The Dolphin Turns Forty
July 2009
Forty years ago, if you visited Gualala Art's Dolphin Gallery you would go to Anchor Bay. A small section of Francis Thompson's Anchor Bay Hardware store began displaying the works of local artists in July 1969. It was called the Gualala Arts Showroom. According to the Independent Coast Observer (ICO), the name changed to The Dolphin in December of that year, recognizing the wooden sculptures carved, donated and sold by Art Bruehl.
In 1979, when Mr. Bruehl died, his carvings were divided between his friends and The Dolphin. Two carvings were given as gifts to Gualala Arts by Sonya Halley in a case custom made and donated by Mark Haveman and David Mayer. These carvings will be on display in The Dolphin during this month.
The Dolphin Gallery thrived in Anchor Bay until well into the 1970s, advertising with a banner saying "The Shop With a Porpoise." In November 1972 the shop even purchased an ad in Sunset magazine. In 1974, carved dolphins were given by Mr. Bruehl in appreciation to eight Dolphin volunteers. The creation and growth of the Dolphin at this time was the inspiration of Elizabeth Bemrick, who was the Dolphin manager for over twelve years.
The gallery moved from Anchor Bay to Gualala in the late 1970s. Before Gualala Arts built its present facility, it rented the Community Center for exhibits, lectures and events. Elizabeth Bemrick unceasingly worked for a permanent home for Gualala Arts, although by then The Dolphin was firmly established in its present location at the Sundstrom Mall. Her motto was an Albert Einstein quote: "Great minds encounter resistance."
This month, July 2009, the Dolphin Gallery will display original brochures and articles about the early days from Anchor Bay to Gualala. Customers making purchases of $40 or more during July will receive a See's candy treat.
The motto for the gallery during July 2009 is "Dolphin Daze." Stop by to celebrate some local history while supporting your favorite artists. A bonus will be the current gallery show by
Rozanne Rapozo showing photography and Gerda Randolph showing baskets and felting. And just like forty years ago, you'll be greeted by a friendly Dolphin Volunteer.
(Information for this article is from a 2003 review by Sonya Halley and a 1997 report to Gualala Arts by Cora Matheson.)
The Dolphin Gallery is located at
39225 Highway One in downtown Gualala, CA
(behind the post office on the south side).
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-3896 for more information.
