Gallery Spotlight: Trinidad Art Gallery

frames, and jewelry by Jennifer Pierce, and elegant blown glass tumblers, goblets and vases by Matthew Gagliardi. Patricia Sundgren Smith works in a variety of materials, including linocuts and original pencil drawings, as does Doniveve who makes multimedia masks as well as felt creations. Oceana Madrone makes intricate beadwork and fabric art, and sometimes a combination of the two. John Wesa shares serigraphs of local nature, each an individual work of art even while printing multiples.

Trinidad Art Gallery is a local artist cooperative boasting some of Humboldt County’s finest artwork and high quality wares. This past year marked the 10th Anniversary of this gem of a gallery.

Local artists created this symbiotic business in 2012. Converted from a former residence, tourists and locals alike will discover unique treasures inside the historic Riecke House, built in 1900. Upon entering the building, guests often comment on the original wide, wooden floorboards, a reminder that it is one of only five structures in Trinidad still standing from the turn-of-the-century.

Visitors will find paintings, woodwork, fabric art, jewelry, glass, beadwork, ceramics, and more. Much of the art showcases the gorgeous flora and fauna of the North Coast, allowing patrons to take home a sampling of the area’s natural beauty.

For example, wood-turned bowls by Tom Kingshill and cutting boards by Kurt Hellmich highlight the monumental trees surrounding Trinidad. Paintings by Amanita Mollier, Annie Reid, and Howdy Emerson each uniquely create images of beachscapes, forest flora, and other captivating scenery. Mara Friedman’s paintings celebrate the grace of sacred feminine subjects, while photographers Alan Liles and Jim Lowry capture scenes from local beaches, forests, and dunes or their worldly travels.

Glass is represented in three forms: enchanting stained glass windows, suncatchers, and boxes by Colleen Clifford, bold and beautiful mosaic hangings,

Bringing delight and whimsy to the gallery are Eleanor Seeley, with Woollies in the form of owls, pigs, frogs and woodland folk, and Diane Sonderegger with her ceramic banana slugs, egg-laying birds, bunnies and more. Music may be purchased in the form of CDs, with folksy tunes by JD Jeffries or harp and bagpipes by Howdy Emerson. Drew Forsell carries his line of exquisite silver and gemstone earrings, bracelets, and pendants. The gallery shares the distinctive ceramic styles, both functional and decorative, of Elaine Y Shore and Loryn White. Sarah Magnuson displays an assortment of fairies, dragonflies, and other animals made from copper and adorned with cyrstals, glass vessels, or air plants. And Patty Demant uses local botanicals to print onto natural fabrics with incredibly detailed, colorful results.

Overlooking the rocky shores of Trinidad, the artist members keep the gallery in order by welcoming customers on a daily basis and performing various responsibilities. Members bring not only their talented artwork, but also maintain the historic building and charming gardens, publicize and host monthly events, or keep the finances in order. This truly cooperative approach gives everyone a voice in the business and provides an atmosphere curated by the hearts of artists. Reflected by the now 10 years in service of selling beautiful artwork, Trinidad Art Gallery has been generously supported by the community of customers, from Humboldt County residents to visitors from afar.

Trinidad Art Gallery begins shorter Winter Hours in January, open daily 11 am through 4 pm. Normal hours return in Spring. Visit or call any day to find a member artist on duty, happy to discuss the gallery and the wonderful artwork displayed inside.