Epperson Music Holiday
Epperson Music
Fun with ukuleles
Epperson Music is a boutique musical instrument, art, and gift store located in downtown Fort Bragg, California inside the Union Lumber Company building.
Meredith & TC Space
Meredith &
TC Space
In a previous incarnation, Meredith Frederick was a high school teacher in San Diego with a passion for printmaking, especially intaglio and lithography. Meredith was always a risk taker. So, when a mentor encouraged her to start painting in 2016, she embraced the challenge, developing a unique style influenced by California’s wild landscapes that tapped her knowledge of stenciling and employed spray paints, colored pencils, and acrylics to explore nature and the environment.
She Can Hang
Eventually Meredith made her way to Fort Bragg and found a dynamic and welcoming local art scene. When friend, fellow artist and gallery owner Tim Carmody had to give up his gallery, Meredith was asked take over, rebranding the space as TC (for Traffic Cone) and showcasing local artists in a way that would honor the community Tim had for so long supported.
Local Tip:
Stop in and take a minute to see who is hanging on the wall, it will improve your day.
At TC, Meredith employs an aesthetic she’s been working toward for years—telling a visual story with art hung in a professional way, where a deft use of light, placement and negative space ensure continuity and create excitement and drama. TC displays a variety of local, working artists who are masters of their craft. Artists appreciate a space that honors their work while communicating a cohesive story.
Erin and the Collective
Erin & the
Coast Collective
Coast Collective founder Erin Irber has a passion for fine woodworking. Starting at the Krenov School of Fine Furniture in Fort Bragg, an institution that cultivates a reverence for quality and excellence. Erin and all the Collective artisans who attended—emerged from hundreds of hours of intense study understanding that, as often as not, the nature of a piece is revealed in the handling, a slow process of discovery that requires patience, precision, an affinity for power tools and a love affair with wood.
As the name implies, Coast Collective has gathered a group of artisan woodworkers who share a commitment to quality craftsmanship and a desire to create furniture that performs and delights. All the Collective’s designs are now in stock with new furniture collections released several times a year. And unlike fast furniture destined for the landfill, members of the Collective design and build furniture meant to last and be passed on for generations.
Local Tip:
Bespoke pieces can be made to order.
Fast furniture isn’t better. In fact, with supply chain disruptions, often it isn’t even fast.
Pacific Textile & The Weavers
Pacific Textile &
The Weavers
Since the dawn of civilization, textiles have kept us warm, signaled our cultural identity and offered a canvas on which to explore and describe the world. Textile artists Lolli Jacobsen, Jackie Wollenberg and Elaine Todd understood the value of keeping the ancient art of weaving alive and with the support of their fellow Fort Bragg weavers, created a vibrant space where the local community can explore the fabric arts.
The House That Weavers Built
Established in 1993, for the last 17 years, the Pacific Textile Arts campus on Alger Street has functioned as a hybrid gallery, art school, studio space, and museum with exhibits that showcase textiles from around the world and offer classes and groups that explore a variety of disciplines from Japanese paper weaving to spinning and calligraphy. The Brockschmidt Sutherland lending library for members is an inspiring collection of over 3000 textile-related books, articles and videos.
Local Tip:
Check out the Pacific Textile Arts website to learn more about this vibrant and welcoming community and for the latest information on upcoming shows, classes and exhibits.
Kiersten & The Braggadoon
Kiersten &
The Braggadoon
If you spot a beautiful sign somewhere in Fort Brag, chances are Kiersten and her team had something to do with it.
As Owner and Creative Director of Fort Bragg creative services agency, Braggadoon, Kiersten Hanna is a central figure in the Fort Bragg and Mendocino County art and culture scene. Her agency’s wide array of creative offerings includes art direction, logo design, archival quality print production and creative signage. “Being a graphics shop in a town on the edge of nowhere, Braggadoon has to be a little bit of everything for everyone in the community,” says Kiersten. From business signage to props for local theater productions, Kiersten and Braggadoon truly can be said to influence the entire look of the town.
“There’s something about this area, I’m never in want of things to do, new experiences, interesting people, and creative endeavors. Plus, it is beautiful!”
- Kiersten Hanna
Local Tip:
Those amazing murals you see around Fort Bragg. Many of them were created by artists who work for Kiersten at Bragadoon.
