Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
The “Seeing Things” exhibit presents a unique fusion of artistic perspectives from the Nartonis family, showcasing how individual visions can coalesce into a collective expression of creativity. Candy Nartonis, with her diverse array of sculptures, paintings, and photographs, joins forces with her twin daughters, Katie and Connie, who contribute their own distinctive drawings and photographs to the exhibition. This family collaboration highlights the multifaceted nature of perception and the translation of those perceptions into tangible art forms. The exhibit, which runs from July 12 through August 4 at the Gualala Arts Center, promises to offer visitors not only a glimpse into the artistic process but also an opportunity to see the world through the varied lenses of a closely-knit artistic family. Their previous features in esteemed publications like The Pastel Journal, Pastel Artist International, and American Artist underscore the depth and recognition of their artistic contributions.
More about the Artists
CANDY NARTONIS
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Painting, print making, sculpture and photography
Nartonis is an Albuquerque, New Mexico based artist whose work bridges the gap between abstract and altered imagery. Twice a Tamarind visiting artist, her practice includes installation, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and photography. Making statements of meaning and relevance is the point, while the materials are only a means. Themes include migrations of all species, the meaning of home and family, land, water use, and more. Nartonis exhibits around the world in both group shows and one person exhibitions.
As a curator, Nartonis draws from lesser and widely known artists and enjoys co-curating with others. Among her curated shows are Migrations, Tortilla Factory, Albuquerque, NM, 2018, Fe, Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado, 2018, Hot Iron, Harwood Art Center, 2017, Contemporary Cuban Printmakers, with Marjorie Javan, Laconia Gallery, Boston, 2009, Calling Cambodia (artist Amy Sanford), Laconia Gallery, 2006, and Guanajuato: Boston Printmakers in Mexico, with Ky Ober, Laconia Gallery, Boston, 2011.
A short list of public collections holding her work includes the Denver Art Museum; Zimmerli Art Museum; Santa Barbara Museum of Art; University of Maine Art Museum; the Boston Public Library Print Collection, University of New Mexico Museum; US State Department, Danang Art Museum, Vietnam, National Art Academy, Hangzhou, China, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, University of Colorado, Special Collection, Boulder, Colorado, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, University Art Museum, and the Univ. of Maine, Orono, Maine.
contact: candynartonis@gmail.com
617-851-8151
CONNIE NARTONIS THOMPSON
Drawings & Paintings
Connie Nartonis Thompson is a movie producer currently based in London. She began her career in Los Angeles in 1992 on Beavis & Butthead and The Ren & Stimpy Show. During the 1990’s and 2000’s, she worked on animated feature films including Fantasia 2000, Tangled, Frankenweenie, Despicable Me 2, Missing Link, Space Jam 2, and DC Super Pets among many others at studios such as Disney, Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. She is currently producing George Orwell’s Animal Farm as an animated movie in London & Montreal.
Nartonis Thompson studied studio art at Principia College, graduating in 1989. There she focused on drawing and oil painting. She’s had a life-long love of art and drawing. She’s excited to be showing in one of the most beautiful spots on planet Earth!
contact: nartonisthompson@gmail.com
KATIE NARTONIS
Yucca Valley, California
Photography
Katie Nartonis is a writer, curator, film maker, art historian and specialist in art and design. She lives in the Mojave Desert near the Joshua Tree National Park with three cats and a boyfriend who is metal fabricator and sculptor. When she lived in Los Angeles, she had a decade long career producing film and television and over 15 years working in the fine auction business.
Her latest curated show is an exhibition on mid-century San Diego designer-maker (and a documentary film) opened during 2024 Palm Springs Modernism Week: “Jack Rogers Hopkins: California Design Maverick” and is open through September 28th at the historic Sam Maloof Foundation in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
In 2024, Nartonis authored the upcoming photo/life-style book, “Glimpses of the Joshua Tree Dream.” She studied art history and studio art at Principia College, and graduated in 1989. She enjoys taking photos as a way to document a unique moment and in order to draw closer to the beauty of nature.
contact: katienartonis@gmail.com
213-435-5955
Featured Image: “Cloud” by Katie Nartonis