MAY EXHIBIT: PLACES FROM THE HEART

​EXHIBIT DATES:  April 26 – May 30, 2021

“Daybreak at Bodega Bay,” Acrylic on Canvas

​Sonoma County artist, Beverly Bird, presents Places from the Heart, a collection of paintings depicting the artist’s favorite locales.  No ticket needed for this trip to France, the Caribbean and West Coast highlights.   Cityscapes and local denizens help the viewer savor the unique character of these places.  “Arles en Provence” captures a typical neighborhood in this ancient city right down to its blue shutters.  A Cuban shopkeeper welcomes customers in the colorful “Havana Tienda.”  Bringing us closer to home, “Daybreak in Bodega Bay” explodes with cloudscape drama in a favorite Sonoma seaside town.   “During this time of Covid lockdown, it has been a joy to paint these beloved places, bringing back cherished memories and sparking the hope of traveling again,” remarked Bird.
A lifelong Californian, Bird has loved making art since childhood.  She earned a BA in art from California State College Long Beach.   After a fulfilling career in government, she returned to her first love, painting, upon retirement.  An award-winning artist, Bird has exhibited throughout the county and participated in the Art at the Source Open Studio program for the past thirteen years.  ​

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Karen Miller’s “Brighter Days,” a collection of small pastel paintings marking spring and renewal.  Responding to sunshine and wildflowers, the artist searched for mustard vistas and signs of spring to capture in pastel.  “This year, spring felt like a rambunctious release from winter and strife and sadness.  With the vibrant yellow mustard and redbud in the mountains, spring became a celebration to be shared far and wide,” stated Miller.  A signature member of the prestigious Pastel Society of the West Coast, Miller’s work has been selected for a number of juried exhibits. 

Artist Demo: Karen Miller will host the gallery May 8 and May 22, 11am – 3pm, during which time she will demonstrate her approach to pastel painting – just drop in and learn about this amazing medium.
 
 

“Mustard Glory !,” Pastel on Paper

Guest Artist:  Donna De La Briandais presents oil paintings capturing the joy of spring.   In the artist’s iconic impressionist style, the bold brush strokes and palette knife passages add life and movement to the landscapes.  These vibrant paintings cannot help but lift the viewer’s spirit.  A lifelong artist, De La Briandais studied at various colleges, including the Academy of Art in San Francisco.  In 2007, she was honored with Signature Membership in the American Impressionist Society.  An art instructor, she has led art tours and teaches at the Santa Rosa Junior College. Guest Exhibit dates: April 26 – June 27, 2021.

PREVIOUS EXHIBIT: DRAWN TO NATURE
EXHIBIT DATES:  March 29 – April 25, 2021

Ron Sumner “Common Tern,” Watercolor on paper

Sonoma County artist, Ron Sumner, presents Drawn to Nature, a collection of watercolor paintings celebrating the diverse character and nature of birds.  Sumner is fascinated by animal subjects and relishes the challenge of capturing the unique character and personality of each animal, whether wild or domestic.  Carefully studying the bone structure, coloration, texture of fur or feathers, he produces works that bring life to the subject. This collection focuses on our feathered friends and features an owl whose eyes seem to drill into the viewer’s soul.  The pair of birds in “Common Tern” seem to dance in the sky.  The artist’s forays into nature provide him with continual inspiration.  “Who wouldn’t be fascinated with watching the birds in our beautiful open spaces?” noted Sumner.
A lifelong Northern Californian, Sumner began his art training in high school.  He earned a BFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland.   He was a technical illustrator for a number of years before becoming a full-time fine arts painter.  An award-winning artist, his portrait of John F. Kennedy is part of the permanent collection of the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.  He has exhibited widely and his awards include Best of Show at the Society of Western Artists and his painting, “Red Tail Hawk” was selected for Splash 15, Best of Watercolor. 
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Guest Artist:  Cynthia Jackson-Hein, an alumna of the Upstairs Art Gallery presents a collection of recent works.  Her exuberant oil paintings express how fortunate she feels to live in such a beautiful location where she can isolate and immerse herself in creating art. Originally from mid-western Canada, she became an artist later in life.  She has exhibited extensively and is admired for her painterly works that capture the character of country and city scenes. Guest Exhibit dates: March 1 – April 25, 2021.
 

