65th Annual Art in the Redwoods

Paper Registration Forms Available at the Gualala Arts Center

Annual Members Fine Arts Exhibit


Call to Artist is Closed

Gualala Arts Center

SOLD OUT- We are at capacity

Find List of Awards Here

Registration is Closed

Changes can be made at art intake for a $5 fee

Exhibit Opens Thursday,  August 14 with Hat’s Off Dinner, Exhibit up though September 6

Important Dates

Monday, July 7

Entry deadline. Only first 350 entries accepted

Friday, August 8

Installation of wall glass, large or fragile artwork, call for appointment before July 30

Sat & Sun, August 9 & 10

Noon. – 3 pm Deliver artwork to Gualala Arts Center (no work will be accepted after 3 pm)

Thursday, August 14

4-7 pm Hats Off in the Garden Dinner and Fine Art sneak preview

Friday, August 15

4 – 7 pm Champagne Preview

All Artists are Invited to Attend Champagne Preview for Free

4 pm – 6 pm champagne served, Outdoor Artists Vendor Booths preview, 4:30 pm Fine Art Exhibit opens.

Back by popular demand

6:15 pm Judges’ Critique & Awards Ceremony

$20 admission, participating artists are invited to attend for free

Saturday, August 16

10 am – 4 pm Fine Art Exhibition open, Outdoor Artists Vendor Booths, food & drink, live music and family entertainment

Admission: $10 in advance at the Dolphin, $20 at the gate

17 and under free

Sunday, August 17

10 am – 4 pm Fine Art Exhibition open, Outdoor Artists Vendor Booths, food & drink, live music and family entertainment

3 pm Raffle drawing and Most Popular artwork announced

Admission: $10 in advance at the Dolphin, $20 at the gate

17 and under free

Sunday & Monday, September 7 & 8

Pick Up Art Work

Artworks released to artists and buyers Sunday & Monday, Noon – 3 pm thereafter, $5 per day storage fee per piece of art

CATEGORIES (Category numbers required to be posted on Entry Form)

  1. Oil, Acrylics, (single surface)
  2. Water Media single surface (with adhesives, enter in mixed media)
  3. Prints & Graphics (originals only, no giclees or reproductions)*
  4. Sculpture (any material)
  5. Monochromatic Photography
  6. Color Photography
  7. Digital Art
  8. Pastels & Drawings
  9. Woodworking
  10. Glass (large Wall/Window pieces hung Friday Aug 8)
  11. Jewelry & Ornamentation (limited editions of 250 or less)
  12. Clay & Mosaic
  13. Fibers, Textiles & Soft Sculpture
  14. Quilts
  15. Collage, Mixed Media & 2-D Assemblage
  16. Weaving

Prints and Graphics which are produced in multiples must each be signed and numbered by the artist

AWARDS

New!  Best Use of AI………$100

Best of Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . $500

Best Local Work (Jenner to Elk) . . . . .  . . . . $100

Most Popular (voted by viewers) . . . . . . . . . $100

1st Place each category (blue ribbon)

No entry minimum required . . . .. . . . . . $100

2nd Place each category (red ribbon)

5 entries minimum required. . . . . .. . . . . .$ 75

3rd Place each category (white ribbon)

10 entries minimum required. . . . . .. . . . . . .$ 50

Judges Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . Ribbon

Presidents Award . . . . . . . .  . . . . $100

Redwood Coast Land Conservancy. . . . . . .  $100

Friends of the Gualala River . . . . .. . . . $100

Mendonoma Sightings . . . . .  . . . $100

Beading Excellence . . . . . .. . . . . . . $100

Emerging Artist (best work under 18). . . . . . . $100

 

Judges’ critique and award presentations will be made at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Friday at the Champagne Preview.  Artists are invited to attend Champagne Preview for Free.

Artists are requested and encouraged to attend the award presentations

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS

Entries limited to four (4) entries per artist

  • Each Entry must:
    • Be an Original – one of a kind or one of a limited edition of numbered multiples
    • Gualala Arts carries no inventory of multiples
    • Artists responsible for delivery of multiple sales
    • Prints & Graphics produced in multiples must be numbered and signed by the artist
    • Entered by a living artist who created the entry within the last two (2)years
    • Never have been exhibited in Art in the Redwoods before

SIZE AND WEIGHT

  • Single wall hung entry maximum of 60” wide
  • Second wall hung entry maximum of 48” wide or less
  • Third wall hung entry maximum of 48” wide or less
  • Diptych and Triptych entries maximum of 60” wide
  • Diptych and Triptych entries are one entry each and cannot be sold as individual pieces
  • 70 lb weight limit for each entry
  • Any entry may be refused if it:
    • is exceptionally fragile
    • space is not available
    • does not adhere to these Exhibition Rules
  • See Exceptions and Special Circumstances for Glass entries and additional Weight

