21 21

W hy couldn’t I be like other kids? Saturday morn-ings they tuned in to Buster Brown and his dog

Tige. Mother dragged me off to The Burbank Horticultural Service where I was alone––no playmates, no radio––just par-ents, sales personnel and customers, adults more interested in flowers and gardens than a seven-year-old who was instructed to behave like a lady because this was a place of business. Even my clothes were different, starched cotton dresses that were supposed to stay clean while I wandered the length and breadth of the city block that encompassed our nursery. If my mood had been better, I might have noticed how artistic Father’s hand was in arranging rose gardens or in grouping shrubs for sunny locations or in setting up pottery displays or protecting camellias and azaleas in lath houses, but no, I wanted a place for a doll house and toys and there was no such spot. Not every child has a panther as a pet. Sleek, muscular, it was my devoted companion. Shifty eyes glowed green in daytime as it searched for intruders. Sleek fur, black as onyx, tingled on my fingers. It lived in safety in the jungle that existed in a remote part of the nursery. Tall date palms sheltered hid-ing spots. Enormous-leafed banana plants enclosed a bench where I sat surrounded by thicket and dreamed of the future and what someday would be like. If I stayed too long in my hid-ing place, Father would interrupt my tranquility, worried that I had been alone too long. He didn’t know about my panther, but he would tell me a quick story about a flower in bloom, would I like to see it? Or he would hand me a packet of seeds to show how mice managed to get into the racks and nibble in search of food. My panther receded behind the palm trees, a secret between me and this lovable creature. Exploring to the far reaches of the vast nursery, I dis-covered rows of chard that Father planted during the war. I thought all families ate chard, but discovered at school how few sampled this tough leaf that Mother prepared late at night. I had one other pet, a winged-horse that carried me in a swoop from the jungle to the rose patch where it gal-loped like it was running the derby. Small roses in one-gallon containers were crammed together near the street. My horse didn’t like those narrow paths. It preferred running up the small rise through the five-gallon roses that were heavy with multitudes of buds and names like Charlotte Armstrong or Peace dangling on tags attached to leafy branches. Customers stopped to chat with me, to be friendly, to appreciate that

Father taught me to snap apples off roses to produce more blossoms. Sometimes these strangers would tell me that they had little girls or wasn’t I lucky to enjoy all the beautiful flowers and the sunshine as I traversed across their lives. They told me of places far away. They spoke with big words and broadened my picture of the world outside the hometown. They praised how Father shared tips for making their gardens healthier and prettier. Some of these strangers became my friends, even though they were grown-ups. One lady returned with her daughter who was younger than me and said she wanted us to become friends. Quiet days in summertime, Mother and I went to tea at their homes. Our busy seasons were spring and fall. Yes, I was gently included in the family business, directing customers to fruit trees or shade plants, running to tell Mother that someone needed help with selecting plants. On occasion I retreated to the old ’37 Plymouth, curled up in the backseat with a library book and forgot the outside world. When darkness descended, Mother and I departed for grocery shopping, buying meat and produce, letting me choose my favorite flavor, strawberry ice cream, at Van de Kamp’s Bakery. Over dinner we talked about the day’s happenings, about new homes being built in our town now that the war was over. I forgot that Buster Brown had a dog and a sister, Mary Jane. Television had daytime shows but I was too busy to watch. I roller-skated in front of the nursery. I practiced the piano so that I would make my piano teacher happy. Mother bought me a pair of jeans so that I could be like other kids, but she insisted I remain in pigtails. Father said we should buy a ’47 Pontiac that was brand new. He said it was important that I watch while a price was reached in the dealer’s office and admonished, “Listen.” Years later I left to visit places customers told me about. The wonderful nursery where my dreams sprouted is gone, but Father started a new dream for me to enjoy, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. My panther remains, silent, waiting to find another little girl who needs a playmate, who is too young to be left at home, who is lonely. Do you suppose my pet moved to Fort Bragg?

