The Mendocino Art Center is situated 150 miles north of San Francisco overlooking a rugged expanse of the Pacific Ocean in the charming coastal village of Mendocino. A haven for artists since 1959, today the Art Center is a highly regarded artistic and educational institution offering over 200 retreat-style workshops each year, with art classes in ceramics, fiber art, fine arts, jewelry and sculpture. The art galleries feature monthly exhibitions spotlighting the creative works of local and national artists.

Thousands of visitors are attracted to the region each year to attend the Art Center's annual events, including the Mendocino Coast Garden Tour in June, the Summer Arts & Crafts Fair in July, and the Thanksgiving Art Fair in November. Artists receptions are held the second Saturday of each month.

The Mendocino Art Center continues to be at the heart of what makes the Mendocino Coast an enchanting and vibrant place to visit. Rejuvenate your soul and rekindle your spirit in this unique, retreat-like setting.

A Bit of Mendocino Art Center History
Mendocino was a former mill town fallen on hard times when Bill and Jennie Zacha arrived in the 1950's. By 1959, with the help of many friends, artists, and townspeople the Zacha's dream of developing an art center became reality.

The Art Center was established on the grounds of the former Preston mansion, which was featured in the James Dean movie "East of Eden." When the mansion burned to the ground in 1957, Bill Zacha acquired the entire park-like property with a $500 deposit. By 1959 the remaining carriage house had been converted to the nucleus of the Art Center, while other outbuildings and animal sheds became the first studios.

During the ensuing years, the history of the Art Center and Mendocino village became closely entwined. The Art Center became the focal point of a thriving art colony which revitalized the nearly abandoned town. Today Mendocino and the Art Center are a world-renowned haven for artists in all media.