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Linda Barretta’s “Stories” collection - small oil paintings, each with its own special story.   “Billowy Blooms” highlights the collection – a luscious painting of a hydrangea with a bounty of blooms.  The accompanying poem takes us right into spring:  “If I had a single flower for every time I think of you I could walk forever in my garden.”(author unknown)

Linda Baretta “Billowy Blooms,” Oil on Canvas

PREVIOUS EXHIBIT:
VARIATIONS ON A THEME
March 1 – March 28, 2021

Sonoma County artist, Sally Cataldo, presents Variations on a Theme, a collection of water media works created through allowing the artistic process to play out to achieve the ultimate expression.  Drawing inspiration from various sources - still life, landscape, figure, abstraction - Cataldo allows the art to speak and then wield its magic.  Channeling the artistic voice certainly works to create masterful pieces where strong design takes the lead in orchestrating color, shape and line, resulting in a forceful statement.  “Plant with Pattern on a Grid,“ a rhythmic composition where color and texture interplay, transports the viewer from a seemingly simple still life to a poetic dance.  There is nothing staid or boring about Cataldo’s take on a still life.  Whether the inspiration be abstract or subjective, Cataldo’s works capture the viewer’s eye and take it on an exciting journey.  “My goal is to create simple, poetic, visual language in my art,” noted Cataldo.
A water media artist, Cataldo cannot remember a time when art was not a part of her life.  Her mother was an artist, so encouraged Cataldo’s interest.  In 1989, Cataldo quit her day job and dedicated herself to following the artist’s path.  Her long resume of awards affirm she made the right decision.  Initially focused on watercolor, her more recent work has expanded to acrylic and evolved to become more abstract.   Internationally renowned, Cataldo is a published, award winning artist who has exhibited widely and participated in Sonoma County Art Trails for a number of years. She is featured in the current edition of Palette Magazine.  The Upstairs Art Gallery was pleased to welcome her as a new artist in February of this year.

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Carolyn Wilson’s new small collage works, a collection that explores the natural world and landscapes, real and imagined. Shelter-in-place has been a time for Wilson to escape by exploring new materials and techniques.  Many new works have a 3-D sculptural surface texture created with torn and repurposed papers.

PREVIOUS EXHIBIT:
CLOSE TO THE HEART
February 1– February 28, 2021

"Hearts to You" by Beverly Bird, acrylic on panel, 11” x 14”, $300

PANDORA ("Pandora" means 'gift'.) Cherry Quartz, and Titatium Hematite. - Necklace: Copper toggle clasp $49, Bracelett: Stretch band $23, Earrings: Rose gold ear wires $20 by Jo's Jems

"Yosemite in Winter" by Carolyn Wilson, Collage

"Walk this Way" by Tosya Shore, Watercolor

Sonoma County artists, Linda Baretta, Beverly Bird, Sally Cataldo, Marsha Connell, Karen Miller, Tosya Shore, Michelle Hoting, Jo Tobin-Charleston, Carolyn Wilson present “Close to the Heart,” a new perspective on this Valentine season – things that are uniquely special to each individual artist.  Shore’s “Walk this Way”  is a watercolor showing a tender moment in an older couple’s day – a scene that would touch anyone’s heart.  Miller’s contribution is “Cat in a Quandary,” a pastel painting of her quirky cat in her favorite room where all her best creativity lives.  Barretta brings us “Schoolhouse Beach,” an oil painting of a favorite local scene along the Sonoma Coast, painted with blooms beneath her feet.  Her piece glows with sundrenched color and the vibrant beauty of the red wildflowers.  Wilson’s choice, “Yosemite Valley Winter,” is a mixed media piece that takes us to this magical place in the peace and tranquility of a snowy winter scene.  Bird’s “Seeing Reds” is an acrylic painting that highlights traditional tokens of love – flowers and sweets – in delicious shades of red.  After the past crazy, dark year, the warm feelings expressed through this exhibit open the door to a beautiful spring and hope for better times.  “Because each artist’s choice is special, they resonate with the viewer,” noted Wilson.

New Artist:  The Gallery is pleased to announce a new member artist, Sally Cataldo.  A water media artist, her expressive abstract paintings are a reflection of observations of her environment.  Working in acrylic, watercolor, gouache, her paintings are forceful designs of sophisticated color combinations, dynamic shapes and unique use of line.  Whether purely abstract or a subjective interpretation, they catch the viewer’s eye and don’t let go.  Internationally renowned, Cataldo is a published, award winning artist who has exhibited widely and participated in Sonoma County Art Trails for a number of years. Sallycataldoart.com
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Small Works Showcase

"Palms" by Tosya Shore

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features a members’ show along the same theme, ”Close to the Heart.”  The exhibit highlights a variety of takes on this theme in watercolor, acrylic and oil. In addition to the artists named above, Willow Laland, Donna Schaffer, Gail Morgan, Ron Sumner, Victoria Kochergin, and Laura Roney are showing their work in this exhibit.

