Most people think of paper as a writing or drawing surface, and certainly many beautiful handmade papers are crafted for this purpose. Today, paper takes its rightful place among the other traditional fine art mediums and is a new alternative in wall art, installation art, or site specific sculpture, and other large scale works.

Gualala Arts is pleased to host an exhibit by The Deckle Edge Group, showing in the Burnett Gallery from July 10 through August 1. The public is invited to meet the artists at the opening reception on Saturday, July 10, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Deckle Edge Group was founded 11 years ago by four artists who were using handmade paper as a fine art medium. It was not a medium that was mainstream, but the group saw it as a way to expand their artistic expression. They thought it would be interesting and beneficial to meet and share information while visiting each otherâs studios. The Deckle Edge Group has expanded to nine, and continues to evolve as members focus on other artistic endeavors and new artists join. Each artist has a unique way of using the medium, offering a wide diversity of artistic possibilities.

Gualala residents Jim Meilander and Joan Rhine are members of the group. "My abstract imagery is a playful personal synthesis of real and imaginary images. Iâm inspired by my natural and manmade physical surroundings, by objects used in work and play, and by pure fantasy," states Jim. In describing her first experience with a paper medium, Joan says, "When I first tried my hand at making paper in 1978, I knew I had found a medium that had all the characteristics I sought. First itâs liquid, then malleable, than solid; I am able to create both flat and sculptural artworks."

Other members include Susan Hersey of Petaluma, Martha Preble of Oakland, Lori Goodman of Eureka, Linda Ortiz of Santa Rosa, Jill Henry of Petaluma, Andrea Tucker-Hody of San Anselmo, and Beverly Harrington of Danville.