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Artist Spotlight: Johanna St. Clair @little_sketch

Artist Spotlight: Johanna St. Clair @little_sketchy

“Michelle Yi Martin and Johanna St. Clair: Curious Gestures” is on view in the Main Gallery through July 6.

Johanna St. Clair is an artist based in San Francisco with a practice of painting outdoors to develop an intuitive visual language. She is represented by Gallery 16 @gallery16

Q: When or how did art come into your life?

A: After becoming a mother and starting a business (Mollusk Surf Shop) within a few months of each other, I let my art practice fall away for several years. Long enough to feel like it was behind me. But one day the printer Nat Swope left a box of blank business cards at the shop and for some reason, I put them in my car before driving downtown. While I sat at a stop light, I picked one up and drew the driver of the car next to me. Wow. Drawing. How fun! I did more stoplight sketches, cafe sketches, and travel sketches, all on tiny business cards. I felt like myself again. From there I started making drawings with sumi ink and brush. I took classes in Japanese Calligraphy at the Konko Church to better understand the medium. I didn’t have a studio so I went out early in the morning and worked plein air. I now work both plein air and in the studio. I rarely work on business cards these days but I really did enjoy my pocket-sized art practice. It’s just fun to make stuff! The challenge of starting something and seeing it through until it works is magic, no matter the scale.

Q: What inspires your creative practice?

A: I’m inspired by weedy overgrown areas where urban spaces give way to wild places. I have a few favorite spots in Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. I love them because the gardeners never visit, invasive species reign, and nobody clears the dead bits away. I have a travel studio that I set up for working within 200 feet of my car. And I have a hiking set-up for medium-large scale works so I can work from high up on trails. I like dense subjects that I need deep focus to find my way around in. And I like the urgency of working in a challenging environment. Cold, wind, bugs,… I like it when my subject has a mind of its own.

Captions in the comments.

Artist Spotlight: Michelle Yi Martin @m_yimartin

Artist Spotlight: Michelle Yi Martin @m_yimartin

“Michelle Yi Martin and Johanna St. Clair: Curious Gestures” is on view in the Main Gallery through July 6.

Michelle Yi Martin is a multi-disciplinary artist based in San Francisco. Her practice is rooted in the progressive traditions of the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College. Her work as an educator is rooted in this spirit as she weaves together history, literature, and the arts with her students.

Q. How does the Bay Area influence you as an artist?

A. I am moved by the people, skies, cityscapes, smells, trees, and animals of the Bay Area. I call this place my home, but even more importantly, my constant studio. If I look hard enough and with intention, there is art unfolding everywhere. I am just trying to articulate it in my practice.

Q. What impact do you hope your artwork will have on viewers?

A. I hope that my work cultivates further curiosity into the intelligence of materials. Whether it be cotton thread, monofilament, wool, or horsehair, there lies a history of its use and connection to humans. Whatever form my woven materials take, they take them because of our collaboration.

Michelle Yi Martin will also exhibit at @shoshanawayne in Los Angeles later this year.

Captions in the comments.

#Weaving #WeavingArt #MultidisciplinaryArt #BolinasMuseum #MichelleYiMartin

Thank you JUDY MOLYNEUX! We Will Miss You We were

Thank you JUDY MOLYNEUX! We Will Miss You

We were sad to hear about Judy Molyneux’s sudden passing in March. She has been a creative force in our community for over fifty years. Even after a debilitating stroke in January 2024, she remained engaged with art and the community. A celebrated and prolific artist, her paintings evolved through many styles over the decades. She also promoted and benefited hundreds of other artists, particularly through her Bolinas Gallery.