PREVIOUS EXHIBIT:
DRIVEN TO ABSTRACTION
January 4 – February 1, 2021

"Phoenix" mixed media, 24 x 24, unframed $675

Sonoma County artist, Gail Morgan, presents Driven to Abstraction, a collection of abstract works aptly named for the process by which they came into being during this year of nameless days and undefined seasons.  The overwhelming emotions of horror and confusion led Morgan to escape this reality and connect with another that encapsulated her feelings and frustrations.   “Like others, I tried music and videos, but disconnecting with reality and letting my thoughts flow into a space of color, form and line allowed me to express the confusing boundaries of time and space,“ explained Morgan.  
Morgan’s works take the viewer on a journey, sometimes evoking reality - a figure or landscape – or simply generating a sense of calm or wild adventure.  In these works, forms float, colors vibrate, lines dance, creating a happy place for the viewer.  “I hope they evoke a spirit of endless opportunity, hope, and looking forward to a brighter future,” said Morgan.
Morgan has loved art since a very young age – her mother, an artist, was her first teacher.  This year she had to abandon her medium of choice, printmaking, as the presses she uses were unavailable since March.  She is now working in oils, cold wax and encaustics.  Her degree is in Art History and she continues her studies here and in San Miguel de Allende.  She has exhibited with Art at the Source and in local galleries.

"Any Way You Turn It" mixed media, 18 x 18, floater frame $500

"Dancing Away the Pain" mixed media, 24 x 24, floater frame $750

"Dream Landscape" mixed media, 24 x 24, floater frame $750

"Conversation with Myself in Quarantine" mixed media, 24 x 24, floater frame $750

Guest Artist:  Sonoma County artist, Becky Wells, presents a collection of abstract acrylic paintings that translate memories of rafting the Rogue River into color, shapes and line.  These paintings are beautiful examples of Wells’ work that explores the mystery and essence of the natural world.  A graduate in Art History from Arizona State University, she has participated in Art at the Source for seven years and exhibited in juried shows throughout Sonoma County.  Wells’ guest artist exhibit runs until February 28, 2021.

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Being There a collection of oil paintings by local artist Donna Schaffer.  From Palau to Amsterdam to favorite California spots, Schaffer has dragged her blank canvases and oil paints to many spots in the world.  These on-location or plein air works are just some of them. “In the 90s it was easy to take all your equipment along but in recent years, it’s gotten trickier, but with planning, it’s still doable,” commented Schaffer.

Big Island Hawaii

Monterey Wharf

Palau 14" x 18"

Previous Exhibit:
PEACE ON EARTH, GOODWILL TO ALL

EXHIBIT DATES: 
November 23 – January 3, 2021
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Sonoma County artists, Willow Laland, Victoria Kochergin, Gail Morgan, Donna Schaffer, Ron Sumner, Laura Roney, Michelle Hoting,  Jo Tobin-Charleston present a seasonal offering, Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All, a collection of works that highlight beloved facets of this special time of year.   Laland’s “Sonoma Vintages,” highlighting this region’s contribution to seasonal festivities is complemented by Schaffer’s “Moonlit Gazebo,” drawing us into the wonder of a moonlit scene.   Morgan, Sumner and Roney contributions focus on our feathered and furry friends.  Hoting’s fine art jewelry creations in silver are the height of elegance – unique and stunning.  Tobin-Charleston’s joyful jewelry strikes just the right color note, whatever your mood, outfit or season. 

Grape Leaf Necklace, Sterling and Fine Silver, $685. Michelle Hoting

“Echeveria Splendor” Giclee 12” H x 13.5” W, $250 Victoria Kochergin

Mother and Cub, Watercolor, framed and matted size:12" X 16" price: $225

Gail Morgan

AFRICAN FOREST "Take a safari in the African forests to look for treasures". African Turquoise pendant (actually Jasper mined in Africa and treated to look like Turquoise), Czech glass, Czech fire polish crystal, 14k gold over copper discs and . Necklace: $80 (24k gold over copper leaf clasp) Bracelet: $25 (stretch band) Earrings: $20 (gold filled earwires) Jo's Jems

Red Ribbon by Laura Roney

Sonoma Vintages, 16” x16”, Ltd. Ed of 50, $350. Willow LaLand

Guest Artist:  Gale McKee strikes high tone color notes in her eclectic collection of acrylic paintings.  Her works present strong interpretations of the figure, landscape and still life.  McKee’s graphic design background comes through in her interesting designs.  McKee is newly transplanted to Sonoma County from Marin, where she had a studio and participated in open studio shows.  McKee’s guest artist exhibit runs until January 3, 2021.