Ryan & The Amazing Murals
Ryan & The
Amazing Murals
Part artist, part engineer, part craftsman, Ryan possesses a skillset that is at once highly creative, analytical and practical.
Ryan’s co-workers at Braggadoon Signs & Graphics gave him the moniker Mentalist for his otherworldly ability to pull off extraordinary feats of technical prowess. But less supernatural, though no less wonderful is Ryan’s artwork. Trained in oil painting and adept at large canvases and murals, his painting style evokes imagery that is at once classical and surreal. Inspired by surrounding seascapes and forest vistas, the spirit of Fort Bragg and the North Coast bubble to the surface in Ryan’s current work. And yet, it’s also his technical skills that allow him to move easily from conception through production to installation. It’s a rare and sometimes seemingly otherworldly combination that makes him such a valuable member of the team at Braggadoon, an accomplished artist and has earned him a position at the very the center of the artistic community in Fort Bragg. ryangrossman.com
Rise
Local Tip:
Ryan’s downtown Fort Bragg murals can be seen at the corner of Redwood Avenue and HWY 1, and his latest at 301 Redwood Avenue at the corner of Redwood and McPherson.
Anna & The Harbor
Anna Neumann
& The Harbor
Head down to the Noyo Harbor and treat yourself to the catch of the day right off the boat it came in on. While you’re there, say hello to Harbor Master Anna Neumann. From a childhood in Morro Bay that ingrained a love of the sea, to an advanced degree in fisheries policy, Anna isn’t just another bureaucrat who doesn’t know her stuff. She’s sailed the sea, spending two years fishing commercially with the women from The Princess to earn her way through school and loved (most) every minute of it.
A Safe Harbor For All
Her experience at sea taught her a lot about the fishing culture, specifically how the health of the harbor contributes directly to the health of the local economy. She’s working to reeducate the community that they can buy directly from fishermen right off their boats, the ultimate sustainable sea food. Anna wears many other hats, renting out the 256 slips that are the harbor’s main source of income. She’s also a grant writer and project manager. But her most significant role is in supporting all aspects of the fishing industry and ensuring the Noyo Harbor is safe in every sense of the word.
Jack of All Trades,Master of One:
The Noyo Harbor
Local Tip:
The Noyo Harbor Fish Market at South Harbor opened in April and runs on the second Saturday of the month through September.
Tristin, Grant & The Kelp
Tristin, Grant
& Helping The Kelp
A thriving nearshore ocean ecosystem is crucial to maintaining wildlife on land and at sea. Today, that ecosystem is in danger along much of the Northern California coast. In just under ten years, a ‘perfect storm’ of warming oceans, loss of apex predators, and the subsequent proliferation of the voracious native purple sea urchin has decimated 96% of kelp forests on California’s North Coast.
Community Mobilization
On the shores of Fort Bragg, Kelp Forest Restoration is a community effort. Local urchin divers like Grant Downie, The Nature Conservancy Kelp Project Director, Tristin McHugh, resource managers at the state of California, and local nonprofits like Reef Check and the Noyo Center for Marine Science all pitch in. Although in early stages, the program has seen some kelp recovery in targeted restoration areas where purple urchins have been systematically harvested by divers.
Fort Bragg’s Marine Science and Education hub, The Noyo Center for Marine Science, has locations in Fort Bragg that the public can visit to learn more about this issue and participate in activities that support kelp forest restoration.
The program has seen recent progress with areas along the North Coast where purple urchins have been removed reporting some natural recovery.
Local Need:
So much more needs to be accomplished to ensure the health of the nearshore ecosystem. Recreational divers with a valid California fishing license can join the effort by participating in the harvest of purple sea urchin from approved locations. Visit California Department of Fish and Wildlife website HERE, (section “29.06 Sea Urchin”) to learn more about the current regulations.
Blue Economy Learning Festival
the
Learning Festival
Join top researchers, educators, purveyors, guides, and fishers to immerse yourself in a multitude of ocean-related enterprises at the core of a sustainable economic future on the Mendocino Coast.
SATURDAY
Free Shuttle
Ditch your car and hop on MTA shuttle.