Judy earned a BFA and MFA from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her art has been shown in galleries and museums from New York to California, and held in museum collections. Judy moved to Bolinas in 1970 at a time of grassroots activism committed to preserving the natural environment from development and urbanization. It was also a time of immense creativity in the arts. Judy’s paintings of that era portrayed the people and landscapes around her. In 1980, she opened Bolinas Gallery in the space that is now the main room of the Bolinas Museum. Later she started The Bolinas Cooperative upstairs. Judy organized major exhibitions in San Francisco, including “The Bay Area Seen” featuring 100 artists. In 1988, she moved Bolinas Gallery to its present site in the historic barn. There, she exhibited her work and also rented the gallery to other artists to curate and present their own exhibitions. Judy also held fundraisers for locals in need, or to support international humanitarian causes. Over time, Judy’s art changed, growing more impressionistic as she captured Bolinas gatherings, with dancing figures on large canvases in saturated color. Gradually, her art became more abstract; scenes emerge from thickly textured paint full of motion, inviting audiences to discover new details with each viewing.

Dear Judy, we are grateful to have known you as an artist and friend. Thank you for your dedication to making and sharing art, and the support you gave to creatives. Our community sends love and appreciation to Judy’s life partner, Dale Polissar, and to the members of her family.

– Elia Haworth, Director of History and Permanent Collection

#judymolyneux #bolinasgallery

Image captions in the comments.

Please join us as we celebrate the opening of our

Please join us as we celebrate the opening of our upcoming exhibitions!

MAIN GALLERY
Michelle Yi Martin and Johanna St. Clair: Curious Gestures
Curated by Louisa Gloger and Noelle Hiam

COASTAL MARIN ARTISTS GALLERY
Van Waring: Fool’s Puzzle
Curated by Noelle Hiam

PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY
Terri Loewnthal: Mt. Tam
Curated by Noelle Hiam

Image Captions:

2. JOHANNA ST. CLAIR, Lattice, 2024, oil on Canvas, 40 x 30 inches, courtesy of Gallery 16.

3. JOHANNA ST. CLAIR, Nest, 2024, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches, courtesy of Gallery 16.

4. MICHELLE YI MARTIN, Closed Wings, 2024, metallic thread, monofilament, silk, wool, 54 x 23
inches, courtesy of the artist.

5. MICHELLE YI MARTIN, Two Adders, 2024, monofilament, paper, wool, 53 x 34 inches, courtesy of
the artist.

6. TERRI LOEWENTHAL, Steep Ravine Beach (Coast Miwok land), 2025, archival pigment print, 42 x
56 inches, courtesy of Alexandra Urman.

7. TERRI LOEWENTHAL, Marin Seashore (Coast Miwok land), 2025, archival pigment print, 40 x 30
inches, courtesy of the artist.

8. VAN WARING, Inside Seams, 2006, watercolor on fabric, 25 x 24 inches, courtesy of the artist.

9. VAN WARING, Patchworking, 2025, embroidery on cotton, 17 x 19 inches, courtesy of the artist.

Bolinas Museum is now on Bluesky! Find us [at]bo

Bolinas Museum is now on Bluesky!

Find us [at]bolinasmuseum.bsky.social / direct link in our Stories 🦋

Artist Spotlight: Arline Mathieu Bolinas-based ar

Artist Spotlight: Arline Mathieu

Bolinas-based artist Arline Mathieu brings her decades-long meditation practice into a methodical and reflective art process. She works in series, exploring a process or a subject for a period of time, often in parallel with life or world events. Mathieu’s background spans textile and design at the University of Rhode Island, painting at Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from the New School for Social Research.

“Arline Mathieu: When The Moon Sings” is on view in the Coastal Marin Artists Gallery through March 30th.

Q. What works of art inspire you or are you drawn to?

A. As an undergraduate student, I was drawn to Chinese landscape paintings and the philosophy behind them. Actually, my taste is very eclectic: the quiet, contemplative work of Agnes Martin, Robert Irwin, Giorgio Morandi, as well as the color and exuberance of Frank Stella’s protractor series or the strangeness of Forrest Bess’s paintings. In terms of current artists, I love Meghann Riepenhoff’s beautiful cyanotypes and admire her process, which includes working with natural phenomena—the ocean, rain, ice.

Q. Do you have rituals related to your creative process?

A. I don’t think of it as a ritual, but I do think it’s important to spend time in my studio just about every day. If things are going well, then I work on whatever painting or drawing I’m presently involved with. If I’m feeling “stuck” or want to start something new, I look at reproductions of art; at images of the microbial or astronomical worlds; or at clippings I’ve collected over time. I do like to listen to music while I’m working.