Starry, Starry Sky, 10 x 10, $185 Gale McKee

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New Gallery Member Artist:  Tosya Shore is a welcome addition as a local watercolorist, whose works highlight the flowing beauty of the medium, whether depicting a cityscape or country scene.  Watercolor is beloved for its spontaneous qualities and this is what captured Shore when she began painting over twenty years ago.  She credits her teachers for urging her to persevere to the point where now, as she says, “I enjoy the process and let go of the result as it became my passion.”  Shore is a recently retired software engineer. 

Take a Break, 22 x 32, $735

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features consignment artist offerings, many under $50.  Find just the perfect earrings, necklace or bracelet from collections by jewelers Hamida Judith Dides, Elaine Greene, Brittany Ketcham-Roney, Lorie Marsh, JoAnna Noble, Aaron Poovey, Barbara Tocher, or Robert Yelland. Glass artists Brian and Nancy Roberts, Melissa McCann, and Branka Harris present beautiful pieces ranging from fine art to decorative boxes and flower vases.  Ceramic artists JoAnn Cassady, Peggy Parr, Karen Norton and Randy Snyder offer works to enhance any home décor.  Photographers Michael Ecton and Alexis Greenberg present a wide choice of images, including stunning vineyard scenes.  Animal sculptures by Nancy Winn (paper mache) and Sten Hoiland (wire) are ever popular for their depiction of the delightful antics of our favorite creatures.

Previous Show:
Featured Artist: Carolyn Wilson
Oh, The Places You’ll Go

"Cragside Memories", Mixed media collage on canvas. 12" x 12" $410

EXHIBIT DATES:  October 26 – November 22, 2020
Meet the Artist: Wilson will be hosting the gallery Monday, November 2 and Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Sonoma County artist, Carolyn Wilson, presents Oh, The Places You’ll Go, mixed media and collage works that explore favorite travel locales.   
Upstairs Art Gallery, 306 Center Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448. (707) 431-4214. Open daily: S & S: 11am – 6 pm; M-F: 11am-3pm

'Cinque Terre'

'French Village', Mixed media collage on watercolor paper, framed under glass. 16" x 18" $525

'Caffe Moka', Mixed media collage on canvas. 12" x 12", floater frame $410

'Stonehenge II', Mixed media collage on canvas. 12" x 6" $325

'Stonehenge I', Mixed media collage on canvas. 12" x 6" $325

'Giverny Dreams' Acrylic on paper 11"x 14" $250

'Yosemite Valley, Winter.' Mixed media collage, mounted on canvas. 18" x 14"$630

'Madikwe Majesty', Mixed media collage on canvas, 16 x 20" , floater frame. $900

"Highland Lakes". Mixed media collage. mounted on wood cradle 20"x 10" $700

'Spring Storms', Chalk Hill' Mixed media collage on canvas. 9" x 12" $370

Travel and exploration are favorite activities and a source of artistic inspiration for the artist.   With travel now on hold, take a seat and join us for some armchair traveling as the artist revisits places with memories, sparking dreams of days when we are all free to roam the earth again.  Explore numerous favorites including Yosemite, Carolyn’s homeland, England, France and African safari adventures.
A lover of textures, Carolyn specializes in creating collage that has a rich tactile surface, with partially hidden layers that create a sense of mystery and history.  Her surfaces emerge using watermedia, such as watercolor and acrylic ink, on rice paper.  She is happiest when surrounded by a mountain of hand colored papers, with glue and brush in hand.
“Communicating more than what is visible on the surface, my collages begin life in an abstract way, then grow into something more recognizable.  Using ephemera, such as maps, printed words, letters and postage stamps collected on my travels, my art is literally embedded with my life story.  You often need to step up and take a close look to discover these hidden surprises,” said Wilson.
Wilson has participated In Sonoma County Art Trails Open Studios since 2014.  Paintings by the artist have been published in two books: “The Encyclopedia of Watercolor Techniques,” by Hazel Harrison (UK, 2018) and the “New Encyclopedia of Watercolor Techniques,” by Hazel Harrison (USA, 2010).
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The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Drawn to Animals a collection of drawings by Laura Roney that capture her bond with our animal friends.  Animals have always been a part of the artist’s life.  “Having them around makes life complete and us happier,” noted Roney.  Believing every animal has a personality, Roney looks to capture that unique quality in creating their portraits.  These drawings are so captivating, they can’t help but lift our spirits.

