June 2026 News
“We All Belong”
Art Center Ukiah
sponsored by Rykken Scull Fund
of the Community Foundation of Sonoma County
and an anonymous local donor
Join us First Friday for the reception at the gallery
201 South State Street, Ukiah
June 5th, 5-8pm
Music by Charlie Seltzer with Bhavvy Ducharme
Ken Edwards
Ross Hollowell
guest artists in the Front Windows of Corner Gallery Ukiah
Karen Falconer
guest artist Mendocino County Art Association
Tom Winters
guest artist in the Corner Gallery
Claire James
guest artist in the Corner Gallery
Trinity Thurner
Corner Gallery Young Artist
And all the members of the Corner Gallery bring in new work each month.
Do consult our website, cornergalleryukiah.com
Art Center Ukiah, June 2026
“We All Belong”
sponsored by the Rykken Scull Fund and by an anonymous local donor
articles by Laura Fogg
The value and legality of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) is being challenged in many places across our country these days, and Art Center Ukiah (ACU) wants to celebrate art as a vehicle to express their conviction that ALL are welcome here in our Ukiah community. To further that commitment, ACU is partnering with Mendo Pride to increase publicity, awareness and attendance for both the May Pride parade and the June art show.
The art show at ACU will open on Friday, June 5, and shares the Pride parade’s theme of ‘We All Belong.’ The First Friday opening celebration will include live vocal and keyboard music by local legend Charlie Seltzer throughout the evening in the main gallery, in addition to a couple of very special songs by musician and actor Bhavvy Ducharme of Willits. “I’m looking forward to it,” says Bhavvy. “I love to sing, and I’ve been working on ‘I Am What I Am’ from the musical ‘La Cage aux Folles.’ Especially this year that song seems like a very important one to sing.”
A custom centerpiece by renowned local floral artist Wil Gonzales will be featured in the gallery. Wil is keeping mum as to whether or not he will include the spectacular rainbow roses that were a standout last year. “That depends,” he says, “on whether they will go with whatever theme I choose for this year.”
Local artists were encouraged to create original work for the ACU show to address the questions, “How are you or people you know affected by discrimination? Are you accepted and included for who you are, or are there issues that need to be confronted? Can we do better? How can you represent your experience through your art?” ‘We All Belong’ will address the importance of recognizing and honoring a range of backgrounds and experiences, ensuring fair treatment for all, fostering a sense of welcoming and belonging for all, and providing equitable access to opportunities and resources.
The ‘We All Belong’ art show is generously sponsored by a grant from the Rykken-Scoll Fund of the Community Foundation of Sonoma County and by an anonymous local donor
The First Friday opening celebration for all of these shows will be on June 5th from 5-8pm. The Corner Gallery and Art Center Ukiah are located at 201 S State Street in Ukiah.
Corner Gallery Front Windows, June 2026
Ken Edwards, abstract paintings
Ross Hollowell, sculptures and assemblages
Ken Edwards and Ross Hollowell will each occupy a side of the Corner Gallery’s front windows in June. Edwards will feature two-dimensional work in north side of the front windows, with a collection of abstract acrylic paintings on board. Hollowell, showing his work in a gallery for the first time ever, creates whimsical manzanita sculptures and assemblages from locally found materials. He will occupy the south window.
Mendocino County Art Association Guest Artist Karen Falconer, painter
Recent Front Window exhibitor, this time Karen joins us on the MCAA wall. A Southern California girl who grew up by the beautiful beaches, she enjoys painting these landscapes. She has also become a teacher of painting.
Corner Gallery Guest Artist Tom Winters, photographer
Former member of the Corner Gallery, Tom Winters has seized the opportunity to show his photographs once again on our red wall. We’re all pleased to have him join us this month. He is also a regular supporter of the Corner Gallery.
Corner Gallery Guest Artist Claire James, painter
Retired psychologist, specializing in trauma, Claire chose painting as a way to tell the many stories she has heard in her life. “As you view my art, this is what you see. Me grappling with the meaning of trauma. The gratitude of people daring enough to want transformation. And the journey to put this into visible form.”.
Corner Gallery Young Artist Trinity Thurner
June 2026-July 2026
The Corner Gallery’s Young Artist Wall will be occupied by Mendocino College student Trinity Thurner with her newest prints and oil paintings. A returning artist to this featured wall, Trinity has continued expanding her skills with both oil paint and printing. “I started making art to busy myself as a child,” Trinity explains. “And I just really enjoyed the process of making the image in my mind come to life. My inspirations come from favorite films, surrealist painters, nature and abandoned areas.” Come see how this eclectic mix comes together on Trinity’s wall.
We’d love to have you sponsor an exhibit
July 2026 Standing Strong – July 4th of this year will be the 250th anniversary of United States as a nation. What does that mean to you?
sponsored by Norman and Karen Rosen
August 2026 Portals – Windows, doors and gates are the physical portals through which we enter another space or realm.
September 2026 Iconic Mendocino County – Mendocino County is known world-wide for its iconic views of the ocean, its majestic redwoods and its scrappy little towns….
October 2026 Texture – Texture can be an end unto itself, or an aspect of a work that embraces multiple mediums and any variety of subject matter.
November 2026 Quick Draw – Quick Draw is by invitation only. Participating artists set up their easels on First Friday and draw live models throughout the evening.
December 2026 Gifts of Art – Join the local artists who create special works for holiday giving.
Any ideas for future exhibits you’d like to offer? Tell us at acuentries@yahoo.com.
For information and entry forms write acuentries@yahoo.comor find them in the gallery. Mid-month we send a special email for artists with details and entry forms. Please make sure that we have your email and specify that you are an artist.
We’d love to hear what you think of our newsletter, please write acuentries@yahoo.com