Q. How does coastal Marin influence you as an artist?

A. Sky; ocean; open fields—from these, the feeling of spaciousness and wonder I experience and feel gratitude for every day. Also, as the tides go in and out and the clouds and seasons change, I’m ever-mindful of the fleeting nature of all things of the universe.

Captions in the comments.

“Mary Daniel Hobson: Offerings” is on view in

“Mary Daniel Hobson: Offerings” is on view in the photography gallery through March 30.

Born in San Francisco, Mary Daniel Hobson has been pursuing photography for over thirty years. With training as an art historian and a graduate degree in Surrealism, Hobson was inspired to combine photography with mixed media. Whether building layered collages, creating intricate still lives, or bottling photographs in mineral oil, Hobson consistently explores layered experiences and inner geographies. Uniting all of her work is an embedded belief that artwork can convey the complexity of our psychological existence and help us make sense of and navigate an ever-shifting world.

Hobson’s work has been exhibited widely over the past three decades and resides in numerous collections, including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Albuquerque Museum, and the Datz Museum in South Korea. She received a BA in art history from Vassar College and an MA in the history of photography from the University of New Mexico. Her monograph, Offerings, was published in 2019 by Datz Press.

All works by Mary Daniel Hobson:

1. “The Question #5” (from the series Invocation), 2023, photography & mixed media collage

2. “Sanctuary #1” (from the series Sanctuary), 2007, archival pigment print

3. "Sanctuary #2" (from the series Sanctuary), 2007, archival pigment print

4. Photo of Mary Daniel Hobson with works on display

“Charles Hobson: Artist’s Books, Variations on

“Charles Hobson: Artist’s Books, Variations on a Theme” is on view in the Main Gallery through March 30.

Charles Hobson is renowned for his extraordinary artist’s books, celebrated for their innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship. Hobson, a prolific and inventive artist, blends boundless intellectual curiosity with visual ingenuity to explore diverse subject matter. His creations often transcend the traditional concept of a book, surprising viewers with unconventional formats—unfolding like an accordion, emerging from a canister, or incorporating objects that redefine storytelling and presentation. This exhibition features a selection of his remarkable books alongside preliminary sketches, designs, and related monotypes, drawings, and prints. Together, these pieces offer a rare glimpse into the layered creative process behind his work.

Since founding Pacific Editions in 1986, Hobson has published more than 40 artist’s books. His works reside in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Library of Congress, and the National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.). Stanford University acquired his archive in 2008, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco added 35 of his books to their collection, culminating in a 2019 solo exhibition. Hobson, a professor emeritus of the San Francisco Art Institute, lives and works in Stinson Beach and continues to inspire with his artistic explorations.

All works by Charles Hobson:

1. "FLIGHT," 2017, Pacific Editions, Digital prints of original monoprints, folded paper, accordion binding in clamshell box, Edition of 30.

2. "Ancient Mariner," Text by Roger Angell, 2009, Pacific Editions, Printed letterpress on BFK Rives paper in canvas slipcase, Edition of 39.

3. "Trees," Text by W.S. Merwin, 2010, Pacific Editions, Digital prints of original monotypes on transparent film, Edition of 30.

4. "Magritte’s Buckets," 1995, Pacific Editions, Monotype with pastel, board, copper, wire, brass tubing, bamboo, booklet, Edition of 10.

5. "Shipwreck Stories," 1996, Pacific Editions, Photogravures, hand-colored charts, Mylar, accordion, binding, Edition of 28 / Artist’s proof.

IN MEMORIAM: JOHN (JACK) WILLIS LADD JR. (1940 - 2

IN MEMORIAM: JOHN (JACK) WILLIS LADD JR. (1940 - 2025)

We are deeply saddened to share that long-time Bolinas Museum supporter and Board of Directors member, Jack Ladd (84), passed away in January, surrounded by his wife Adrienne, their son Joseph, and daughters Alexandra and Jessica.

