BLM hosting artists in residence at King Range National Conservation Area
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SHELTER COVE, Calif. – The dramatically beautiful King Range National Conservation Area will become a workshop for artists this spring, when a painter and sculptor set to work as artists in residence, ultimately exhibiting their creations inspired by California’s Lost Coast.
The Bureau of Land Management will host painter Susan R. Mendelsohn of the San Francisco Bay Area from April 29 to May 12, and sculptor Benjamin Funke of Humboldt County from May 18 to June 15.
“This is our first experience hosting artists in residence,” said Greg Wolfgang, manager of the King Range NCA. “We can’t wait to see their creations.”
Mendelsohn generally paints watercolors plein air, or outdoors. She enjoys painting in diverse environments using diverse styles, sometimes incorporating line drawings and natural materials into her paintings. She often uses cinquain poetry (five precisely-arranged lines) to connect images and words.
Funke holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame. He teaches at Humboldt State University and College of the Redwoods. He has shown works in Washington, D. C., South Korea and Canada.
Both artists will host public workshops during their residencies. Mendelsohn will lead a plein air painting workshop for adults on May 2, and a watercolor painting class for the community on May 4 and 5. Funke will offer workshops June 2 and 8 on 3D scanning techniques. Details and registration information for all sessions are available by contacting Mark Mitchell at the Shelter Cove Arts and Recreation Foundation, 707-986-7120.
Mendelsohn will display her works Saturday, May 11, and Funke will exhibit on Saturday, June 15. Both exhibitions will be at the SCARF Gallery at the Inn of the Lost Coast, 205 Wave Dr., Shelter Cove.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.