Art Center Ukiah, October 2026 “Textures”
articles by Laura Fogg
Texture can be an end unto itself, or an aspect of a work that embraces multiple mediums and any variety of subject matter. Jill Schmuckley, the organizer of the October ‘Texture’ show at Art Center Ukiah says, “We feel texture in our hands, our feet and even in our mouths when when we eat foods. I am especially interested in the diversity of texture and its dual interpretations. Texture can either be tactile (3-dimensional) or implied (2-dimensional), where the manipulation of the surface creates the refraction of light that results in visual texture.”
Jill continues, “To be honest, I only decided to be in charge of this show because nobody else volunteered. The only shows I’ve ever been in charge of are the Chair Affairs that ACU has done in the past, and for that event I’m dealing with the artists… not the actual art that they make. I was really nervous at first… taking on something totally out of my comfort zone felt like a huge challenge. I had to define texture in my own mind so I could talk to artists about it and convince them to to enter. I even went to the dictionary to look up the definition of ‘texture’ so I could communicate about the art and sound intelligent.”
Jill’s homework paid off. She explains, “Last April I found this great artwork that I knew would be perfect for the show, so I went and talked to the artist. She said she would enter it. I’ve had the same response from many other artists, so I feel more confident stepping out of my box. I’m happy to be learning to communicate with artists about their art.”
Jill expects that this theme might call most loudly to the non-objective and abstract artists out there, but also hopes to include art that is representational. She expects to see work in a wide variety of mediums; such as encaustic, weaving, ceramics or felting… or even paint that is applied with a palette knife or thickly with a brush. “The possibilities are endless,” she says.
In conjunction with the ‘Texture’ theme, Pomo weaver and educator Corine Pearce will offer a basket weaving workshop at ACU on Sunday October 11 from 11am-4pm. The technique will be twine weaving, which is easy and fun for beginners to learn. Each participant will create a small basket from materials provided. The fee for the workshop is $15 (cash or check only), and interested people can sign up and pre-pay at the Corner Gallery, located at 201 S State St in Ukiah.
The First Friday opening celebration for all of these new shows will be on October 2 from 5-8pm. Live guitar music will be presented throughout the evening by Chris Gibson. Art Center Ukiah and the Corner Gallery are located at 201 S State Street in Ukiah.
Corner Gallery Front Windows, September 2026 “80 Revolutions Around the Sun”
The Corner Gallery’s front windows will feature local painter Polly Palecek. Polly is proudly turning 80 in October, and has entitled her show ‘Eighty Revolutions around the Sun.’ “I’m feeling old, fat and tired,” she says with a laugh… “and you can quote me on that.” In spite of moving into yet another decade, Polly has new paintings to show, three of which won first prizes at the Redwood Empire Fair.
Polly continues, “I made it this far, which is worth celebrating. We’re have cake and ice cream for my big day and this show will be the rest of my party. My entire family is coming to Ukiah to help me celebrate, and they’ll be here for the opening. We are looking forward to having the rest of the community join us at the gallery to help us celebrate!!!
Mendocino County Art Association Guest Artist Katie Gibbs, Sculptor
Katie Gibbs is one of the founding members of Art Center Ukiah and the Corner Gallery. She works in steel, cutting it into shapes, most often found in the world of nature. One series of interesting creatures are found in the sea, and here she present some abstractions of their shapes. Katie is known for her trees, the oaks and redwoods that surround us. Don’t miss her mural of trees in the lobby of the main branch of the Savings Bank.
Corner Gallery Guest Artists: Gary Wallaert, Woodworking; Karen Wallaert, Painting
I have always been interested in handmade wooden objects. After teaching High School Math for over 30 years I taught a woodturning class at Potter Valley High School for 5 years until last year. I still teach woodturning in my home studio. I create mostly bowls of different sizes but also vases, plates, rolling pins, mushrooms, ornaments, and special orders. And Karen’s paintings compliment her husband’s work in this corner of the gallery.
Corner Gallery Young Artist Daniel Montoya, Photographer – October 2026 – November 2026
High school senior Daniel Montoya will be opening his new show on the Young Artist wall in October. Asked what got him interested in photography, he explains, ‘I was accidentally placed in a freshman Spanish class that I didn’t need, so I randomly switched to photography, which was one of the electives that was still available once school had already started. I had never done any photography before high school, and it’s a passion now.”
Lech Slocinski, the photography teacher at Ukiahi, immediately recognized that Daniel has a great eye for composition and raw storytelling. Daniel elaborates, “I visualize all the moments in my life as a story. Being honestly who you are is the real story, and visualizing all the moments that go through my head has become my passion. I think the earth has taken a shift where people are colorless, and I want to use my art to bring the color back.”
One of the moments that defines Daniel’s personal story is the memory of his family being rescued by the Red Cross when the big floods happened in Hopland. “My family actually has photos of that event, and that story has become part of who I am,” he says. “Seeing those photos inspires me to continue with photography. I hope to continue to work with Lech after high school and publish a book of my work.”
Art Center Ukiah, your Community Gallery announces upcoming exhibits. We’d love to have you sponsor an exhibit.
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 – Start with Art – Join the local artists who create special works for holiday giving.
January 2027 – Shadows – what do shadows evoke for you?
February 2027 – Wings – where goes this “flight of fantasy?”
March 2027 – Humans of Ukiah – celebrate those individuals around us
April 2027 – Imagine – let your imagination fly
May 2027 – Ukiah High School Annual Photography Exhibit
June 2027 – The Chair Affair – We’re looking for to create art chairs.
Any ideas for future exhibits you’d like to offer? Tell us at acuentries@yahoo.com.
Art Center Ukiah
201 S State St
Ukiah CA 95482 US
