Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
Welcome to the 62nd annual Art in the Redwoods.
The Arts Center has traveled from the Gualala Community Center, to the forest, up to rental spaces at Bower Airport, then to Bower Park, and, finally, since 1998, to its current location at the Gualala Arts Center. We are now celebrating our 25th “Silver” Anniversary at this location. We certainly hope that you will come and celebrate with us at our annual Art in the Redwoods. This year, for our 62nd anniversary of Gualala Arts Center, we are happy to invite the community once again into this incredible space where art can thrive.
In a typical year, the annual August weekend event would engulf the grounds of the Gualala Arts Center, a 15,000-square-foot performing arts architectural gem nestled in the coastal redwoods, and home to the festival since its opening in 1998. The festival features a host of events and activities, attracting vendors and artists from throughout Northern California along with hundreds of visitors, both local and from afar. At the heart of the festival is the Fine Arts Exhibit, with more than 300 art entries. It takes two weeks of preparation to hang and place all the items, which are judged the night of the Champagne Preview on Friday evening. More information on our past Art in the Redwoods festivals can be found here.
The public’s first opportunity to view and purchase art is when they join us at the return of the Hats Off Garden Dinner. This signature event is Gualala Arts’ largest fundraiser of the year. This year, the Hats Off Garden Dinner and fundraiser kicks off the festival on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 4 pm. The Hats Off Garden Dinner ticket, at $150, includes a VIP festival entry to all Art in the Redwoods events, and a sneak preview and first purchase option of the Fine Art Exhibit. The cost includes a tax-deductible donation letter of $100. Lucky diners will also have the first glimpse of the Mendocino Dance Project intimate performance under the Redwoods.
The Champagne Preview, Friday, August 18, 4-7 pm, offers people their first chance to view the festival’s winning entries, and another opportunity to purchase art before the general public. Entry is $20, and includes a meet and greet with the artists, a complimentary toast of champagne or sparkling water and the Judges Critique at 6 pm.
The full Art in the Redwood Festival hits its stride Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20, opening at 10 a.m., with 20-plus vendor booths, community and interest groups, live music, storytelling, great local food and drink, and fun activities for all ages. Tickets are $10 per person; youths 7 to 17 are free with a paying adult. Advance tickets may be purchased online or at the Dolphin Gallery. Tickets are $20 at the gate.