The First People of Capitola, By Deborah Osterberg

FEATURED COLUMNIST

The First People of Capitola

By Deborah Osterberg

The new Capitola Historical Museum exhibition, “Perspectives – Capitola in the Eye of the Beholder” explores an array of perspectives of Capitola through both the art and words of its beholders, past and present. In addition to artwork drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition will include a new painting. On Saturday, April 2, from noon to 2 p.m.) the museum will host a public reception to unveil a painting by local artist, Ann Thiermann, which depicts Indigenous people gathering sea life along what we know today as Capitola Beach and Lagoon.

This is my 5th major research project on the aspect of Native American culture in

California. I worked to carefully depict each aspect of fishing practiced by local Native

American tribes who lived in Capitola before contact with the Spaniards.

The painting entitled, “The First People of Capitola Fishing & Foraging at the Beach and Lagoon,” commissioned by the City of Capitola, will be displayed as part of the 2022 exhibition. The CapitolaSoquel area is the ancestral homeland of

Aptos artist Ann Thiermann works on her mural for Capitola.

the Aptos, Cajastaca, and Uypi people. The Capitola Historical Museum will continue to include Indigenous history and stories, past and present, in all of its future annual exhibitions.

A perpetual student and teacher, Ms.Thiermann’s work reflects her classical training, including a BA and MFA in painting and drawing, and three years classical figurative work at the Art Students’ League. An experienced college educator, Ann teaches fundamental skills in drawing and pastel through Cabrillo and Cabrillo Extension. Ms. Thiermann also offers workshops in the Southwest and abroad. I love painting on location for the chance to hear and smell nature and watch the subtle changes in the light. Stretching a light effect across my landscape paintings gives me the same joy I feel when I craft musical phrases on the organ or piano. As a classical pianist/ organist, currently at Messiah Lutheran and St. John’s of Aptos, I also strive to engage the viewer with the flow of color and line, akin to musical expression.

Nationally known for her Native American murals, Ms. Thiermann has created five major murals for libraries, museums, and California State Parks plus over 70 natural history murals throughout Northern California in both private and public venues. She creates landscapes and figurative work that portray a vitality, historical vision, and sense of place.

“First People” page 14

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