Situated in the heart of Downtown Petaluma, Nanny Goat Gallery recently celebrated their first anniversary – and now the festivities continue! With a darkly beautiful theme, the gallery owners, Emily and Paul Eccles, have a special Halloween group exhibition opening this month to celebrate an array of new creations within the pop surreal, narrative, and fantasy genres. “We asked the artists to find the beauty in the things we oftentimes fear the most.” explains co-owner Emily Eccles. “Our thoughts were there is beauty in even death and we were excited to see what else the artists would unearth in exploring this darker theme for our Halloween show.”
Fear to Tread opens October 3rd at Nanny Goat Gallery, in addition to two solos from artists Demian Anderson and Margaret Meyer.
This is the second year we have chosen a darker theme around the Halloween holiday and this year we hope to take it up a notch by turning the gallery into something of a haunted space and throwing a Halloween party with costumes encouraged and a special autumn cocktail.
So far we have seen the artists explore themes of war, feminism, and a multitude of nightmare scenarios all with a haunting touch of beauty. It should be quite a show!
Emily Eccles, Nanny Goat Gallery
Fear to Tread
Plus
Demian Anderson: Fantastical Fauna
Margaret Meyer: A Garden of Eerie Delights
Nanny Goat Gallery
215 N Water St in Old Downtown, Petaluma, CA, USA
Tel: 707-329-6388
Opening reception: Friday October 3
Opening hours:
Thursday: 1-5 pm
Friday: 1-5 pm
Saturday: 1-5 pm
Email Emily and Paul at hello@nannygoatgallery.com with any questions or inquiries, or sign up for the collectors preview here.
Fear to Tread Artist list:
Caroline Gaudreault, Enys Guerrero, Dan Bunn, Zoe Thomas, Hazel Ang, Xhanthi, Olga Vyshnhyvetska, Sophia Paraskevopoulou, John Walker, Josh McQuarry, Kseniia Boko, Jale Soysal, Agatha Black, Joe Vaux, Ross Takahashi, Brady Willmott, Matthew Dutton, Michelle Koncyzk, Kelley Sutphin, Rae Sheridan, Heidi Lustig, Taryn Riley , Liz Bradford, Aunia Kahn, Abigail Braman, Felicia Feldman, Kate Balfe , JB Burke, Craww, Ulyana Turchnenko, Kamryn Tulare, Ellie Davies, Mister Everybody, Veks Van Hillik, Anna Karvounari, Ornélie. Nora Thompson, Lana Filippone, Emma Mount, and Nadine Tralala.
Demian Anderson: Fantastical Fauna
Alongside the group exhibit will be a mini solo “Fantastical Fauna” from mixed media artist Demian Anderson. Exploring surreal scientific illustration and anatomy art, Demian shows the playful side of offal, using custom-cut panels and coloured pencil to bring her menagerie of guts to life. This artwork has to be seen to be believed!
Margaret Meyer: A Garden of Eerie Delights
Additionally, artist Margaret Meyer uses a mixture of media from faux fur to ribbons and bows to bring us her solo “A Garden of Eerie Delights”. Smiling spiders and brightly coloured pink thistle come together to form her surreal collection of wall hung flora and the creatures that reside within its petals and leaves.
About Nanny Goat Gallery //
Taking roots in the Petaluma arts scene, Nanny Goat Gallery celebrates new and contemporary representational art, predominantly in the pop surreal, narrative, and fantasy genres. Far from the minimalist white walls experience, Nanny Goat Gallery happily leans into its historical foundations. The gallery boasts a two-room space with rustic brick walls, across the street from the river in downtown Petaluma.
Read more about their roots and opening here.
Why “Nanny Goat” Gallery?
During the 1940s to the 1960s, spanning three generations, members of Emily Eccles’ family resided on a picturesque hill in San Francisco affectionately referred to as Nanny Goat Hill. Memories of her family home evoke tales of its humble beginnings; the transformations it underwent, and the countless cherished moments shared within its walls—abundant laughter mingled with the occasional challenge.
Fast forward to today, and Emily’s journey, with her husband and gallery co-owner Paul, continues with the establishment of their gallery in Petaluma, nestled just 20 miles north of the vibrant city. This endeavor is truly a family affair, with each member contributing their unique expertise: Emily’s husband brings his skills in technology and law to the table, and Emily’s mom lends her financial acumen as CPA.
Yet, even in this modern venture, the spirits of her beloved grandmother and great-grandmother seem to linger, weaving their legacy into every aspect of their endeavor – an element that fills Emily Eccles’ heart with profound joy.