The author is the daughter of Betty and Ernest Schoefer, Founders of Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens©Marilyn Schoefer Wagner

Panthers and Jungles, Oh My!by Marilyn Schoefer Wagner

22

If you haven’t been to Fort Bragg in a while, you may be sur-prised by its transition. Phase III of the “Downtown Beautification Project” began this spring with the ongoing revitalization of the appearance, image and economy of the Central Business District. This project brings a new level of accessibility, beauty and vitality to downtown Fort Bragg. The changes enhance the quality of life in the

community, expanding business, employment and shopping oppor-tunities, while maintaining the his-toric character of the town. Phase III construction includes widening sidewalks, adding trees, benches and new light poles on the east/west streets from Alder to Pine Streets. Although at times streets may be closed to parking, businesses are still be open during their usual hours with some offering special

“construction” discounts to entice pedestrians into the area. This is your opportunity to support gal-leries, shops and restaurants during this time and perhaps find bargains galore! In art, as in all things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people will see the Phase III pro-cess as fascinating and maybe even beautiful. After all, what could be more beautiful than taking some-thing pedestrian and improving its esthetic value? But be assured, whether you see the process as beautiful or not, the end result will truly be a work of art. Fort Bragg – the undiscovered gem of the Mendocino Coast – for more info, alternative parking maps and schedules, visit fortbragg.com.

DOWNTOWN FORT BRAGG

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FIDDLES & CAMERASCamera bags • tripods • cameras lenses • filters • darkroom supplies repair service • digital memory cards binoculars • music books • guitar tuners metronomes • hand percussion instruments passport photos • strings & reeds + more Major credit cards accepted

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24

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Barbecues AvailableViewing Decks

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Fort Bragg On The Mendocino Coast

25

Twenty-months of photo art created by Larry R. Wagner, photographer and editor of Artists of the Mendocino Coast Volumes 1 and 2, in collaboration with an array of art-ists and community members. The images

are unique, exotic, sexy, funny, riveting, cre-ative, tasteful and high quality. The calen-

dar’s first month will be January, 2010.

A collector’s item and a tribute to the Mendocino Art Center

Reserve your copy of the calendar now. Just $25 (plus tax for California residents).

If you want it mailed to you, please add $10 for shipping.

Coming in JulyThe Mendocino Art Center

50th Anniversary 2010 Exotic Calendar

Mendocino Art Center – A 50 Year Celebration

A commemorative book chronicling the first 50 years of the jewel of

the Mendocino Coast, theMendocino Art Center.

Local writer and historian Bruce Levene has compiled interviews, photographs and

graphics from the first 50 years of the Mendocino Art Center. Together with an illuminating 1970’s interview with founder Bill Zacha, and with writ-

ten portraits by various writers of the early artists who helped form the Mendocino Art Center, the book portrays how the town of Mendocino was transformed into an artists’

colony of world renown. The 160-page book, printed on heavy coated stock with a four-color cover, will feature highlights from each year of the Art Center’s last half century, accompanied by a black and white pictorial trip back in time.

Due out in Fall 2009 • $24.95

Mendocino Art Center a 50 Year Celebration

Compiled & Edited by Bruce Levene

Photo by Larry Wagner

Pre-order your copies by calling 707 937-5818, ext. 10or go online to www.MendocinoArtCenter.org

26

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27

Jewelry ArtistsChris & Shani Christensonshow fine Celtic and natureinspired jewelry and specializein Custom Celtic Wedding rings

Corner of Main andKasten Streets (upstairs)

Mendocino • 707-937-1223www.celticcreations.com

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Comfortable rooms & suites with private baths, beach access,

fresh baked continental breakfast

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SweetwateRSpa & inn

Romantic & Quiet Pet FriendlyVacation Rentals

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WESTPORTGALLERY THISHighway 1, Main Street707 964-2027

FORT BRAGG ART @ 3gCompany Store at N. Main 707 964-9666

ART EXPLORERS305 E. Redwood Avenue707 961-6156

BRAGGADOON435 N. Main Street707 964-5050

DAN HEMANN SCULPTURE AND THE GREEN DOOR STUDIO121 E. Laurel Street707 964-6532

DIRT CHEAP17975 N. Highway 1707 964-4211

EDGEWATER GALLERY356 N. Main Street 707 964-4668

ERIN DERTNER STUDIO137 E. Laurel Street707 964-7781

FABRIC INDULGENCE101 B. Boatyard Center707 964-6365

FAMILY HANDS200 Redwood Avenue707 961-0236

FRAME MILL ARTWORKS116 Laurel Street 707 964-6464

GALLERY L337247 North Main Street707 964-8300

GARDEN ART & GIFTS 1230 N. Main Street707 964-7897

GLASS FIRE ART GLASS GALLERY18320 N. Highway 1 707 962-9420A unique display of art glass, including jellies, vessels, lighting, sculpture and jewelry. Visit the working studio.

