Gualala Arts is privileged to host two talented and well-respected sculptors, Robert Holmes and Jerry Erickson, presenting photographic histories of their work along with representative pieces in the Burnett Gallery. The public is invited to the opening reception on Saturday, October 8, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The title of Mr. Holmes' exhibit is "Fine Art and Architecture." Photographs on display will show how sculpture and the context in which it is contained is the media for Holmes to transcend the enclosures creating a seamless flow with the landscape. The contemporary, sleek geometry of modern architecture and art become imbued with warmth and spirit in nature. Intriguingly familiar yet mysteriously unfamiliar, describes Holmes's style with his art and his architectural designs. He is also well-known for his attention to detail while exploring light and space.

The focus of integrating Holmes's bronze sculpture and the design of the home that was built in 2003 is shown in the photographs in the exhibit and reveals his naturally inspired genius. It is a renaissance of Robert's early architectural designs infused with his internationally acclaimed fine art. One freestanding piece-in-progress will also be shown in the gallery.

In 1980, North Bay sculptor Jerry Erickson relocated from Davis to The Sea Ranch to innovate with wood and metal concepts. His retrospective exhibit is entitled "The Coastal Years, 1969-2005." A first series of work include photographs of his "consumable sculptures." These were massive redwood walls or "stackings." These pieces were quickly recognized by the media, including spots on the TV program "California North" and interviews about his love of natural forms and materials in magazines like Santa Barbara's Life Times.

When Erickson, then an Art Consultant, was selected to create a sculpture of an 1847 Farthington Bicycle for presentation to Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter upon her visit to Davis, it ended up in the Smithsonian Museum. Erickson continues to exhibit throughout California, and in March 2005, was one of 40 artist and designers invited to show at U.C. Davis to benefit the new Design Museum.

In addition to selected private commissions, Erickson's exhibit at Gualala Arts will spotlight what he calls "open forms" - sheet bronze and stainless steel birds ranging in size from a few inches to several feet, several cast bronze sculptures, and photographs of completed works. The show will run October 8 through November 6.

Gualala Arts Center is located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, and is open from 9 am to 4 pm weekdays, and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information.