Woven Stories: The Intersection of Tradition and Craft

Two celebrated Mendonoma artists—Ling-Yen Jones and Eric Wilder—come together this fall for a powerful new exhibition, Woven Stories: The Intersection of Tradition and Craft, opening Saturday, November 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Dolphin Gallery in the Seacliff Center. On view through December 28, the show offers an inspiring exploration of cultural roots, personal vision, and the artistry of hand-crafted design.

About Ling-Yen Jones
Known for her evocative, hand-crafted jewelry, Ling-Yen Jones brings a deeply personal vision to the exhibit. Her pieces transcend ornamentation, serving as symbolic expressions of transformation, hope, and growth. Working with sterling silver, copper, gold, pearls, and colored stones, Jones creates one-of-a-kind designs that are both subtle and striking.
Motifs such as leaves, birds, and windows recur throughout her work, offering a sense of continuity while each piece remains distinct. Influences from traditional Asian art—like cranes and Chinese chops—blend seamlessly with modern minimalism and abstract linese creating pieces that are both lovely and elegant.
Jones honed her craft at Humboldt State University and Monterey Peninsula College, supplemented by workshops at the Mendocino Art Center. She now runs Ling-Yen Designs and actively contributes to the local arts community as manager of the Coast Highway Art Collective and a member of multiple guilds. Her work is available online, including through Etsy.

About Eric Wilder
Eric Wilder, a member of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, brings a powerful narrative to Edge of Winter through his latest visual works. Raised on the Kashia Reservation and mentored by his grandmother, spiritual leader Essie Parrish, Wilder’s art is steeped in tradition yet vibrantly contemporary. His work blends traditional Pomo basket motifs with culturally significant imagery—such as blackberries, acorns, and other native flora—combined with a contemporary design aesthetic that invites viewers to explore their deeper meaning to the Kashia People.

Wilder’s journey into professional art began with a comic book contest win, leading to a dynamic career in graphic design and game development for companies like LucasArts and MTV. His skills as an animator and concept artist shine through in his detailed pen and ink drawings, which have earned accolades at Art in the Redwoods. Beyond the canvas, Wilder is a dedicated community leader, having served as Tribal Chairman and contributed to organizations such as KGUA, Coastal Seniors, and the Redwood Coast Medical Center. He also co-founded the Native Art Expo, to uplift Native artists and preserve cultural traditions.