Previous Show:
Featured Artist: Marsha Connell
Connected By Water

Marsha Connell “Tomales Bay Estuary,” Oil $2500

EXHIBIT DATES:  
September 28 – October 25, 2020
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Sonoma County artist, Marsha Connell, presents Connected by Water, plein air paintings in oil and watercolor, both large scale and intimate, depicting water encountered and observed in some of its many forms and settings. On a deeper level, this exhibit is charged by the artist’s passion for saving the environment, calling on the viewer to experience how water’s surface beauty and reflections, and shapeshifting inner rhythms, transfixes us; and then to follow it, to see how water, and water cycles, connect us all: human to human, whether across town, continent, or seas. What happens on our shores affects those near and far.  “I believe art can open hearts to care about water, the source of life, and increase our focus on protecting and watersheds, wetlands, oceans, and open space preserves and parks” stated Connell. These paintings through their expressive bold brushstrokes and masterful cool toned palettes, invite the viewer to enter their world and find healing for water and for the self.
A longtime resident of Sonoma County, Connell’s art journey began as a child, drawing with her grandfather, Samuel Riss, farmer and watercolor artist, in upstate New York. Connell taught art at Santa Rosa Junior College for many years. She earned fine art degrees from Skidmore College and San Francisco State University. Her works have been exhibited regionally and internationally and are in private, corporate and healthcare collections.

Address: 306 Center Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
The gallery is located  inside Levin and Co. bookstore, on the mezzanine level. Walk to the back of the bookstore and go up one flight of stairs. 

Phone: (707)431-4214
Hours: 11-3 Daily 11-6 Saturday and Sunday
email: uag306center@gmail.com

Islands Appear Oil 36 x 36 $3,350

Lagoon Shallows Oil 30 x 30” $2,500

Headlands, 6 30x30" Oil $2,500

Headlands, 1 30x30” Oil $2500

Above Carmel's Green Sea Oil 12 x 24 $925

Anne's Birthday - Schoolhouse Beach Oil 24x30 $975

Sculpted by the Tides Oil 15x30 $1200

Coastal Beat-Sea Ranch Oil 36 x 24” $2500

Creek at Bowling Ball Beach SOLD

North Coast in Pink Light Oil 20 x 24 $950

Marsha Connell From a Canoe Oil 12x12 $475

Mystery's End Oil 18x24” $950

Haystack Pond, 2 Oil 20x16 $950

Lagoon-Tide Receding Oil 12x16” $675

***What is your favorite painting from this show?
​Complete this form by October 25th to enter free drawing for a print by Marsha Connell***
​https://form.jotform.com/202866263057054

Small Works Show:

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Sense of Sonoma, a collection of small acrylic paintings by Beverly Bird that capture scenes depicting the beauty and character of our amazing corner of the planet.    Through their colorful textural passages, these works take the viewer on an exciting tour from the coast to the forest to the vineyards.

For further information: Contact: Beverly Bird at bvdrio@sonic.net or 707-799-1490.

“Duncans Landing,” Acrylic

“Goat Rock,” acrylic, 8” x 8” , $150

“Afternoon on the Russian River,” Acrylic, 8” x 8”, $150

“Fitch Mountain,” acrylic, 8” x 8”, $150

Previous Show: ​

Featured Artist: Karen A. Miller

Composed for Solace

"Ripple Study", 12" x 12" pastel, $700

“South Bank in Shadow” 9” x 9” pastel, $400

                                                        Exhibit Dates:  August 31- September 27, 2020

​SEPTEMBER EXHIBIT: Composed for Solace
EXHIBIT DATES – August 31 – September 27, 2020
Local artist Karen A. Miller presents Composed for Solace, a collection that highlights pastel paintings created during the current pandemic and centering on subject matter from (necessarily) close to home. Earlier in the year, she began exploring post-Kincaid Fire landscapes but in March, as we all had to do, she switched gears. Every crisis changes our focus. This artist’s reaction was to look for what gives us solace, becoming more introspective and reflective - appreciating anew our most familiar surroundings. While most of her prior work was local landscapes, this newer work expands to include more interiors and figures.  Miller takes the viewer on “old” paths that take on new meaning in these pastel paintings.  “I like finding new delights in common everyday surroundings and translating them to a visual format.  I guess one might say, a silver lining to SIP,” commented Miller.
Karen Miller has shown her work in numerous juried shows, in many Sonoma County venues as well as online. She exhibited in the prestigious Pastel Society of the West Coast and earned Signature Member status after only three years of submitting work.

