"All God's Creatures" Beva Farmer (gouache), Tony Green (ceramics), Ellen Soule (stones) Opening Reception: Saturday, March 4, 5 p.m. Exhibit remains through March 30 Dolphin Gallery

Three artists working in three different media, but all with the common inspiration from observation of animals, will combine to bring an unusual and rewarding exhibit to the Dolphin Gallery from March 4 to March 30.

Beva Farmer is a graphic artist and teacher who has specialized in calligraphy and serigraphy. In 1982 she retired from thirty years of teaching, and began painting in gouache - an opaque form of watercolor. Her work is very stark rather than complex because she wants to express the essence of what she paints. "I care deeply about communicating with people, with nature, and with God, by gently touching into and feeling toward relationship and commitment. The pictures I make are my attempt to do this."

Tony Green, commenting on the world around him, uses the tools of ceramics to create unique works of art. Self taught for the most part, Tony has studied ceramics at the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, Maryland; Brandybuck Ranch, Point Arena; and at the Mendocino Arts.

Tony has been inspired by the work of two ceramists, Hungarian Margit Kovacs and American Beatrice Wood. Margit Kovacs was known for decorative sculptures that were totally or partially thrown on the pottery wheel. Tony visited her museum in Hungary, researched her techniques, and is considered an authority on her life and work. Beatrice Wood was known for her beautiful luster glazes and many humorous works. Tony visited her studio and interviewed her when she was 104 years of age. She advised Tony to "continue doing work that seems to come from your heart."

Ellen Soule has studied art at Bay Area schools and in Paris, France. Her paintings, engravings and collages have been exhibited at museums and galleries in San Francisco, Richmond, Honolulu and San Diego. The "rocks" have been featured in Honolulu Magazine.

"I have always loved nature and animals. As a child I played with acorns, made dandelion jewelry and built twig villages. Later in life, when I had access to west coast beaches, I became enamored with the smooth beach pebbles. Some of them resembled various animals, so it was amusing to search the sands for a special creature - a camel or a walrus or such. It has been my pleasure for now forty years, to try in my small way, to honor the wonderful creation on our planet."

The Dolphin Gallery is located at 39225 Highway One in downtown Gualala, behind the post office on the south side, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call (707) 884-3896 for more information.