PREPARING ENTRIES

  • Ensure paintings are thoroughly dry
  • Picture Frames:
    • Must be strong and will be tested for sturdiness
    • Avoid plastic or clip frames – Plexiglass recommended
    • Use strong metal picture wire minimum of 2” affixed so that wire or hanger will not show when hung (saw tooth hangers discouraged)
    • Jewelry and small sculptures should be in display cases or shadow box frames for protection
    • Fabric entries must have handing tabs/sleeves with rod/dowel labeled with artist’s name

ARTIST/ENTRY INFORMATION

  • Exhibit Artist Binder will be available for one sheet per entry (description, artist statement, artist bio, )
  • No supplementary materials allowed next to or around entries (labels, books, promotional materials )

EXCEPTIONS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Weight & Glass Information & Exception

  • Entries within the weight limit – artists are requested to assist in handling large 3-dimentional artwork or furnish display stands if artwork requires
  • Entries exceeding weight limit – artists are required to participate in Special intake required**
  • Glass entries proposed to be suspended, are fragile or complex – Artists are required to participate in entry Special intake required**

Outdoor Entries Information

  • Must be non-permanent and removable
  • Must remain outdoors for the duration of exhibit
  • Must be installed by Friday, August 8

** Special Intake on August 8 must be scheduled in advance – call 707-884-1138 to schedule an appointment.

FEES

  • Membership in Gualala Arts is required in addition to Exhibit Entry Fee
    • Individual Membership $30
    • Family Membership $50
  • Exhibit Entry Fees:
    • $10 per entry
    • $20 per entry not for sale (NFS)
    • Entry Fees for Artists under 18 years old are waived
    • Entry Fees are non-refundable
  • $5 Fee will be charged for changes/addition to the Entry Form after submission

Special Note: The completeness of your entry form is important. Changes made after the Entry Form deadline will not be reflected in the ICO “Art in the Redwoods Official Show Program”

  • Gualala Arts provides no insurance for exhibited artwork. If the artist feels that insurance is needed, they are encouraged to purchase it.  Proof of insurance may be required for work priced over $5000

COMMISSIONS

  • Gualala Arts will retain 30% commission on all entry (or multiples) sales
  • Artist payment checks will be issued within two weeks of the end of the month in which sale was made
  • It is Gualala Arts policy to request the artist to submit to Gualala Arts 10% of any future sales generated as a result of the Art in the Redwood Exhibit

PAPER ENTRY PROCEDURE

Find PDF of downloadable paper registration form here

  • Complete the 2025 Entry Form for up to four (4) entries
  • Print Clearly
  • Fill in all entries accurately (see reference in fees)
  • Submit with total fee due no later than July 7
    • USPS mail with total fee(s) to: AIR-­‐FA Entry, PO Box 244, Gualala, CA 95445 (last postmark accepted July 8)
    • Scan Entry Form and send e‐mail to: KendraGualalaArts@gmail.com Subject: AIR Entry (last e‐mail accepted dated July 7)
    • Call 707-884-1138 to arrange fee payment
    • Deliver Entry form and fee(s) directly to Gualala Arts
  • Entries are not accepted until fee(s) are paid
  • Total entries for the exhibit are limited to 350

Or Fill Online Form Below for Each Entry by July 7

If you have questions or changes, contact Kendra Stillman at info@GualalaArts.org before July 7, after July 7 changes can be made when you drop off your artwork

 

ARTWORK DELIVERY

  • Deliver artwork, noon – 3 pm., Saturday and Sunday August 9 & 10 , to Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old State , Gualala
  • Deliver in person at the above designated time
  • Shipped or mailed entries will not be accepted.  No exceptions!
  • Special intake on Friday, August 8 must be scheduled in advance ‐ email Kendra Stillman at kendraGualalaArts@gmail.com to schedule an appointment

(see EXCEPTIONS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES)

  • Removable labels will be produced and attached by Gualala Arts to the back of each entry upon take‐in
  • On take‐in day you will be provided:
    • Artist receipt for claiming unsold artwork at exhibit close
    • Each artist is invited to the Champagne Preview for free

POST SHOW PICK‐UP

  • Unsold artwork must stay up for entire exhibit
  • Buyers will be requested to leave purchases through Sunday August 17 or as long as possible but may take items upon purchase
  • Artist must claim unsold artwork Sunday, September 7, Noon – 3 pm or Monday September 8, Noon – 3 pm
  • Artist of Sales receipt will be used for ownership or proof of purchase at pick-up
  • Artwork much be signed out
  • Gualala Arts is not responsible for the art left after 4 pm September 8
  • $5 daily storage fee assessed to artist for unclaimed artwork after September 8