Sponsor: Mendocino Transit Authority
Coast Guard 47′ Motor Lifeboat
The U.S. Coast Guard is one of our nation’s six military services. The Station at Noyo River is a multi-mission surf station, with an emphasis on search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection. Step on board one of their lifeboats and meet the men and women who serve on it.
Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
Meet: South Harbor
Sponsor: US Coast Guard
Art Explorers Opening Reception, “The Ocean is Life”
Art Explorer’s is a creative arts program primarily serving adults with developmental disabilities, and committed to “provide a fun, nurturing, non-judgmental and artistically stimulating environment for creativity to thrive.” Their space at 333 N Franklin Street is magical and a must experience for all.
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Meet: Art Explorers, 333 N. Franklin St.
Sponsor: Art Explorers
Abalone & Coffee at the Slacktide Cafe
Come visit Noyo Center’s newly acquired facility in Noyo Harbor and learn about our plans for Blue Economy research. Enjoy a cup of coffee and pastries on our deck during a brief presentation on our plans, including an abalone broodstock program.
Time: 9:00 AM – Noon, Presentation at 10:00 AM
Meet: Slacktide Cafe, 32430 N. Harbor Drive, Noyo Harbor
Sponsor: Noyo Center for Marine Science
Hare Creek Beach Stewardship
Stewardship is open to all ages and experience levels. Stop by to pull invasive plant species, maintain the trail, and take in the beautiful scenery.
Time: 10:00 AM to Noon
Meet: Hare Creek Beach (park at Mendocino College Coast Center)
Sponsor: Mendocino Land Trust
Noyo Harbor Fish Market
Come down to the South Harbor! The fishing fleet will be selling their catches right off their boats, with a host of local vendors selling wares in Grader Park. Live music, too!
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Meet: South Harbor Grader Park
Sponsor: Noyo Harbor District
Cycle Coastal Trail to Ten Mile
Join the SOB’s Seniors on Bikes on one of their daily rides, along the Noyo Headlands Trail and MacKerricher State Park Haul Road. Special stops along the way highlight Learning Festival activities.
Time: 10:00 AM
Meet: Skunk Train Parking Lot
Sponsor: SOB, Seniors On Bikes Club
Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center: Whales, Water & Wildflowers
Walk the beautiful coastal trail, look for whales as you enjoy the season’s wildflowers in bloom, and end up at the Crow’s Nest, Noyo Center’s foothold on the ocean. See our touch tank aquarium, sea lion skeletons and natural history exhibits.
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Meet: Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center: End of Jere Melo Way (Cypress Street runway)
Sponsor: Noyo Center for Marine Science
Blue Zone Project – Coastal Mendocino County Kick-Off Event
Discover how to get involved in transforming Mendocino County into a community where healthy choices are easier for everyone! Learn how Blue Zone principles can lead to a longer, better life! Stop by and enjoy free family-friendly activities, giveaways and prizes.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Meet: Cypress Street Meadow
Sponsor: Adventist Health
Coast Center Mendocino Collage Open House & Specimen Exhibit
The doors of Mendocino College’s Coast Center are open to all. Come walk the hallways, peek into classrooms, familiarize yourself with their specimen collection and peer through microscopes.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Meet: Mendocino College
Sponsor: Mendocino Lake Community College
“Mini” Big Time
Coastal Dancers showcasing regalia from the ocean, Grass Games demonstration and informational booths highlighting the language of Northern Pomo.
Meet: Mendocino Coast Campus
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Organizer: Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo
Borrow-A-Buddy
We love our four-legged friends! Take a shelter dog on a fun local field trip. You’ll have a loving buddy for the day and if you hit it off… possibly longer! Learn more from the Mendocino Coast Humane Society at Adventist’s Blue Zone Celebration.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Meet: Cypress Street Meadow, Noyo Headlands Park
Sponsor: Humane Society
Discovery Center – Kelp Exhibit
Come see Noyo Center’s beautiful keep exhibit and view underwater video footage of our nearshore habitats in the Discovery Center’s 360-degree geodesic Ocean Immersion Dome.
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meet: Noyo Center for Marine Science – 338 N. Main
Sponsor: Noyo Center for Marine Science
All Aboard Adventures with Captain Tim on the Sea Hawk
Captain Tim has worked out of the Noyo Harbor for over 40 years and donated four chartered boat excursions to students to support community engagement in the Learning Festival. Thank you, Captain Tim.