Jack, a life-long learner, led a rich and varied life even before settling in the Bay Area. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a BA in history and later earned an MBA from Stanford University. His career began with Time-Life and Time magazine in New York City, followed by a move to Tokyo, where he managed Time’s Asia circulation desk. In 1975, Jack founded Ladd & Associates, a marketing software and consulting company in San Francisco. He also bought a home overlooking the ocean in Bolinas, where the family spent much of their time.

Jack shared a passion for golf with his wife and son. He served as President of the Presidio Golf Club in San Francisco and could often be found practicing golf strokes from his Bolinas deck. The Ladds were avid travelers and had recently enjoyed a joyful family gathering for a wedding in Europe.

Jack was also deeply committed to his Bolinas community, where he had many friends. In addition to supporting Bolinas Museum and attending nearly every exhibition, he was a long-time member of the Bolinas Rod and Boat Club and served as board chair for the Point Reyes Bird Observatory.

Jack will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Bolinas Museum Welcomes New Executive Director, Je

Bolinas Museum Welcomes New Executive Director, Jessica Shaefer

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jess Shaefer as our new Executive Director. Along with a deep personal connection to the Bolinas community, Shaefer brings a wealth of experience leading arts programs and fostering partnerships that support artists, celebrate creativity, and engage diverse audiences.

Shaefer has previously worked with Gray Area for Google, where she led an international program commissioning large-scale art installations. Previously, she led public programming and partnerships at Meta Open Arts. She has also worked with Sites Unseen, producing public art installations and activations in downtown San Francisco, and with Creative Time in New York City, helping to bring groundbreaking public projects to national attention. She is currently a member of the board of directors of Artadia and The Lab.

Shaefer says, “I am excited to continue to expand the museum’s role as a community-centered space and steward of the rich cultural heritage of the area while supporting deepened engagement with new voices and diverse artistic practices.”

📷 Photo credit: Miguel Arzabe

Opening: Saturday, February 8 3 PM Artist Talks, 4

Opening: Saturday, February 8
3 PM Artist Talks, 4 - 5 PM Reception
On View: February 8 - March 30, 2025

MAIN GALLERY
Charles Hobson: Artist’s Books, Variations on a Theme
Curated by Elia Haworth and Noelle Hiam

Charles Hobson is renowned for his extraordinary artist’s books that are collected by such institutions as the National Gallery of Art and Stanford University. He blends boundless intellectual curiosity with visual ingenuity to explore diverse subject matter. His creations often transcend the traditional concept of a book, surprising viewers with unconventional formats—unfolding like an accordion, emerging from a canister, or incorporating objects that redefine storytelling and presentation. This exhibition features a selection of his remarkable books alongside related monotypes, drawings, and prints. Together, these pieces offer a rare glimpse into the layered creative process behind his work.

COASTAL MARIN ARTISTS GALLERY
Arline Mathieu: When The Moon Sings
Curated by Noelle Hiam

Bolinas-based artist Arline Mathieu brings her decades-long meditation practice into a methodical and reflective art process. This exhibition is informed by Buddhist practices and scientific observation, presenting a universe in flux, with phenomena emerging and everchanging. Drawing inspiration from the discoveries of water on Mars and the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, these works—created in ink, watercolor, pen, and tea on paper—explore questions of life on other planets and across space and time.

PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY
Mary Daniel Hobson: Offerings
Curated by Elia Haworth and Noelle Hiam

With training in art history and Surrealism, Mary Daniel Hobson has been pursuing photography for over thirty years. Hobson’s work combines photography with mixed media. Whether building layered collages, creating intricate still lifes, or bottling photographs in mineral oil, she consistently explores layered experiences and inner geographies. Uniting all of her work is an embedded belief that artwork can convey the complexity of our psychological existence and help us make sense of and navigate an ever-shifting world.

Images captions in comments. ⬇️

We're putting the final touches on installing the

We're putting the final touches on installing the Bolinas-Stinson School Annual Student Exhibition: "Evoking a Sense of Place," and are always impressed by the high caliber of the students' work. We also love working with the Art Shops Program teachers and volunteers during installation week! Please join us for the opening reception tomorrow, Saturday, January 18, from 2 - 4 pm!

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