Upcoming Events
GREAT ROOM AND CLASSROOM RENTALS
Call 707-459-1726 or email manager@willitscenterforthearts.org
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Willits Center for the Arts presents a Retrospective of Bonnie Belt’s Ceramic Work from the Past 40 Years and Paintings by Laura Diamondstone
Bonnie's work sells internationally. For the past 40 years, she has immersed herself in ceramics creating exquisite objects to delight and amaze people with her skill. A native of Needles California, she moved to Willits from the desert in 1994 for the trees and agreeable weather.
Bonnie tells us, “An artist must make the choice to be a professional or just have her art as an accompaniment to another life. Ceramic artist Bonnie Belt made the decision to become a professional artist in a purposeful and practical way. She found that her art had to be the focus in her journey through life and her connection to the natural world.” She will be displaying work from the past 40 years.
SF Bay Area native, Laura Diamondstone, etched with various destinations/environments and work settings, is now nestled in Anderson Valley tending to home, land, and animals. Laura tells us, “Grounded with belief in nature, research, inspired people, the arts, and giving back. All of which inform my creative process. My degrees are in health sciences but I have been a lifelong observer and maker of art. I’ve been immersed in numerous foundational classes and workshops from admired artists and participated in critique, collaborative, figure drawing, and reading groups. Basically, my “MFA” is in exploration and showing up at the studio.” Laura’s paintings sing with color and wait till you see her unbelievable work with Bubble wrap.
The show opens Friday, September 23, and you can meet the artists on Saturday, September 24th between 6 – 9 pm.
Meet the Artists Saturday, September 24th between 6 and 9 pm.
Willits Center for the Arts Gift Shop is featuring
Bahia Beads by Mona Bourell:
Hand Crocheted Beaded Jewelry, a Vintage Technique Revived
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Willits Arts Party
Everyone is invited to the Willits Arts Party, an all-ages celebration of the ARTS, on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10-5 at Recreation Grove in Willits.
The Willits Arts Party will showcase performance and visual arts. Attendees can browse art vendor booths and enjoy DJ's. bands, hula hooping, food trucks, dancing, live art demos and more!
For more information contact margi@mcn.org or call 707 813 4048
Or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WillitsArtsParty
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MONTHLY ART TALK
2nd Fridays 6:30 pm
Join us in person in the Great Room
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2022 Willits Summer Art Walks
This Summer, the Willits arts community will showcase the best of Willits! Our downtown is brimming with talented artists and creative activity. Plan to spend the evening exploring art, history, music, and dance. This event will be held on the fourth Saturday of each month from June through October between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00, June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24, and October 29. Grab a friend or your family and stroll the streets of Willits to discover local artists, new venues and eateries right here in our own backyard. See the flyer for the map and explore at your leisure.
The following venues will kick off the summer season:
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Willits Center for the Arts - 71 E. Commercial St. The WCA features monthly art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists. Come to the exhibit opening reception: , while mingling with the artists and enjoying refreshments.
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Mendocino County Museum - 400 E. Commercial St. A fun workshop to complement New Exhibit: Impressed: A Celebration of Printmaking for the upcoming Art Walk. Intro to Printmaking with Miss Rossi Basic Linocut $7.00 material fee 5:00-8:00 pm Call for reservations (707) 459-2736
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Willits Library - 390 E Commercial St.
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Mendocino College
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BACE - 101 N. Main St. (next to North Spur Brewery) This venue is one of Willits’ best kept secrets. The talented visionaries behind BACE bring a global perspective to our local art scene. A psychedelic art exhibit will mesmerize audiences of all ages. This unique venue will host Beat Sauna in the later evening hours. See https://www.instagram.com/bacevenue/ .
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Kemmy’s Pies - 299 E. Commercial St. Sip some wine and eat savory or sweet pie with a friend while viewing the latest crafts and art that adorn the walls of this community gem. While you are in the area, stop by the Willits Chamber of Commerce to discover events planned throughout the county.
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Scoops Frozen Yogurt & Deli - 110 N. Main St. Enjoy the “Sweet” taste of Scoops!
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Shanachie Pub - 50 S. Main St. Enjoy well curated brews while viewing the drawings of Artist and Educator Jazmine Moore. Spend the evening listening to local talent featured during Singer Songwriter night. Nothing like a cool drink in a chill atmosphere on a hot evening!
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Art on the Plaza - 99 S. Main St. This gallery has something for everyone. Rex Morgan’s metal art will be on display along with over 14 artisans from the community.
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RE Evolution - 15 W. Mendocino Ave. This wonderful space is always spectacularly curated. Merchandise changes regularly. Come by to see what is new. There will be a live musician in front of the gallery around 6:30pm onward!
(see map on this website)
Also be sure to check out the WCA's Online Gallery celebrating Mendocino Artists. 50 artists offer over 400 unique items for sale. There are some great gifts here to browse through.