Art gallery reopens in Trinidad

The Trinidad Art Gallery reopened this week with Humboldt County approval and sanitary compliance. For the month of June, open hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured artists for June are glass artist Colleen Clifford and ceramics artist Loryn White.

Just like old times, visitors will be greeted by a gallery member, but for now all visitors and members are required to wear face masks. There is a cleaning station at the front door and a plexiglass shield at the counter. Customers must wash their hands or wear rubber gloves upon entering.

Clifford’s glass work is light and flowing, usually treating subjects in nature. She often finds herself inspired in her images by her own customers who have commissioned her for specific topics and/or window sizes. Focused areas have been water, birds in flight, botanicals and figures of women. This year, Clifford created a piece called “Flatten the Curve,” inspired by the current health crisis. The piece, which was purchased from Clifford’s website, was presented to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Many have come to recognize him through the coronavirus pandemic.

Clifford’s variety of style is also reflected in her glass boxes and small mandala ornaments. The mirrored bottoms of these boxes reflect the rich, luminescent textures and colors of the glass she selects, and her work also features a simple design on top.

White joined the Trinidad Art Gallery about a year ago. She came late to her passion for pottery. Taking a class here and there, White soon had a studio in her home and was a fulltime potter. This year, she incorporated hand-building with wheel throwing, which allows her to fully utilize all of the clay’s potential and push textures to new extremes. To add texture, she decorates the slabs with stamps, underglazes, stencils and porcelain slip.

“In each step, I strive to make well-crafted pottery that tells a story. I especially like to create pieces that draw in the viewer to explore more thoroughly, hopefully allowing them to see their connection to my thought process and inspiration,” said White, who work is durable for everyday use.

For more information about the gallery and the artists, call 707-677-3770. To preview gallery artists’ work, visit trinidadartgallery.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS Here’s an example of Colleen Clifford’s glasswork. This piece, “Flatten the Curve,” was recently purchased and given to Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Loryn White strive to make well-crafted pottery that tells a story. Here’s one of her works.