Go to Pieces!
By Jay Gordon (Originally published in the Willits Nickel & Dime,)

There is a danger in going to art exhibit openings if you have a weakness for compelling art. I go armed with the knowledge that, unless it’s the size of a postage stamp, there is no room in my little cabin for new additions. That would deter any normal person. Ya think?

On Saturday, March 8, 2008 there was a festive opening of Pieces at One Earth! Clay and Glass Studio and Gallery near downtown Ukiah. Potter Valley Mosaic Artist and Arts Council member Elizabeth Raybee is well known to Willits art students. She was featured along with two other area artists, Laura Fogg (quilts) and Susan Hadley (collage). They were all on hand to greet visitors to the show, which will remain at the gallery through April 20, 2008. You won’t want to miss their award-winning contemporary artwork made from “pieces.”

I can resist big works of art -- unless I want to start layering them for a 3-D effect. My downfall was some wonderfully whimsical ceramics by local artists that were featured elsewhere in the gift shop. Gallery partner Gregg Lindsley gave me a tour of the sprawling behind-the-scenes workshop, where they have ongoing classes. In spite of the throngs of fascinated art lovers at the opening, he was graciously attentive to everyone with questions. I nearly walked past some drying oversized coffee mugs in the back. It helps to understand that I stop just short of taking lattes in a vein. Many friends are similarly addicted to caffeine. I ordered half a dozen on the spot and will pick them up when the glaze is finished drying this week.

You will enjoy the dramatic pieces offered by the three featured artists, but it would also be fun to prowl around the gallery more leisurely after enjoying their masterworks. Local artists are abundantly featured at Willits galleries and shops, but it’s encouraging to see them also reaching an audience that might not yet have discovered Willits. Let’s lure ‘em north!

The gift shop, located at 310 Mason St. in Ukiah, is open every day, noon to six pm. Their phone number is (707) 467-0200. Their website is: www.oneearthclay.com For more information about artists throughout Mendocino County and their work, go to the Arts Council of Mendocino County website: www.artsmendocino.org

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