The Sea Gull burned to the ground forty years ago this year. It’s easy for me to remember the date because my friend and key employee, Lorna, was born on December 12. We took a few minutes to comment on the irony of that coincidence, but we didn’t dwell on it for long. Lorna and I together with many employees and friends of the Sea Gull rolled up our sleeves and went to work building a new restaurant.
Lorna Young in group photograph at the Kelly House, photo by Nicholas Wilson
A decision was made to move the Cellar Bar above the restaurant to take advantage of the spectacular view from that level. Some customers periodically remarked that it seemed odd that a Cellar Bar would be located upstairs. I’m not quite sure how the rumor got started but the story soon became an accepted fact—the Cellar Bar had to keep its old name because the Catholic Priest had printed up his business cards with that location and couldn’t afford to print new ones.
A natural consequence of the upstairs being called the Cellar was that the downstairs became the Attic. That room served many purposes over the years. One of the first projects was a gallery. Ilja Tinfo, a waiter at the Sea Gull and an accomplished artist offered to organize shows for The Attic Gallery.
Artist Ilja Tinfo at work
In 1978, when Norman deVall was running for Fifth District Supervisor, I spoke with a number of artists about organizing a fundraiser. We organized an “Art-In”. We papered the walls of the Attic with canvas and invited all artists in the community to drop by and create paintings of their choice. At the same time the public was free to attend, watch the artists at work, and donate to Norman. At the end of the day, the paintings were cut from the wall and auctioned off with the proceeds going to the campaign.
Original poster for Art-In
The event was a success. Money was raised, the participants and spectators had a good time, and Norman won the election and served for sixteen years.
Norman deVall contributing his artwork
James Maxwell putting the finishing touches on his painting
Michael Leventhal contemplating his work
You might think getting artists together is like herding cats but on one day in Mendocino nearly forty years ago a great number of talented artists lined up and marched in the same direction.
Jim Bertram with his contribution
Larry Fuente with ears
Maybe it’s the rest of us who have a hard time figuring out where we’re going. Especially in this bizarre election year, widening our horizons is a good thing.
Steve Weingarten models for Melvin Cooper
Diane Larson at work
Read this wonderful essay over at Brain Pickings: Complementarity and the Quantum of Life: Nobel-Winning Physicist Frank Wilczek on Why Reality Is Woven of Opposing Truths. It explains exactly what I’m talking about.
Nancy Barth sketching the outlines of her painting
Sculptor Max Salkin working with brush and oil
Master Gardener Neal Erickson appreciating the art around him
Some Links To The Artists Mentioned
Larry Fuente:
http://americanart.si.edu/collections/search/artist/?id=5847
Jim Bertram:
http://hildapertha.blogspot.com/2015/11/jim-bertrams-paintings.html
James Maxwell Purr Garden Story
I do remember the night the Seagull burned down. We were staying at the house connected to the restaurant. Doesn’t seem like 40 years ago.
I remember it well and all the artists you mentioned. Thanks for posting this.
Jan Buscho (formerly Jan Weiss or Jan Sherman)