HEADLANDS COFFEEHOUSE120 E. Laurel Street707 964-1987 MENDO BISTROCompany Store at N. Main707 964-4974

MENDOCINO COAST DISTRICT HOSPITAL700 River Street707 961-4610 MENDOCINO COAST PHOTOGRAPHER GUILD & GALLERY 301 N. Main Street707 964-4706

NORTH COAST ARTISTS362 N. Main Street707 964-8266

PARTNERS GALLERY335 N. Franklin Street 707 962-0233

PIACI PUB & PIZZERIA120 W. Redwood Street707 961-1133

PRENTICE GALLERY17701 N. Highway 1707 962-0732

RACINES OFFICE SUPPLY344 N. Franklin Street707 964-2416

RUBAIYAT BEADS222 E. Redwood Avenue707 961-0222

SEAVIEW GALLERY18877 N. Highway 1707 889-0962

TOTO ZAIDA142 E. Laurel Street707 964-8686

V’ CANTO 124 E. Laurel Street707 964-6844

MENDOCINOAMERICAN PIE45050 Main Street707 937-3235

ARTISTS CO-OP OF MENDOCINO45270 Main Street707 937-2217

CELTIC CREATIONSAbove Gallery Books707 937-1223 COLOR & LIGHT GLASS STUDIO10525 Ford Street707 937-1003

DAZZLING LITES ON THE COAST 42580 Little Lake Road707 937-0837 707 226-2815

GALLERY OF THE SENSES45104 Main Street707 937-2021

GARTH HAGERMANNature Photography Gallery45021-C Little Lake Street707 937-1987

HIGHLIGHT GALLERY45052 Main Street707 937-3132

ICONS 10483 Lansing Street707 937-1784

MENDOCINO ART CENTER45200 Little Lake Street707 937-5818

MENDO BURGERS10483 Lansing Street707 937-1111

FIRST FRIDAYS IN FORT BRAGGMost galleries and businesses holding First Friday art openings are open from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. SECOND SATURDAYS IN MENDOCINOMost galleries and businesses holding Second Saturday art openings are open from 5 to 7:30 pm. FIRST FRIDAYS IN UKIAH Opening art receptions the First Friday of every month 5 to 8 pm.

LAST SATURDAYS IN WESTPORTGalleries & businesses holding Last Saturday art openings are open from 5 to 7:30 pm.

Mendocino County Gallery Guide

The Bald Eagle by Ron LeValley

MENDOCINO COAST PHOTOGRAPHER GUILD

& GALLERY 301 N. Main Street,

(In the Company Store)Fort Bragg

707-964-4706

Devoted to inspiring photographic excellence on California’s North Coast.

OLD GOLD6 Albion Street,

Mendocino707 937-5005

Where you will find beautifully detailed jewelry fabricated in the original art form of die strik-ing and hand chasing.

Cloisonné necklace with freshwater pearls by Marge Stewart and burl wood box by Steve Kale.

MENDOCINO ART CENTER45200 Little Lake Street,

Mendocino707 937-5818

Three gallery exhibits each month featuring emerging and established artists. Unique, handmade gift items in the Gallery Shop. Open daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

MENDOCINO BAKERY & CAFE10483 Lansing Street707 937-0836 MENDOCINO CAFÉ10451 Lansing Street707 937-6141

MENDOCINO GEMS10483 Lansing Street707 937-0299

MENDOCINO JEWELRY STUDIO45104 Main Street707 937-0181 MENDOCINO SANDPIPER 45280 Main Sreet707 937-3102

MOODYS ORGANIC COFFEE BAR & GALLERY10450 Lansing Street707 937-4843

OLD GOLD6 Albion Street 707 937-5005

PANACHE ON MAIN45120 Main Street707 937-0947

PANACHE GALLERY10400 Kasten Street707 937-1234

PRENTICE GALLERY45110 Main Street707 937-5205

REFLECTIONS KALEIDOSCOPES 45050 Main Street 707 937-0173

RUBAIYAT BEAD & RUG GALLERYCorner of Lansing & Little Lake Street707 937-BEAD

STANFORD INN BY THE SEAHwy. 1 & Comptche-Ukiah Road707 937-5615

THE WORLD OF SUZI LONG611 Albion Street – Watertower 707 937-5664

WISDOM HOUSE GALLERY45280 Main Street707 937-3360

ZACHA’S BAY WINDOW GALLERY45110 Main Street707 937-5205

LITTLE RIVER & ALBION LEDFORD HOUSE3000 N. Highway 1, Albion707 937-0282 STEVENSWOOD FINE ARTS8211 N. Highway 1,Little River 707 937-2810