Visit: www.allabourdadventures.com
Sponsor: Captain Tim and the Sea Hawk
Open Mic Night
Bring you songs to Larry Spring Commons for a an open mic night hosted by Karlyn DeSteno with Magpie Pizza served in the Riverboat. Entrance by donation
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meet: Enter through the gates beside 225 E. Redwood Ave.
Sponsor: Spring Commons
S’mores & Stories Around The Fire
Point Cabrillo Light Station invites you to toast marshmallows while listening to stories exploring the rich history of our area. Thank you Beachcomber for sharing your fire pits!
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meet: Park at end of Glass Beach Road and walk over Pudding Creek Trestle
Sponsor: Point Cabrillo Light Station
Night Skies & Telescopes from the Coastal Trail
Amateur astronomers gather at Otsuchi Point to see what deep-sky wonders emerge.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meet: Cypress Street access to Noyo Headlands Park
SUNDAY
Free Shuttle
Ditch your car and hop on MTA shuttle.
Sponsor: Mendocino Transit Authority
Coastal Birding with the Audubon Society
Birds are everywhere to be found, no matter where you live. Come explore the Noyo Headlands Trail, meet our local birds, and make new birding friends.
Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
Meet: South of Glass Beach
Sponsor: Mendocino Coast Audubon Society
Free Guest House Museum Open House
The Fort Bragg Historical Society invites you to visit the Guest House Museum where local history is cherished and preserved.
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Meet: Guest House Museum, 343 N. Main St.
Sponsor: Fort Bragg Historical Society
Cycle Coastal Trail to Ten Mile
Join the SOB’s Seniors on Bikes on one of their daily rides, along the Noyo Headlands Trail and MacKerricher State Park Haul Road. Special stops along the way highlight Learning Festival activities.
Time: 10:00 AM
Meet: Skunk Train Parking Lot
Sponsor: SOB, Seniors On Bikes Club
Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center: Whales, Water & Wildflowers
Walk the beautiful coastal trail, look for whales as you enjoy the season’s wildflowers in bloom, and end up at the Crow’s Nest, Noyo Center’s foothold on the ocean. See our touch tank aquarium, sea lion skeletons and natural history exhibits.
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Meet: Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center: End of Jere Melo Way (Cypress Street runway)
Sponsor: Noyo Center for Marine Science
Coho Salmon & Pudding Creek
Coho salmon are the rarest species of salmon in California. Come learn about local efforts committed to restoring habitat and fish passage along Pudding Creek with our local chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU).
Time: 11:00 AM – Noon
Meet: Pudding Creek Trestle
Sponsor: Trout Unlimited, Redwood Empire Chapter
MacKerricher Tide Pooling with Katharine Gabrielson
Explore the rocky intertidal zone at MacKerricher State Park, one of California’s Marine Protected Areas – and say hello to the mussels, barnacles, and anemones that cling to the rocky tidepools.
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Meet: Laguna Point, MacKerricher Park
Sponsor: CA State Parks
Discovery Center – Kelp Exhibit
Come see Noyo Center’s beautiful keep exhibit and view underwater video footage of our nearshore habitats in the Discovery Center’s 360-degree geodesic Ocean Immersion Dome.
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meet: Noyo Center for Marine Science – 338 N. Main
Sponsor: Noyo Center for Marine Science
Blue Zone Project – Coastal Mendocino County Kick-Off Event
Discover how to get involved in transforming Mendocino County into a community where healthy choices are easier for everyone! Learn how Blue Zone principles can lead to a longer, better life! Stop by and enjoy free family-friendly activities, giveaways and prizes.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Meet: Cypress Street Meadow
Sponsor: Adventist Health
Guided Plant Walk with CA Native Plant Society
Plants are the foundation of our ecosystems, and CA has more plant species than any other state. Join Professor Teresa Cholar on a guided plant identification to learn about plants of the Mendocino Coast.
Time: 12:30 PM
Meet: South end of Pudding Creek Trestle
Sponsors: Mendocino College & CA Native Plant Society
Explore Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park
Walk seven forested acres of park in the middle of Fort Bragg and learn about forest and watershed ecology from local experts.
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Meet: Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park
Sponsors: Tess Albin-Smith and Doug Albin