There are plenty of galleries around us in Petaluma, it’s quite an artist hub, but not one is doing what we are. In bringing these artists to a new area, they’ll hopefully be seen and appreciated by a whole new audience.
Nanny Goat Gallery
If you’re reading this, chances are that you appreciate art that exists outside of mainstream circles. If chances are serendipitous enough for you to be around the North Bay Area of California this Friday, you can also be a part of something special, as Nanny Goat Gallery prepares for its Grand Opening!
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. Their Grand Opening kicks off with over 70 artists from around the world bringing heart-lurchingly good artworks together under their maiden exhibition, Ephemeral. From original paintings to intricate sculptures, these enchanting artworks accrue to the perfect collection to be enjoyed within the gallery’s riverfront mid-19th century brick building – an original from Petaluma’s Gold Rush era.
Its founders Emily and Paul Eccles have come a long way since starting Nanny Goat Gallery online in 2022. Having overcome multiple challenges including personal health issues, securing their dream building and then dealing with renovation delays, the couple are more than ready to celebrate their big opening. “While running the online gallery I had completely fallen in love with the community and the artists I was working with.” Shares Emily. “I wanted to do something to make them proud, as well as make us proud.”
Their hard work has not gone to waste. 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. “It’s a beautiful space!” Emily smiles. “I plan on us being a little non-traditional. Our space will be cozy and inviting. We’ve brought in some antique furniture and traditional pedestals to complement the antiquity of the space. I want people to feel really welcome and I want us to fit the old Victorian style of the neighborhood we’re in. Stark white rooms just wouldn’t do. I’m a maximalist and that will show in the gallery as well.”
We have put all of our heart into this passion project and are humbled by all of the hard work put in by the artists. If it weren’t for their enthusiasm and dedication to the gallery, none of this would be possible, of course.
Ephemeral
Nanny Goat Gallery
215 N Water St in Old Downtown, Petaluma, CA, USA
Tel: 707-329-6388
Opening Reception: Friday, July 12, 2024 | 5pm – 9pm
Supporting the bond between artists and collectors
The opening of Nanny Goat Gallery is a celebration of Emily and Paul Eccles’ love for the arts, allowing them to further their support of local and international creatives within the fantasy, surrealist and other less mainstream genres. Paul, a Shakespearean actor for over 15 years, loves collecting art as much as Emily, whose studies in literature and art history make it no surprise that they ended up in the beautiful cultural arts hub of Petaluma.
Both collectors themselves, the founders understand the positive power that art can have. For Emily, however, this connection runs even deeper: “I had always wanted to collect art. Over a five-year period, I had five invasive surgeries due to stage 4 endometriosis and really struggled. Walking through the hospitals, I remember how happy the art made by local artists would make me. I was grateful they had donated their work to the hospitals and realized it was a way to bring joy into my life when not much did. I started looking into collecting art at home soon after. Paul had a Jeremy Miranda commissioned for my 40th birthday and it continued from there.
“I started following more artists and galleries on social media platforms and have enjoyed getting to know both gallerists and artists alike. Honestly, I had always been intimidated by the idea of collecting but found the art world quite void of pretense. I found out that collecting art was fun and brought me so much joy!”
An accessible gallery
At the heart of it all, Nanny Goat Gallery exists to bring underrepresented styles of art into the limelight of the North Bay Area. To ensure accessibility, Paul and Emily aim to introduce collectors to beautiful works at a range of prices. “Having something for everyone is important to me. I want to show art that people can really connect with.” explains Emily. “I love a good landscape or still life, but Paul and I connect more with the art that tells a story and is open to interpretation.”
It’s also important to me to show emerging artists, something collectors haven’t seen before. All of the solos we have lined up through next June feature artists newer to galleries. In some cases, we’re the first time an artist has worked with a gallery. I love that!
Emily Eccles, Nanny Goat Gallery
The Grand Opening
For those expecting a fun party – you won’t be disappointed! Situated in the heart of wine country, there will be wine and beer, complimented by the beer garden next door with live music to get you in the groove. Get there early to enjoy Nanny Goat Gallery’s small ribbon cutting before being welcomed inside at 5pm to look at over 70 beautiful works of art.
“Downtown Petaluma really comes to life on Friday nights.” Emily exclaims, excitedly. “A warm night by the river in wine country. What else is there?”