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“Lemon Tree in March” 8 ½” x 9” pastel, $400

"New Year's Hike: after the fire" 12"x 9" pastel, $500

Farm on Magnolia Loop, 8” x 16” $600

Wet Feet, 7” x 12”. $400

Alexander Valley Floodwaters, 11.5” x 11.5”. $500

Toyon Drive: after the fire, 12” x 9”. $500

 Smallworks Showcase:  Ron Sumner

Reflections of Myself

"At Least I Have Oranges". 12" x 12" pastel, $800

"Chard Amongst the Roses" 16" x 12" pastel, $900

Cat in a Quandary, 7” x 11”, $500

View from the Olive Orchard, 9” x 12”. $300

Redbud on Geysers Road, 12” x 9” $325

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Reflections of Myself by Ron Sumner, a collection of watercolor paintings that show the artist’s deep appreciation for nature, especially wildlife.  Viewers are drawn to these paintings through the artist’s masterful use of the medium, spontaneous washes with just enough detail to give life to the subjects.

Mother and Cub, Watercolor, framed and matted size:12" X 16" price: $225.

Cows, Watercolor, framed and matted size: 15: X 18" price$ 225.

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Previous Show: 

Featured Artist: Linda Barretta

Suspended Memories

"Wolf Moon"

Exhibit Dates:  July 26 – August 30, 2020

Local artist, Linda Barretta, presents Suspended Memories, a collection of recent oil paintings that capture the landscape’s ever-changing light.  Seizing in paint the unique lighting on location is her most important tool – creating a memory that the carries through in her studio work.  “I love to weave the vibrant colors and textures to create an artistic experience that takes the viewer to that special time and place,” said Barretta.  Whether painted at the edge of a field or later tapping her memory, her masterful sense of color takes your breath away with its magical vibrancy.  Key works showing the artist’s color mastery are featured in the exhibit: “Wolf Moon,” a nocturn of the Russian River and “Magic Hour,” a lavender field melting into dusk.
A Sonoma County artist, Barretta lives and works in Healdsburg.  Known for her vibrant use of color, she developed her impressionist style and skills through numerous hours of plein air painting and studying with master artists.  Her works are exhibited throughout the country.

"Sunset Hour"

 Smallworks Showcase:  Willow LaLand-Yielding

Flights of Fancy

"Phoenix"

The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Flights of Fancy by Willow LaLand-Yeilding, a collection of works on paper that explores the range of emotion and depth achieved in the simplicity of line, shadow and composition.  In these works, the blank paper as negative space is as important as the positive design elements themselves.  “I enjoy the freedom that comes with the medium and exploring the honesty of form and contrast,” said the artist.

Previous Show:

​Featured Artist: Victoria A. Kochergin

Showcasing Nature's Beauty

"Daphne"

Exhibit Dates: June 29th— July 26th, 2020

​Local artist, Victoria A. Kochergin, presents Showcasing Nature’s Beauty, a collection of colored pencil botanicals, detailing the beauty found year-round.  Kochergin is inspired as each season showcases Nature’s beauty: from spring’s emergence of dormant bulbs, summer’s array of fruits, autumn’s orange, yellow and burgundy leaves, to winter’s white flowers.  “It is this seasonal beauty I strive to capture in detail and bring to the viewer’s attention,” said the artist.  These pieces are revelatory in their amazing translucent coloring and detail.  Achieved through hours and weeks of work layering colors, each piece is a unique pearl drawn from Nature.  “I believe every botanical in Nature deserves its spotlight, “ noted Kochergin.  These works truly inspire awe with the complexity and magnificence in Nature.
Kochergin’s artwork has been exhibited in Alcatraz, local and international shows, Art Trails and Art at the Source.  She received a BA in Fine Arts and English from UC Berkeley.  Working in various mediums during her career, she now concentrates on colored pencil.   She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and the Northern Society of Botanical Artists and teaches classes in the medium.  A portion of Kochergin’s sales from this exhibit will be donated to SNAP Cats, a local cat rescue. 

