In the late 1960’s and into the early 80s, a crowd of newcomers made their way to Mendocino County. They were attracted by affordable land and a strong desire to live life in their own way and in greater harmony with nature. That often meant homesteading, growing their own food, living communally, or exploring alternate spirituality and drugs. This exhibition reflects on that movement and its lasting legacy through the diversity of art made by over 30 back-to-landers.
Something’s Happening Here was made possible by the generosity of lead sponsor Frey Vineyards and supporting sponsor Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op, as well as by the Sun House Guild and Museum Members.
Image: Naked Honesty, 1976, by Doug Volz.
Exhibition Dates: Friday, May 19, to Sunday, October 15, 2023
Click HERE to read an article about the show that ran in the May 19 edition of the Ukiah Daily Journal.
Exhibition Programs:
Friday, May 19, 5 to 7:30 PM
Opening Reception
Be the first to see our newest exhibition. Meet many of the artists while enjoying assorted refreshments and music from Will Siegel and Friends with Les Boek, Steve Baird and Ellie Siegel.
Saturday, June 17, 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Solstice Celebration
Many back-to-landers came together annually to celebrate the summer solstice. Enjoy music from Redbud, featuring Bob Dress, Tobin Hendricks, and Yoli Rose, play Greenfield Ranch Communeopoly, make your own tie-dye and other crafts projects. Perfect for the whole family.
Saturday, July 22, 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Back to the Land Artist Panel
Ceramicist Leslie Campbell, mixed-media artist Nancy McHone, visionary painter Doug Volz, and poet and home builder Dan Roberts — all featured in the exhibition — discuss their art and back-to-the-land experiences. Click ARTIST PANEL to check out the front page story focusing on Doug Volz from the July 20 Ukiah Daily Journal.
Saturday, August 19, 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Expression and the Arts in the Back to the Land Movement
Back-to-the-land ideals and values were expressed in many different ways. Hear from J. Holden, who worked with the Mendocino Grapevine newspaper; Bob Dress, who created handcrafted homes; and Laura Hamburg, who will talk about education as a form of art. Learn about local theatre from Kate Magruder, who was integral in founding Ukiah Players Theatre, and Laurel Near, who co-founded SPACE (School of Performing Arts and Cultural Education) and serves today as its executive/artistic director.
Saturday, September 9, 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Women on the Land: Creating Conscious Community
Created by Carmen Goodyear (featured in the exhibition) and Laurie York, this documentary film opens with footage of the founders of Country Women, a 1970s feminist how-to magazine. It then follows up decades later with those same women and looks at the work of women farming today on the Mendocino Coast.