Alchemy
Tara Turner and Patti Harney
Jewelry and Paintings
August 6 - September 1, 2026
First Friday Artists Reception:
August 7, 5 - 8 pm
Jewelry and Paintings
August 6 - September 1, 2026
First Friday Artists Reception:
August 7, 5 - 8 pm
Please join us and meet Patti!
Tara is a returning long-time member of Northcoast Artists Gallery, creating unique and beautifully crafted jewelry.
"For this collection, I wanted to explore ways of incorporating gold into my jewelry without being constrained by the preciousness of the material. Using traditional metalsmithing techniques—including sawing, soldering, and hammering—I transform metal into wearable art.
Some pieces feature bi-metal, a sheet of sterling silver permanently fused to a thinner layer of 22K gold. Unlike gold plating, bi-metal has a substantial layer of solid gold that allows for greater versatility in fabrication. I also incorporate the ancient Korean gilding technique known as Keum-boo, which permanently fuses 24K gold foil to silver using heat and pressure.
The rich yellow tones of these high-karat golds create a striking contrast against sterling silver. By oxidizing the silver, I deepen that contrast, emphasizing the brilliance and warmth of the gold while creating bold, dramatic jewelry that is both distinctive and enjoyable to wear."
Tara has been creating jewelry in her Fort Bragg studio for over 20 years. She exhibits her work in local galleries and at craft shows throughout the region. When she’s not at the bench, she enjoys learning new crafts and searching for slugs.
Some pieces feature bi-metal, a sheet of sterling silver permanently fused to a thinner layer of 22K gold. Unlike gold plating, bi-metal has a substantial layer of solid gold that allows for greater versatility in fabrication. I also incorporate the ancient Korean gilding technique known as Keum-boo, which permanently fuses 24K gold foil to silver using heat and pressure.
The rich yellow tones of these high-karat golds create a striking contrast against sterling silver. By oxidizing the silver, I deepen that contrast, emphasizing the brilliance and warmth of the gold while creating bold, dramatic jewelry that is both distinctive and enjoyable to wear."
Tara has been creating jewelry in her Fort Bragg studio for over 20 years. She exhibits her work in local galleries and at craft shows throughout the region. When she’s not at the bench, she enjoys learning new crafts and searching for slugs.
Patti, a long-time member of Northcoast Artists Gallery, excels at creating truly stunning paintings.
"I love gold leaf! And this is the material I’ve chosen as my main inspiration for this work. I developed a passion for gold leaf as a sign painter. I used it extensively on storefront windows, sandblasted signs and fire engines.
This is a tricky material to work with as gold can easily overwhelm any artwork it touches. It’s extremely bossy! However, when applied in just the right doses it has the potential to ignite a painting like no other material can.
The leaf I use is called a composite - it has gold in it but it also has copper, tin, and zinc. When compared side by side with 23k gold the difference is barely distinguishable.
Most of the paintings you see here began on a solid ground of gold leaf (striped series). My biggest job was to keep editing out the gold with paint until there were only little peeks of exposure. I certainly didn’t want it to disappear either! On a few of the paintings a touch of gold has been applied on top of the work.
What you are left with are the merest of glimmers. Just enough to spark and change with the light. To be alive."
"I love gold leaf! And this is the material I’ve chosen as my main inspiration for this work. I developed a passion for gold leaf as a sign painter. I used it extensively on storefront windows, sandblasted signs and fire engines.
This is a tricky material to work with as gold can easily overwhelm any artwork it touches. It’s extremely bossy! However, when applied in just the right doses it has the potential to ignite a painting like no other material can.
The leaf I use is called a composite - it has gold in it but it also has copper, tin, and zinc. When compared side by side with 23k gold the difference is barely distinguishable.
Most of the paintings you see here began on a solid ground of gold leaf (striped series). My biggest job was to keep editing out the gold with paint until there were only little peeks of exposure. I certainly didn’t want it to disappear either! On a few of the paintings a touch of gold has been applied on top of the work.
What you are left with are the merest of glimmers. Just enough to spark and change with the light. To be alive."
Three Frogs
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We're Celebrating Our 40th Anniversary!
Northcoast Artists Gallery in Fort Bragg, California, is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1986 by a group of visionary artists, the downtown gallery has grown into one of California’s longest‑running artist‑run cooperatives and was the first of its kind in Mendocino County.
This April, we will be celebrating the gallery's 40-year anniversary with a special exhibition featuring current work from both past and present member artists. The show will highlight how each artist’s creative journey has evolved over time, and where their creative paths have led them today. As a true cooperative, Northcoast Artists Gallery is entirely managed and staffed by its member artists. This model empowers creatives with greater control over their work, increased returns on sales, and a strong voice in gallery operations. It also fosters collaboration, community, and shared visibility in a desirable downtown location. Located along the stunning Mendocino Coast—an area renowned for its dramatic landscapes and uniquely inspiring environment—the gallery has continued to evolve while remaining faithful to its original mission. What began as a small collective of potters has grown into a diverse, multi‑media gallery. Each member maintains ongoing exhibit space, and a third of the gallery is dedicated to monthly solo or invitational shows. Nearly every artistic medium has been showcased in this shared space. After four decades, creativity and inspiration continue to flourish at Northcoast Artists Gallery. |
Guest Member Opportunity
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Northcoast Artists is currently looking for qualified 3D artists to apply for guest memberships.
Becoming a guest member is required before applying for a full membership. This allows the prospective artist to see what it's like to work in a cooperative gallery before making a decision on whether or not to apply for full membership. You can find applications here. |
Come in for an inspiring visit!
 Northcoast Artist Gallery 2026
Our members would like to thank everyone for their continued support. We hope you'll stop by and see our wonderful art and fine craft. Sincerely, Everyone at Northcoast Artists Gallery |
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Encaustics 
Mosaic 
Wood Turning |