"A New Day"

"Trifoliate Orange"

Smallworks Showcase: Cynthia Sumner

Between Chaos and Calm

"Bloodlines"

"Asergent"

​The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Between Chaos and Calm, a collection of small abstract paintings by Cynthia Sumner.  Her work is emotionally derivative and process driven.  “Frequently, I tap into state of mind or some emotional content I want to explore first.  Then I apply paint or mixed media in layers adding texture and random mark-making, before scraping back and repeating the process, until interesting elements spark my imagination, “stated the artist.    From this creative energy emerge beautiful works that are a perfect trifecta of texture, color and composition. A graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, Sumner was an art educator in the Bay Area and New Orleans.

"Tempered Storm"

Previous Show:

Featured Artist: Donna Schaffer

Wine Country Winter​

"Foggy Vineyard Vista" Donna Schaffer

Exhibit Dates: March 1st — March 28th, 2020

Reception: Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 6 – 8 pm: Meet the artists and celebrate this show.  Refreshments will be served. 

​Local artist, Donna Schaffer, presents Wine Country Winter, a collection of paintings that express the special beauty that Sonoma wine country takes on in its winter phase.  Painted in oil, these works depict the swaths of fog that grace the region’s valleys like misty veils.   As the sky takes on a leading role during the winter season, color pops up in the form of stunning red-orange sunsets and sunrises.  Responding to a sense of mystery, the viewer is seduced by the quiet peacefullness of the foggy scenes.  “I’ve lived in Sonoma County twenty-five years and our “neighborhood” is gorgeous all year round and I want to share that beauty,” said Schaffer.
Art has been a main thread throughout Schaffer’s life.   It wove through her advertising and photojournalism experience and culminated when she landed in Sonoma wine country.  “How could I not be a painter,” noted Schaffer, as she contemplated the area’s jaw-dropping natural beauty.  Schaffer has been a member of the Upstairs Art Gallery for seventeen years and exhibited throughout the region, including five years as an Art Trails artist.

​Small Works Showcase: Phyllis Rapp

"Goldfish" Phyllis Rapp

​The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Short Stories by Phyllis Rapp, a collection of small mixed media paintings depicting a range of subjects, from garden flowers to exotic animals and fish.  Rapp’s magic brush brings excitement to each piece by the creative mix of amazing acrylic pours, color washes and intricate patterns. 

Previous Show:

Embracing Beauty

"Wood Sorrel" Donna Schaffer

"World's Beauty" Phyllis Rapp

Exhibit Dates:  – January 27 – February 23, 2020

Reception: Saturday, February 15, 2 to 5 pm: Meet the artists and celebrate this beautiful show.  Refreshments will be served.

​Upstairs Art Gallery artists Susan Greer, Willow LaLand, Gail Morgan, Phyllis Rapp, Donna Schaffer, Cynthia Sumner, Ron Sumner, and Carolyn Wilson pool their artistic talents to present “Embracing Beauty,” an exhibit expressing multi-faceted interpretations of beauty.  The viewer is taken to a garden of delights as each artist presents his or her take on the theme – the potpourri of colors, flowers, subjects is an uplifting harbinger of spring.  Carolyn Wilson’s offering, “Judy’s Sunflower” is lively and cheerful. “I think sunflowers are beauty personified; they capture the sunny energy and warmth of summer days, a reminder of bright times ahead,” said Wilson.  Gail Morgan strikes a bright note with “Jazz,” an abstract monoprint interpreting the beauty of the music.  Filled with roses, Phyllis Rapp’s painting was inspired by a Toni Morrison quote: “At some point in life, the world’s beauty becomes enough.”  This exhibit brings the world’s beauty – Sonoma style – into clear focus.

"Judy's Sunflower" Carolyn Wilson

"Jazz" Gail Morgan

Small Works Showcase: Marsha Connell

"Koi Pond" Marsha Connell

​The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Ebb and Flow by Marsha Connell.  Rendered in oil, pastel and watercolors, this collection is imbued with the movement and flow inspiring the artist as she works direct from life.  “it’s all about the dynamic of being in the moment and a selective process that gives plein air works that special fluid quality,” remarked Connell.  Drawing on her background as a dancer, her paintings have a spontaneous quality that invites the viewer to join the dance and complete the vision.  

Previous Show:

Featured Artist: Laura Roney

The Golden Hour

Laura Roney "The Long Run"

​Exhibit Dates:  December 30, 2019 – January 25, 2020

​Reception: Saturday, January 18, 2020, 2 pm to 5 pm: please join artists Laura Roney and John Sumner to celebrate the show; refreshments will be served.