RESPONSIBILITY

Gualala Arts, Inc. is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of artworks entered in the exhibit at any time in the exhibit process 
  • Exhibitors solely responsible for their work
  • Gualala Arts carries no insurance for exhibited artwork. Exhibitors should insure their work if they deem necessary
  • Gualala Arts will not ship purchases
  • Should potential buyer require shipment Gualala Arts will contact Artist
  • When Artist confirms their agreement/responsibility to package and ship Gualala Arts will complete the sales transaction
  • Submission of an entry implies acceptance of all conditions stated in this document

 

GUALALA ARTS RESERVES THE RIGHT:

  • To change category classification of any entry
  • To its sole discretion to refuse to display any artwork
  • Gualala Arts Hanging Committee has complete discretion placing or positioning entries
  • Artists may not request location of their work

  • EACH ENTRY NEEDS TO BE FILLED OUT SEPARATELY  – 4 entries…no problem… do this online process 4 times.

  • Old fashioned paper registration forms available at Gualala Arts

Gualala Arts Membership is required for entry, need to renew?  Click here.

Meet the Judges

Su McMurtry

Su McMurtry was born and raised in Belmont, California. McMurtry is a third-generation Californian whose early life was steeped in creativity, filled with paintbrushes, classical music, and the rhythmic discipline of ballet.
Her natural talent for dance was recognized early; during her teenage years, she earned the support of the New York Ballet Company.
She she completed her Master’s Degree in Design with a specialization in Fiber Arts, eventually bringing her expertise into the classroom at both San Jose State University and New College, where she taught Art for seven years. Later, her skills translated seamlessly into the office furniture industry, where she helped design and craft custom pieces.
In 2016, McMurtry settled in Occidental and soon found a new creative home as a volunteer at the Occidental Center for the Arts (OCA). Her commitment and vision quickly made an impression; she now serves as gallery director, leading a curatorial committee of up to ten members and overseeing a dynamic range of exhibitions.
McMurtry’s lifelong devotion to the arts continues to leave an indelible mark on the local creative community. Her story is a powerful reminder of how dedication to artistic expression can evolve, inspire, and build community over a lifetime.

Vesta Copestakes

For Vesta Copestakes, creativity has always been more necessity than luxury. A self-described artist, musician, and writer from the start, Copestakes charted a career that balanced personal expression with professional innovation—and now, in retirement, she’s circling back to her creative origins with renewed passion.

Copestakes began her journey at the Tyler School of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, where her early dreams of an artistic life collided with the realities of financial sustainability. Watching classmates funnel into advertising agencies, she pivoted toward commercial and clothing design—fields that would allow her to make a living while maintaining her creative spirit. Eventually, she founded her own advertising agency, where she defined her work as “creative problem-solving.”

The world of graphic design offered flexibility as well as fulfillment. As a single mother raising her daughter Aleta, Copestakes took on freelance work that not only paid the bills, but also let her show up for soccer games and volunteer at school events—living the life of a stay-at-home mom, but on her own terms.

Her creative path took another leap when she became publisher of a local newspaper, which she grew into the Sonoma County Gazette, a newsprint magazine that served the community for nearly two decades. From editorial direction to ad design and layout, the publication became her canvas until her retirement at age 72.

Now, four years into retirement, Copestakes is rediscovering the artistic impulses that first defined her. Working with an eclectic mix of materials—from sculptural forms and creative lighting to jewelry—she uses gallery themes and personal challenges to craft three-dimensional works that are as expressive as they are experimental.

“I’ve learned that creating is, above all else, for personal satisfaction and challenge,” Copestakes says. “And I’m having fun.”

From the demands of single motherhood to the deadlines of community publishing, her life has always been infused with purpose—and now, it’s also infused with playful exploration. For Copestakes, the creative journey continues, one sculpture at a time.

Daelyn Farnham

Daelyn Farnham brings over two decades of arts leadership to her role as Senior Director at Altman Siegel in San Francisco, where she’s championed contemporary artists for more than ten years. Her career began at David Zwirner in New York, ascending to Sales Director while navigating international art fairs and forging connections across the art world. She also directs the Estate of Barbara Stauacher Solomon, stewarding the legacy of the iconic Sea Ranch designer. A dedicated advocate for community arts, Daelyn serves as Vice President of the board of MarinMOCA. Now based in Sea Ranch with her husband Jonathan and puppy Paloma, she’s embracing local creative roots—from the community garden to Mendonoma’s vibrant art scene.