Black and Light

An evocative exhibition by Debi Lorenc, Joyce Perlman, and Michael Connor


Opens September 11, from 4-6 pm, exhibit up through October 18

Gualala Arts Jacob Foyer

Photo by Joyce Perlman

Gualala Arts is proud to present Black and Light, a compelling group exhibition featuring the works of fine art photographers Debi Lorenc and Joyce Perlman, alongside abstract painter Michael Connor. This trio of Northern California artists invites viewers into a rich dialogue between shadow and illumination, memory and transformation.

Joyce Perlman
A fine art documentary photographer, Perlman captures the beauty and complexity of real-life moments through visual storytelling. Her series in Black and Light explores the rituals and relationships that shape human experience, with a particular focus on aging and heritage.  Her work is deeply rooted in the interplay of contrast—how light reveals, and darkness remembers.

Painting by Mike Connor

Michael Connor
Known for his abstract painting and non-linear narratives, Connor’s work reflects a journey shaped by a near-death experience. His pieces in this exhibition examine fluidity and form, offering glimpses into altered states of perception and consciousness. With decades of creative direction in Silicon Valley behind him, Connor now paints stories that transcend time and space.

photo by Debi Lorenc

Debi Lorenc
Lorenc’s photography is infused with reverence for light and nature, inspired by her off-grid cabin in Big Sur. Her latest work involves merging multiple images to uncover deeper meaning and resonance. Through this transformative process, she reveals the emotional and visual connections that emerge when disparate moments are brought together.

Black and Light is a celebration of artistic vision and personal journey—an invitation to reflect on how light shapes our understanding of self, place, and time.