ELKARTIST’S COLLECTIVE IN ELK6031 S. Highway 1707 877-1128 GREENWOOD PIER INN/CAFÉ & COUNTRY STORE5928 S. Highway 1 707 877-9997

POINT ARENATHINK VISUAL THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY215 Main Street707 882-4042

GUALALAALINDER STUDIO GALLERY39165 S. Highway 1707 884-4884

BLUE CANOEAnchor Bay707 884-1800

THE DOLPHIN GALLERY An associate of Gualala Arts Center39225 Highway 1707 884-3896

GUALALA ARTS CENTER46501 Old State Highway, off Highway 1 707 884-1138

HENLEY’S ART & INTERIORSCypress Village707 884-1531

PLACEWARES + LYNDON DESIGNCypress Village707 884-1184

THE SEA RANCH LODGE FRONT GALLERY An associate of Gualala Arts CenterThe Sea Ranch707 785-2371

S/K GALLERYCypress Village707 884-3549 STUDIO 391 FINE ART GALLERYCypress Village707 884-4484

HWY. 128MAPLE CREEK WINERY20799 Highway 128, Yorkville707 895-3001The Gallery at Maple Creek Winery features the artworkof Vintner Tom Rodrigues.ARTEVINO - art & wine.

ROOKIE-TO GALLERY14300 Highway 128, Boonville707 895-2204

UKIAHArt Center Ukiah – The Annex203 S. State Street707 462-1400Classes Adult & ChildrenRotating Exhibits

CINNABAR CERAMICS GALLERY106 W. Church Street707 621-1135Unique, Italian-style china, hand-painted by artist on site.Mon.- Sat., 11 am - 7 pm

CORNER GALLERY201 S. State Street707 462-1400A cooperative gallery featuring24 local artists. Visual arts, pho-tography, ceramics, metal work, textiles, and more.

CRAFTSMAN ESTATEFINE ART & ANTIQUES396 N. State Street 707 463-3900

DREAMSCAPE ART GALLERY407 S. State St.707 462-4063

GRACE HUDSON MUSEUM431 S. Main Street 707 467-2836

GRACES ON MAIN/HOYMAN- BROWE STUDIO323 N. Main Street707 462-5911 707 468-8835

MAHVAY, & ALDEN TECH DESIGNS203 S. School707 972-9040

MENDOCINO ENVIRONMENTALCENTER & GALLERY106 N. Standley707 468-9800

NOMAD’S WORLD GALLERY290 S. School Street707 463-2949

T B GREENE GALLERY 104 W. Church707 462-5756

TIERRA312 N. School Street 707 468-7936

WILLITSBLUE SKY GALLERY21 S. Main707 456-9025

WILLITS CENTERFOR THE ARTS71 E. Commercial Street707 459-1726

LAKE COUNTY ANTIQUES 9495 Main Street, Suite 4Upper Lake(Corner of Main & 1st street)707 275-8762

DIEGO’S GALLERY9495 Main St. Suite 3Upper Lake707 350-4209 GRACIOUS LADIES9460 Main St.Upper Lake707 275-2307

KONOCTI ART GALLERYFINE ART 6193 E. Hwy 20, Lucerne707 274-1033

PERLZ3970 Main St.Kelseyville707 279-2080 THE GOURD GALLERY6197 E. Hwy. 20Lucerne707 274-2346

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Art Center UkiahCorner Gallery

A Cooperative Gallery featuring 24 local artists

- In The Annex -Classes • Workshops • Events

Class Schedule: www.artcenterukiah.com201 S. State Street, Ukiah • 707-462-1400

31

 

 Live Music

Big Screen Movies Met Opera LIVE in HD

www.arenatheater.org Show info: 707 882-3456

YARNSOf Quality & Beauty

The Knitted Brow

Open Monday –Thursday, 11 to 514111 Hwy 128 Boonville CA

707 895-YARNHandknits – Homespun

Local Wool

Village Bootery Shoe Store & Cobblery

Vivanz Merrell Birkenstock

Handbags&LeatherAccessories Keys Made

Ecco Teva Ugg Keen

38951 Hwy. 1, Gualala884-4451

Contemporary architecture for residental, commercial and winery projects.

