Art
Center's "Members' Juried Exhibit."

The Mendocino Art Center has announced awards for the current "Members' Juried Exhibit," which will remain on display through February 23, in the Main Gallery. The Art Center's contributing members submitted over 170 pieces of artwork for consideration, with 60 selected for exhibition.

First prize was bestowed on Catherine Evans for her acrylic/multi-media work, "Ancestors." Second prize was awarded to Milo Needles for his acrylic painting, "Exposing Her Salmon." Nan Noeau was honored with third prize for her clay work, "The Earth Our Mother."

In addition, five honorable mentions were awarded: Karen Bowers, "Family Outing at Navarro Beach," watercolor/watercolor pencil; Nancy Collins, "Parasole," watercolor; Janis Gavin, "Woman with a Cocked Foot," stoneware figure; Eleanor Harvey, "My Favorite Road," colored pencil; and Suzi Marquess Long, "Small Craft Warning," pastel. A People's Choice Award was presented to Jim Vickery, "Au Pear," oil on board.

Each year the competitive juried selection process leads to an exceptionally creative, high quality, and much-anticipated gallery showing, featuring the finest works created by the Art Center's contributors over the last year, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, collage, wearable art and photography. Mendocino area artists and Mendocino Art Center instructors Dale Moyer and Susan Louise Moyer juried the show.

Other current Art Center exhibits include photography by Allan Droyan and Peter Dobbins of the Rural Murals Project in the Abramson Gallery; "Water Towers of Mendocino," with multi-media artwork, in Gallery Ten; and a multi-media Artists in Residence Exhibit, "Come and Get It," featuring ceramic guerillas, sushi vessels, bronze goddesses, and more, in the Nichols Gallery.

2nd Saturday Artists Reception
The next 2nd Saturday Artists Reception will be held Saturday, February 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Mendocino Art Center. The free reception offers guests the opportunity to meet and mingle with the featured gallery artists, while enjoying food, wine, fabulous artwork and live music.

The galleries and gift shop are open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In a gathering constituting a veritable who's who of Mendocino area artists, the Mendocino Art Center will host the artists featured in local photographer Larry Wagner's beautiful photography book, "The Artists of the Mendocino Coast," for a group signing and party, Sunday, January 20, at 5:00 p.m. Many of the 77 distinguished artists will be on hand to sign copies of the recently released book for a small donation to the Mendocino Art Center. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will also be available.

Those who already own a book may have their books signed for a $5 per copy donation to the Mendocino Art Center. The books are available for purchase at the Mendocino Art Center and those buying a book the day of the event will be able to have their copies signed at no charge.

Larry Wagner describes photographing the area's finest artists "to be one of the most enjoyable projects of my career. The artists' openness, creativity and willingness to work with me in capturing an important aspect of each of their personas made every session unique and rewarding. This book is intended to communicate the richness and diversity of the talent of our painters, jewelers, ceramicists, sculptors, photographers and weavers who thrive in the stimulating environment of the beautiful Mendocino coast."

Visit Wagner's web site to see a preview of "The Artists of the Mendocino Coast." For more information on the book signing event, please call 707-937-5818. The Mendocino Art Center is located at 45200 Little Lake Street (at Kasten Street) in Mendocino Village.