Mendocino Art Center

Tucked away near the entrance to the Mendocino Headlands State Park is a historic little piece of our coast’s culture. The Mendocino Art Center has been a haven for artists since 1959, and continues to be an important part of this community.

The property where the Art Center now sits used to be home to the Preston Mansion, a beautiful Victorian-style home that burned to the ground in 1957. Bill Zacha bought the property that same year, and they started an art colony that has carried on to today. These days, artists come and live at the Art Center to work on their craft in a supportive and creative community.

The gallery at the Mendocino Art Center is open every day from 11am-4pm, and is free to the public. They have an amazing selection of all kinds of art–from jewelry to pottery, oil paintings to photography, and everything in between.

Their outdoor art (Plein Air) competition every Fall is one of the coolest events on the coast, featuring spectacular artists from the Mendocino Coast and beyond. Below are a few photos from people participating in 2019!

The Mendocino Art Center is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to the Mendocino coastline! Plus, when you’re finished soaking in the art, you can walk west down Little Lake Street and find yourself on the magnificent Mendocino Headlands State Park.

Visit the Mendocino Art Center

Mendocino Art Center
45200 Little Lake St
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5818