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Our
Next
Events
Klaktuuk, the Polar Bear by Gene North
Now on View
the art of wonder
May 23 through October 19
In this new exhibition organized by the Grace Hudson Museum, we present artworks in diverse media, authored by fifteen contemporary Mendocino County artists, that evoke a sense of wonder. The wonder could emanate from the subject matter or by the style or approach by which it’s rendered. It may also be caused by an unusual treatment of materials, leading one to ask, ”how did the artist do that?” Viewers will find art that may connect one to a place of spirituality, to the rhythms of nature, or to pondering the particles and energy that comprise the building blocks of our universe. Some of the art may stimulate in the viewer a fleeting moment of clarity around the mysteries of life, love, and other deep emotions, maybe even to a stronger appreciation for our shared humanity.
Learn more about The Art of Wonder from the Ukiah Daily Journal article that appeared online June 19 an in print on June 24. Click UDJ ARTICLE.
Steve Winkle
First Friday at the Grace Hudson Museum
Friday, October 3, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Spend a part of your October First Friday Art Walk at the Grace Hudson Museum. We are delighted to welcome back singer/guitarist Steve Winkle, known for his eclectic mix of Classic Rock, R&B, Country, contemporary pop, and a his own compositions. Also, this will be the final First Friday to see our popular exhibition, The Art of Wonder. The show features 15 contemporary Mendocino County artists working in diverse mediums. Their artwork may connect one to a place of spirituality, to the rhythms of nature, or to pondering the particles and energy that comprise the building blocks of our universe. Some of the art will stimulate in the viewer a fleeting moment of clarity around the mysteries of life, love, and other deep emotions, maybe even to a stronger appreciation for our shared humanity.
You’ll also be able to spend time discovering or getting reacquainted with our core galleries, featuring Grace Hudson’s artwork, exquisite Pomo basketry, and Carpenter-Hudson family history. Also enjoy an evening walk in our Wild Gardens before Daylight Savings Time ends. Light refreshments will be available.
First Fridays at the Grace Hudson Museum are always free all day and evening.
Jack Crimmins
Writers Read: Ukiah’s Literary Salon
Thursday, October 30, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Writers Read has been happening in Ukiah since 1999, and occurs on the last Thursday of almost every month. The program focuses on poetry, spoken word, short stories, song, and expository prose. The evening typically begins with a featured reader and then is followed by an hour of open mic starting around 8:00. The featured reader for October will be Jack Crimmins, author of Kit Fox Blues, with an introduction by Diane di Prima; The Rust Life; and Dancing in the Sun Room. He has worked for many years as a licensed psychotherapist and lives in Sonoma County, California.
There is no fee, but donations are warmly appreciated.
Our Next Exhibition
Mission Gráfica:
Reflecting a Community in Print
Saturday November 1, 2025 through Sunday, February 1, 2026
Created in 1982 in the Mission District of San Francisco, Mission Gráfica became the most sought-after political poster center in the Bay Area, attracting well-established regional artists and those involved in international solidarity movements, and partnering with both rock stars and guerrilla activists. Today, they continue to offer workshop space and classes, and serve as a political and artistic meeting point for artists from both California and the wider Latin American art world. This traveling exhibition from Exhibit Envoy, is comprised of dozens of screenprints from various artists, reflecting both a sense of community and political advocacy.
The November 1 date will be a soft opening. Join us for an opening celebration on Friday, November 7, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
video recording
the man behind the brush: landscape artist ray stanford strong
The video recording of Mark Humpal’s presentation about Ray Strong can now be found on the VIDEO ARCHIVE page of our website. In this illustrated talk, Mark shares the story of Ray Strong’s long life: from his childhood in Oregon to his final years in Three Rivers, California. Along the way, he discusses Strong’s teachers, mentors, collaborators, and major accomplishments. The original in-person presentation took place at the Grace Hudson Museum on September 7, 2024, the day after the opening of Earth Portraiture: Ray Strong’s Northern California Landscapes, for which Mark served as guest curator. You can also access the video by clicking HERE.
This video was recorded and edited by Fuller Digital Media.
deep roots,
spreading branches
virtual programs
We are delighted now to have all three video programs that accompanied the exhibition Deep Roots, Spreading Branches: Fine Woodworking from the Krenov School, accessible to watch on the VIDEO ARCHIVE page of our web site. The videos include:
The Student Experience at the Krenov School, through the eyes and memories of former students Tim Coleman, Taimi Barty, John Shaw, and Phoebe Kuo. They also discuss their pieces that were included in the exhibition.
Through the Years: Insights from Krenov Instructors, in which you’ll learn about the beginnings and evolution of the Krenov School of Fine Woodworking from Creighton Hoke, who helped get the school started; David Welter, shop manager and ad hoc instructor for 30 years; and Laura Mays, the school's current director and lead instructor.
The Song and Dance: Krenov’s American Dreams. This features Krenov biographer Brendan Gaffney discussing the inspiration and circumstances that led James Krenov to Mendocino County, and to the establishment of a fine woodworking program in Fort Bragg.
Greenfield Ranch, Easter 1977
Promise of Paradise
Back to the Land Oral Histories of Mendocino County, on KZYX website
The Grace Hudson Museum is a proud supporter of this important oral history project. The weekly broadcasts have concluded, but you can still listen to all the episodes by clicking here for the Promise of Paradise archive on KZYX.
And to learn more about how it all got started click here to check out Jerry Karp’s November 2018 article in the Anderson Valley Advertiser.
Grace Hudson in the Sun House, 1912.
We are proud that Grace Hudson is featured in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s recent blog about
ten women who have given significantly to the world of art. All are affiliated with a historic artist's home in the
Historic Artists Homes and Studios program, of which the Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House is a founding member. Check it out!
https://savingplaces.org/stories/10-women-who-influenced-historic-artists-homes#.WqqHvsPwa70
Rufous Hummingbird and Scarlett Fritillary
Photograph by Rob Badger and Nita Winter
And in June, the National Trust for Historic Preservation website featured the Museum in an article
on our spring exhibition, Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change,
which ran from February 10 to June 17th. Read the article HERE!
Click on images or text for more information.
The galleries
Short-term exhibits in The Main Gallery highlight contemporary art, Native American cultures, Western American history, historic California art and local natural history. Permanent collections showcase Grace Hudson’s art; her family’s history; and Pomo culture and basketry.
the wild gardens
An outdoor Art and Education center is under development on the museum grounds. Located in a parklike setting, The Wild Gardens features native plant gardens with exhibits and art that teaches about our local environment and how Pomo Indian people managed this landscape.
the sun house
The Hudson’s charming 1911 redwood Craftsman bungalow home, the Sun House sits adjacent to the Museum and is available for docent-led tours. More than a century old, The Sun House allows visitors a glimpse into the Hudsons’ Bohemian lifestyle.
The Grace Hudson Museum highlights regional art, culture and natural history in the tradition of an extraordinary family – that of Ukiah native and nationally admired artist Grace Carpenter Hudson (1865-1937), her ethnologist husband, Dr. John W. Hudson (1857-1936) and her pioneering forebears. We provide opportunities for cultural engagement, art appreciation, historical reflection and hands-on learning.
