The Sanctuary’s Artist Residency programs are an opportunity for artists of all types to spend 1 to 2 months living and working on the Redwood Coast of Northern California. Located in downtown Arcata, the Sanctuary is a community arts center and non-profit organization based in an historic building that was constructed in 1916 to be the Arcata Women’s Clubhouse. Today, it is a bustling music venue, art gallery, community center, and artists’ workshop; with lab facilities including printmaking, ceramics, textiles, woodworking, music recording, bicycle repair, gardening, homesteading, and more.

Click here for more information about our residency options:
Local AIR Application / Visiting AIR Application / Recording Musician AIR Application
Submissions are due November 30th.

The Sanctuary presents an opportunity for artists of all types to share their work with the Northern California community. The goal of our gallery is to precipitate creativity, nourish the minds of Sanctuary visitors, and enhance the Sanctuary’s atmosphere while complementing the many uses of the space. It is our hope that folks will draw on the mission statement: The Sanctuary is dedicated to creative growth through artful living. We encourage people to teach, inspire and know each other.

Submissions may include original art in any media, art collections, curiosities, and more.
A series of five art exhibitions periods are available in 2020, every two months from February through November; February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, and October/November.  Each session will be either one single exhibit on display in both the Great Hall and the Meeting Room, or two separate but complementary exhibits in each room.

For more information, click here for the full Open Call to Artists. Proposals are due by November 30th.

Come join us for Figure Drawing sessions at the Sanctuary every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30!  Sessions are hosted by Natalie Williams, Sanctuary co-operator and artist. We begin with short poses, 1-5 minutes, and end with longer poses 10-20 minutes.  Tea and snacks are served at a short break midway through the session. Some drawing materials and easels are provided. Please bring your own drawing board if you need to use one, and please arrive on time.  Sliding scale: $5 – $15.
Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/687220621705498/

Come join voices in circle as we create improvised music in community. We will create 3- and 4-part songs that have never before been sung, based on motifs suggested by leader Marika Chop and improvisations that arise from the group during singing. This type of vocal sharing heals and transforms as well as strengthens our community. All voices welcome.

Children are welcome at our events–we love inter-generational gatherings! We ask that children come prepared to participate in the singing (yay!) or to sit quietly with a parent; parallel activities for kids are not provided.

Come join us for Figure Drawing sessions at the Sanctuary every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30!  Sessions are hosted by Natalie Williams, Sanctuary co-operator and artist. We begin with short poses, 1-5 minutes, and end with longer poses 10-20 minutes.  Tea and snacks are served at a short break midway through the session. Some drawing materials and easels are provided. Please bring your own drawing board if you need to use one, and please arrive on time.  Sliding scale: $5 – $15
Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/687220621705498/

Come the second Sunday of the month from 6pm to 9pm for sewing & mending night.

Suggested donation of $5 – $20

Call Debbie with questions.
(707) 822-4221

Come and join us every second Friday evening in the meeting room to see a rotating variety of artists. Exhibitions are two months long, see our newsletter for current artist(s) being featured.