The theme of “shelter” probably speaks to many of us in light of last month’s drenching cold rains and flooded rivers. Shelter is one of our most basic human needs, but it can also be viewed from an artistic perspective.
Shelters range from rudimentary to fanciful, small to grand, mobile to permanent. Shelter can be a medium for people to express their rich artistic and cultural heritage, or it can be the most basic protection from the elements. It doesn’t matter where you are or at home. It can be a statement or a refuge. It can be a state of mind.
Art Center Ukiah’s show organizers posed a few questions to local artists. Where are you sheltered, what does it look like, how does it feel?” The responses that have come to us from artists across the county have started conversations about what shelter means to our communities. .
One of the special contributions to the show is a six foot diameter sculptural representation of a traditional California Indian style tulle hat. Created by Tonba/Chumash artist Monique Sonoky. He builds pre-colonial post-industrial sculptures from recycled/repurposed materials. Many California Indian communities lived in huts made of tulle he stock, willow branches, and willow bark ties, but Monique found Habitat He Four He Humanities in his restorer. I made the frame of the hut out of old tubes. Traditional tulle is replaced with Venetian blinds found at Craig’s List, thrift stores and his yard sales. The structure is held together by straw his bail ties given to Monique by Navajo elders in Flagstaff, Arizona, zip ties and/or screws donated from the restoration.
There will also be free workshops on the themes of the show. Katie Gibbs will lead participants in the creation of a wooden birdhouse on Wednesday, February 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Materials for the actual hive will be provided, but you will bring natural materials such as moss, dried leaves and flowers to decorate your creations. Also, bring a battery-operated drill if you want to screw instead of glue. If interested, please sign up for The Corner Her Gallery during business hours, call the gallery at 707-462-1400, or go online at acuentries@yahoo.com.
The show opens its first Friday, February 3rd from 5pm to 8pm. Live harp music is provided throughout the evening by Suni Smith. The Art Center Ukiah is located behind a corner gallery at 201 S. State St. He in Ukiah.
