North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman - August 2018
Summer is slipping by soooo fast, as it always does. I hope you are all enjoying each and every day finding time to just laze around. Creating summertime fun, tending to the house, the garden, packing for trips, visits from family and friends, concerts, beach time, art shows, river time, summer camps, festivals that are favorites – how does one fit it all in and also relax!!
Just the quiet of the redwoods or the noise of the waves breaking. Now we call it ‘unplugging’. Lazing around without the ‘to do list’ and ‘not plugged in’ is essential. It will change your day. How about spreading a little joy, a little love, a smile, small talk…you that might need a little reason to slow down?
Relaxing and slowing down at the local coffee shops is always a treat. And you never know who you are going to run into too for a friendly and warm chat. You can never just run in and get a cup of coffee as you will always end up in conversation with someone you haven’t seen for a while.
One such coffee and tea house is Whitecap Coffee and Tea owned by Amanda (affectionately known to me as Mandy) and Torry Olsen. I have known Mandy since she was born when we all lived our totally groovy times up in Annapolis. Now she and her husband Torry are running this wonderful successful business welcoming in locals and our visitors to the coast. I love everything about Mandy and all that she and Torry are doing with this bright and cheery place where you can get an excellent cup of coffee, fine teas, pastries, sandwiches. They are located in Anchor Bay with some great views of the ocean, art on the walls, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of room to find your corner space, or gather with friends. Congratulations Mandy and Torry for all your success.
ART on our MendoSonoma Coast has more galleries per capita than most towns in California. With some of the best artists, galleries, and exhibits what’s not to love about our artsy hometown vibe. Take a day and check off the list: Dolphin Gallery, Gualala Art Center, Spindrift, Studio 391, Dianne Neuman Gallery, Henley’s Art Gallery, Point Arena City Art, Point Arena Tile Works, Pop Up Gallery, and Sea Ranch Lodge to name a few. To actually see many of these artists in action visit the26th Annual Studio Discovery Tour 2018 hosted by the North Coast Artists’ Guild.
August 25 & 26, and Labor Day weekend, September 1-3. It’s free and self-guided to go at your own pace visiting beautiful coastal areas from Cazadero to Point Arena. The artists you meet along the way are happy to demonstrate the making of their art and share their unique vision. A free, full-color catalog and map will help you make the most of your tour which you can pick up at Discovery Gallery, Gualala Arts Center, the Dolphin Gallery, the Mendocino Art Center, Elk Artists Collective, Coast Highway Artists’ Collective and various local galleries and businesses along the way.
The 57th Annual Art in the Redwoods FestivalFine Arts Exhibit Opening reception is Thursday, August 16, 2018 thru Sunday, September 2, 2018. This is the largest exhibit of its kind in Northern California with over 300 art items entered. This is the grand opening with the special ‘Hats Off Dinner’ the same evening with fine dining and entertainment. For all the festivities during this wonderful event plus the ‘Call For Artists’, or to become a sponsor, please visit the website at gualalaarts.org/category/events/
There are many amazing people among us on our coast. My highlight this month is Peggy Berryhill who is the owner of KGUA 88.3 FM. Peggy is from the Muscogee Nation and one of the first women in Native Media sharing stories for over 45 years. She has over 15 recognition and achievement awards and continues her award-winning work right here in Gualala. There is so much to share but what inspires me most is her warmth and willingness to bring local stories to our community through her “Peggy’s Place” morning show. I love getting wowed by people’s life views and work.
Her quote on her webpage is a beautiful statement about Peggy “I love sharing the voices of Native People, the wisdom of the elders, the vibrancy of the youth, and the promise that we’ll still be here tomorrow. I am always comforted knowing that somewhere in the world there are indigenous people praying to ensure the survival of all of us”. Please give Peggy a hug and a big thank you when you see her in town. To read more about Peggy or to listen to the radio shows visitpeggyberryhill.com and kgua.org
