Inspired by Nanny Goat Gallery owners Paul and Emily Eccles’ recent trip to Kenya, their next major exhibition, Passport, aims to celebrate the benefits of escapism. What better place to find an adventure on your doorstep than by heading down to their opening reception this Friday night?
“I love the idea of art as an escape, so why not take it quite literally with this show!” explains Emily Eccles. “As usual, I hope the theme offers a touch of guidance while allowing the artists to have the freedom to interpret the theme however they wish.”
Some artists focused on the theme in a more literal sense featuring travel by airplane and boat etcetera, while others chose a more abstract take on it – perhaps a journey through the mind, or through time. It’s always fun to see what shows up as the exhibition takes shape.
– Emily Eccles, co-owner, Nanny Goat Gallery
Passport
Plus
Gokcen Yuksek, Kate Balfe, and Florentina Looper solo exhibitions
Nanny Goat Gallery
215 N Water St in Old Downtown, Petaluma, CA, USA
Tel: 707-329-6388
Exhibition Dates: April 17th- May 10th
Opening Reception: Friday April 17, 2026: 6-9pm
Opening hours:
Thursday: 2-5 pm
Friday: 2-5 pm
Saturday: 12-5 pm
Email Emily and Paul at hello@nannygoatgallery.com with any questions or inquiries, or sign up for the collectors preview here.
Also running concurrently to Passport are two main solo exhibitions and one small ceramics shop drop at Nanny Goat Gallery. The two solo exhibitions celebrate new works by London-based painter Gokcen Yuksek and more local, Berkeley-based artist Kate Balfe. The ceramics drop shop will feature a collection of beautiful, gilded ceramics courtesy of Oregon-based artist, Florentina Looper.
Florentina Looper, Ceramics Shop Drop
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Florentina Looper is an American artist known for her porcelain functional art and intricate underglaze paintings. Trained as a classical canvas painter, she merges fine art and utility by creating original figurative and collage-style works on hand-sculpted porcelain. Each piece is designed to be used and cherished, transforming everyday rituals into aesthetic experiences.
Group Exhibition Passport
For Passport, Emily and Paul once again brought together a mix of emerging and mid-career artists hailing from all over the world. “We feel global representation is so important as you really limit yourself when not being open to a larger pool of artists.” states Emily Eccles. Take a look at some of the artworks below, and be sure to sign up to Nanny Goat Gallery’s newsletter for keep up to date!
For more details on any of the shows, please contact Nanny Goat Gallery at hello@nannygoatgallery.com.
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.