​Laura Roney presents The Golden Hour, a collection of oil paintings that depict the landscape when the light is fleeting.  These works transport the viewer to that unique and magical time of day when the sun is near the horizon.   “How the changing light transforms the landscape is mesmerizing and truly inspires my work, “ said Roney.  Primarily showing scenes of Sonoma County and wine country, these paintings are so compelling, they create their own golden glow.
A wine-country artist, Roney has been in love with art her entire life.  She started studying at an early age and kept it up whatever avenue she was pursuing.  After a successful career in microbiology and pharmaceutical research, a family move to Northern California enabled Roney to focus on her art.  She recently received her MFA from the Academy of Art University. 

Small Works Showcase: John Sumner

John Sumner "The Cat"

​​The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Speaking Cat and Dog by guest artist John Sumner.  Sumner uses creative textures and vibrant colors to capture the character and antics of our four-legged friends.  Living with many cats, painting them became second nature to the artist.   Always fun, Sumner’s work runs the gamut of realistic to interpretive.

Previous Show:

A Humane Holiday: In Collaboration with the Humane Society of Sonoma County

"Basset Puppy Ho Ho Ho" Laura Roney

Exhibit Dates:    November 17 – December 29, 2019

Open House: All Day Saturday, December 7, 9 am to 8 pm:
Join gallery artists and Humane Society volunteers to celebrate our furry friends with captivating art and surprise events throughout the day, such as a Puppy Kissing Booth.  Holiday goodies will fuel the festivities    A special wine offering, Windsor Vineyards label will cheer us on.  Twenty percent of all sales during the day of the Open House will be donated to the Humane Society.

A “Humane Holiday,” a 5 week long exhibit featuring  pet-inspired art work, is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Sonoma County.  The window art works by Laura Roney, Karen Miller, Willow LaLand , Andrea Cleall, Cynthia Jackson-Hein, Linda Barretta and Beverly Bird capture expressions and actions of their favorite pets .  Rounding out the window display is Jo Tobin-Charleston’s cat-inspired jewelry.  And you can commission a portrait of your pet and help out the Humane Society at the same time -  for anyone who commissions a pet portrait before December 29, the Gallery will donate 20% of the sale to the Humane Society. The Gallery will also be accepting monetary donations for the Humane Society for the duration of the holiday season.
“After a year of fires and floods, it feels so uplifting to be ending the year on a high note - our four-legged friends never fail us”, said Beverly Bird.

"Cat in a Quandry" Karen Miller

"Bovine Beauty" Cynthia Jackson-Hein

"Mr. Tipper" Beverly Bird

"Naughty Kitty" Andrea Cleall

Small Works Showcase: 

The Stairway Showcase  features works by our local artisans such as Nancy Winn's  new  whimsical paper mache animal creations, and Melissa McCann's fused glass holiday items, jewelry and fine art pieces. This is all in addition to our regular array of  Artisan ceramics. photos, whimsical metal sculpture, fused glass pieces which offer a wide variety of  gift choices for the holiday season. 

Previous Show:

Featured Artist: Susan Greer

​Conversations with Nature

"Preston Point" Susan Greer

Exhibit Dates: September 30th - October 27th, 2019 + extended to November 17th (while we recover from fire evacuations and get our lives back to normal)

Artists Reception: 
Saturday, October 12th, 2019, 2pm - 5pm

Please join artists, Susan Greer and Karen Miller to celebrate the show - enjoy bites and samples from Revive Kombucha, a local craft brewery.

Susan Greer presents Conversations with Nature, a collection of minimalist landscape paintings that capture the rhythmic quality of the natural world.  Simplified elegant forms embody a serene sensitivity that is soulful and honest.  “I paint what I feel and let the viewer fill in the details.  As Edward Hopper said, ‘If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.’ ,” noted Greer.  Viewing this collection, one is transported to a calm, peaceful corner of the world.
​
Growing up in the North Bay, Greer developed sensitivity for native rolling hills and wetlands as she roamed open spaces in Sonoma and Marin.  She has degrees from UC Santa Cruz and San Francisco S U and worked with George Lucas and Apple Computer.  She rounded out her studies with mentors, including Wolf Kahn, Daniel Keys and Ken Auster.

"A Green Afternoon" Susan Greer

Small Works Showcase: Karen Miller

"Manzanita" Karen Miller

​The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features “Quiet Places: Sonoma County in Pastels” by Karen A. Miller.  This collection explores the quiet beauty found year round in our gorgeous county.  A tranquil take on the world, Miller’s works reflect the contemplative act of creating art and the mood of her subjects.  A signature member of the prestigious Pastel Society of the West Coast, Miller’s work has been selected for a number of juried exhibits.

"Rainy Day" Karen Miller