707-895-2110verdierarchitects.comBoonville, CA

Cloisonnéby Marge Stewart

707 937-0999

32

What is it about the Mendocino Coast that makes it the chosen home of so very many artists of all descriptions? The grandeur of its natural beauty? Certainly. The irresist-ible quaintness of the town and its architecture—beckoning painters and photographers to capture, again and again, its timeless appeal? Of course. The Mendocino Art Center: the vision of Bill Zacha and his friends, back in the 1960’s, to recreate a dilapidated town into a Mecca for artists, and a destination for those who love art? A big factor, for sure. All this and more have conspired to create a place of high-density artistic expression, a place where a surprising number of artists live and work. Whether art was a pre-existing condition, or, as has been the case with others, a later development, the fact is that the creative spirit flourishes in Mendocino. Larry Wagner, long-time local resident and corporate executive-turned-artist (photographer), himself, tapping into this abundance, was inspired to create a book showcasing the local talent. In Artists of the Mendocino Coast, he profiled 77 artists who live and work in the area. The beautifully photo-graphed edition—a great coffee table/conversation-starter of a book—was a big success. There was just one problem: too much artistic abun-dance! It became clear that for every artist included in the first book, there was another fascinating and worthy artist who had not been shown. A second book was called for. And so it was that Larry went to work on Artists of the Mendocino Coast, Volume 2, in which another 56 artists were presented. Again, Larry made a bunch of new artist friends, and had a great time doing it. Larry’s second book, as was his first, is a work of art in itself. His own creative goal was to photograph each artist in a special way: to show them as they see themselves, and as they wish to be seen. He aims, in his work, to capture that subtle but true quality: inner beauty. Larry’s portraits are beauti-ful. In speaking with him about how he works with people, I

was struck by his commitment to create a visually, as well as emotionally, pleasing result for viewer and subject alike. His philosophy doesn’t include the need for harsh realism. It’s important to him that his subjects are content, and beyond, with the image of themselves. He’s ever willing to return and re-shoot a subject until this goal is achieved. It occurred to me, speaking with Larry about his portrait work, that he is truly a ‘compassionate’ photographer. His desire to convey a true essence of the person, while adhering to his goal of creating an uplifting image, is what informs his own art, and makes it unique and so well-loved. His commitment, as well, to the artistry of composition, his talent in finding the right and meaningful setting for each artist is apparent throughout. Sometimes planned, but often the result of creative serendipity, the page compositions—the artists juxtaposed with their work—demonstrate concep-tual and visual sensitivity, rendering the books, themselves, artistically significant. Volume’s 1 and 2 are available at the Mendocino Art Center, and are a wonderful addition to the library of any art appreciator. Will there be a “Volume 3?”, you ask. Well, there cer-tainly could be. It’s not out of the question, says Larry, but that project will have to wait for another couple of years. He has become inspired with other ideas at the moment. And, man of action that he is, he is moving, as we speak, into the world of his next projects. Look for his book about the musicians of the Mendocino Coast. (Yes, there is plenty of that kind of creative talent as well!) And, another new project—dear to his heart, and one causing quite a stir—is to be a fundraiser for the Mendocino Art Center: an 20-month calendar, portraying, again, some of our local artists, but with a slightly different slant—photo-graphed with great creativity and a lot of artistic fun… in the nude. Or, nude-ish, anyway. This entertaining and revealing look at art and artists will be arriving later this year.

