From Pasture to Pacific: A Collage of Animals on The Mendocino Coast

Paintings reflecting an artist's connection with nature's creatures

Presented by local artist, Paula Rie Bonham


Opens Saturday, August 2 from 1-3 pm, and is open to the public through August 31

Dolphin Gallery Exhibit

 “From Pasture to Pacific: A Collage of Animals on the Mendocino Coast,” by local artist Paula Rie Bonham, explores the profound connection between humans and nature. Through mixed-media works, Paula reflects on the wild creatures of the ocean, those we see along hiking trails, and on lucky pets that thrive in the comfort of our respective homes.

The exhibit will be on view from Saturday, August 2–31 at the Dolphin Gallery in Gualala, CA. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. most days.

About the artist

Paula Rie Bonham, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and Mendocino Coast, is a California-based artist now residing in both Gualala and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Drawing inspiration from both the high desert and the Pacific, Paula’s art celebrates the beauty of nature and the bond between animals and humans.

With a global education, Paula incorporates diverse materials and ideas into her paintings and handmade greeting cards. Her work has been sold across the United States and internationally, and she dedicates a portion of her sales to supporting pet and wildlife rescue organizations.

Selected exhibitions

Paula Rie Bonham’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at institutions including:  

  • Chase Bank 
  • Marin County Fair
  • McKinley Arts Center
  • Neiman Marcus
  • Nevada State Museum
  • New England Art & Design Gallery
  • The Wilbur D. May Museum

Her artwork -including her handmade greeting cards- have been sold in more than 2,500 galleries and retail locations, with select paintings held in private collections.

Artistic reviews

Paula’s work has been described as:

  • Creative: “There is an endless source of ‘the new’ in Paula’s work.”
  • Decorative: “A much-needed decorative sensibility in a world of too much turmoil.”
  • Thoughtful: “Her work is intelligent and embraces joy through images, words and colors.”

Education

Paula has studied and worked in England, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand and the Czech Republic, earning degrees and certificates from institutions including:

  • California College of Arts & Crafts
  • Les Beaux-Arts de Paris, France
  • Massachusetts College of Art
  • The University of the Pacific
  • Westfield College, England