ABOUT US:

Mission:
A new non-profit start-up project is underway that will create an art venue cosponsored by the Marin French Cheese
Company located on 7500 Red Hill Road, Petaluma, CA  Our mission is to enhance the art experience in Marin County
by providing a unique exhibition space that combines work by artists of national and international reputation with work
by local artists.

The Vision:
Art and agriculture are equally essential to creativity and  survival. Imagine an art venue with an expansive gallery
surrounded by park grounds installed with sculpture, open to the public free of charge daily throughout the year,
presenting contemporary art of the highest quality in changing exhibitions.

History:
Jim Boyce and Kristin Otis, owners of the 143 year-old Cheese Factory are carrying forward a vision of the late painter
Jesse Reicheck.  Facilitated by the Marin Arts Council, a meeting of arts-minded people convened at the Cheese Factory
in October 2007. Jim Boyce made his offer of a secure, climate controlled space in an old building that will be redesigned
to house a large art  exhibition space.  The artists accepted Boyce’s challenge and in subsequent meetings developed a
non-profit organization to support exhibition expenses, including a half-time curator.

Our short-term goal is to present a juried contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibition in March 2009,
Terroir: A Sense of Place, which will include artists from throughout the five Bay area counties as well as invited
nationally recognized sculptors.  Our long-term goal is to secure funding for a professionally staffed on-going exhibition
program and volunteer support.

At the present time, 150,000 people visit the Cheese Factory.  Think of the educational opportunity for families to bring
their children to see the art of their time!   Along with the Boyces, the  artist-committee has developed a non-profit
organization to support and further this vision.

The Boyces produce world class cheese and now their facility will host first class art!

Planning Committee:

Claudia Chapline, artist, writer, gallery owner, nonprofit and public art consultant

Etta Deikman, painter, volunteer Parent Aid project

Mary Mountcastle Eubank artist, arts administrator, Board Member of the Lucid Arts Foundation

Lia Lund: painter, grandmother, farmer, Marshall resident

Zea Morvitz, mixed media artist, part-time administrator, graphic designer

Kris Otis, co owner of the Marin French Cheese factory

Vickisa, artist, art teacher, Dance Palace Camp Director, E.M.T.

Advisors:
Jim Boyce, Mary O’Brien, Leure Reicheck and Judy Teichman, Jacqueline Mallegni

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: assistance is needed for public information, design, printing, fundraising, networking,
collaboration, exhibition preparation, docents, etc.