Larry Wagner’sArtists of the Mendocino Coast Volume 2

Review by Michele Ketterer

33

| o p e r a | o r c h e s t r a | c h a m b e r | j a z z | w o r l d | p o p |

Imaginative, electrifying,

fearless improviser

Joshua Redman, one of the top saxophonists in the world,

performs July 24

july 11 through

july 25two thousand nine

tickets & information: 707.937.4041 www.mendocinomusic.com

allan pollack, artistic director & conductor

mendocinomusic festival2 3 R d s e a s o n

34

By Pete Halstad

Redwood Valley artist and furniture maker Tom Boek comes from a long line of rugged, talented, self-reliant, independent thinkers and actors, men and women on both sides of his family who “marched to their own drummers.” In Tom’s case, these iconi-cally American qualities are manifest in his appealingly simple, rural lifestyle; and they are revealed in the fan-tastically imaginative, handmade furniture and various objets d’art he fashions from willow and wood – and whatever else catches his craftsman’s eye. Although he makes his living as a self-employed house painter (another family tradition), creating art is what fulfills him. His marvelous creations are ideal expressions of his quest for a simple, harmonious and soul-satisfying life. Tom’s workshop is crowded with his tools and examples of his handiwork. To pay a visit there is to step back in time; if not to escape time altogether. As I followed his dusty old Toyota up a graveled farm road, nearby Hwy 101, though only a mile or so behind me, seemed light years away. Once at the cabin, I quickly adapted to Tom’s laid-back pace, the more fully to enjoy his art and the beauty of his rural surroundings. How odd, I reflected, given Tom’s near-monastic lifestyle and devotion to rusticity, that his work should have been seen and admired, in, of all places, London,

England, by, of all people, Queen Elizabeth II. The occasion for that bit of serendipity was the 2005 Chelsea Garden Show, where Tom’s long-time friend and neighbor, garden designer Kate Frey, had entered the world-renowned competition with what turned out to be an award winning exhibit featuring a spring-blossoming northern California wine-country garden, complete with a rustic wooden cabin and other trappings. For the exhibit, Kate had asked Tom to cre-ate a willow gazebo and wooden “tepee” chairs. Kate’s description of the exhibit offers an insight into Tom’s work: “All the structures and furniture in the garden (were) made entirely from 100% environmentally friendly or recycled material which has had many pro-ductive years before appearing at Chelsea. Each piece of material tells, from its appearance, some small part of its life story.” By 2005 Tom had already spent over two decades perfecting his skill at finding, selecting and crafting locally-harvested native materials (e.g., river willow), non-native plants (e.g., gold-willow) and all manner of found, recycled and salvaged woods to produce his uniquely beautiful creations. An early inspiration for his designs, he told me, was the willow “gypsy” furniture he had seen offered for sale along the highway when he

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was growing up in the Central Valley town of Carmichael. From such gypsy furniture, for example, Tom learned the willow decorating technique he refers to as “chip-carving,” creating a pattern of “dots” by slicing the willow bark both directions with a sharp knife or razor blade. After moving to Redwood Valley in the early 1970’s, in order to escape the rampant suburban-ization that was rapidly destroy-ing the Carmichael/Sacramento area, he became acquainted with the large and multi-talented Frey family, whose patriarch “Doc” Frey and son Matthew inspired him with the chairs they had made by hand from manzanita and redwood. (Tom’s “academic training” was acquired at around the same time, while working at the old redwood tub factory next to the railroad tracks in Ukiah, where he first learned how to fashion sticks of wood into a saleable commodity.) Tom was further inspired by an old black and white photo, which hangs on his cabin wall, of an old-time Comptche resident named Ed McKorison, with a collection of his own chip-carved willow furniture. The photo was taken in 1925, and was given to Tom by a friend many years ago. What strikes one, upon

viewing a collection of Tom’s works, is their incredible variety and imaginativeness. The works are unique and fanciful, sturdily built and utilitarian, in the best tradition of American folk-art. Over the years Tom has made a wide assortment of willow rock-ing chairs and Adirondack-style chairs, several elaborate styles of willow “fainting couches” (i.e., three-sided love-seats); bed-steads; baby-cradles – at least one of which he outfitted, at the buyer’s request, with a cat-proof willow roof; hat-racks, garden gates; willow wedding arches and gazebos; and sturdy recy-cled-redwood tables and shelves. Everything, in short, imaginable. His objective, he says, is “to make something different every time” – a goal his vivid imagination and abundant creativity, together with the unique character of his materials, virtually assures.

Tom Boek’s creations can be viewed (though not necessarily purchased) at Real Goods in Hopland, Ceago Vinegarden near Upper Lake and Grace’s boutique on Main Street in Ukiah. Studio tours are avail-able by appointment by writing c/o Tom Boek at P.O. Box 437, Redwood Valley, CA 95490, or by phone at (707) 272-2799.