This year, give local gallery a try

President of the Coast Redwoods Art Association Maida Piotrowski. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Like checking out the activities at Crescent Harbor Gallery, which currently boasts a membership of about 200 local artists.

And you don’t even have to be a member to take part in some upcoming events, including:

• Art demonstrations that occur on the fourth Thursday of each month. This month will feature Elio Camacho, an accomplished artist from the Bay Area on Jan. 26.

The one-hour demos begin at noon after finger food luncheons beginning at 11:30 a.m.

• On Feb. 4, Rob Decker will once again lead a beginning drawing class from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants need to bring pencils, an eraser and paper. A donation of $5 is requested.

A previous offering by Decker “was probably the best beginner’s class I’ve ever taken,” said Maida Piotrowski, president of the Coast Redwoods Art Association, which runs the gallery.

• The association hopes to start children’s art classes in the near future for all ages using any medium and culminating in entries for the Del Norte County Fair.

The gallery at 140 Marine Way in the harbor. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Members-only events include “Painters’ Groups” every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Dorothy Ishoy leads lessons in watercolor, followed by Chris Hutchins giving instruction in oil and acrylics from noon to 4 p.m.

“Creative Mondays” is a new offering that challenges artists to stretch their boundaries. A different topic is introduced at each of these workshops, which are held the second Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The next one will be Feb. 13, led by Piotrowski.

Members can display and sell their work at Crescent Harbor Gallery, 140 Marine Way. Exhibits typically include paintings, pottery, blown glass, woodworking, photography, stonework and mosaic tables. Wall exhibits are changed every other month.

Members are also welcome to set up shop in the gallery on occasion.

“Tourists like to see people painting,” Piotrowski said.

Members also receive a monthly newsletter, enjoy access to an extensive art library, get 10 percent discounts on paper and frames, have the opportunity to be recognized as artist of the month with special display space, and can take part in gallery-sponsored regional art tours.

Other big events that are coming up include the annual art show in the Cultural Center during Crescent City’s Fourth of July festivities, participation in community Art Walks including one scheduled for Feb. 3, quarterly salad luncheons including one in March, a May garage sale, a September salmon feed and judged art show and an October juried photo show. Receptions are held for both the September and October shows.

The gallery is a place where people of all ages can gather, work on art projects and learn art techniques from each other. It offers opportunities for newcomers and established artists alike.

“It’s amazing what you can learn from other artists,” Piotrowski said.

The gallery’s winter hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information about the gallery and association activities, call 464-9133.