Ferndale Arts Gallery Showcases Unique Works by Local Artists

The Ferndale Arts Gallery is currently showcasing the artistic creations of two local talents: photographer Matt Filar and ceramicist Julie Cairns. Their respective works, titled “2D” and “3D,” highlight the diverse influences of the local environment and community.

Cairns, whose ceramics reflect the beauty of Humboldt County, draws inspiration from the region’s rich natural landscape. Her pieces incorporate elements such as redwoods, the ocean, mountains, and local flowers. Originally from Pasadena, she moved to the area to study biology and botany at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) and has since made it her home.

After graduating, Cairns explored various careers, including work in the plant business and as a professional dog obedience trainer. She also spent three decades as a rural letter carrier, all while nurturing her passion for art. About 25 years ago, she began creating mosaics, which eventually led her to ceramics. In 2012, during the holiday season, she attended a sale at the Fire Arts Center and enrolled in a pottery throwing class, which sparked a new artistic journey.

Cairns quickly expanded her skills, learning techniques such as Querda seca, an ancient method of applying colored wax to create intricate designs. Initially focused on upright ceramic pieces like mugs and bowls, she mastered the art of glazing to achieve her desired effects. Approximately ten years ago, she shifted her focus entirely to ceramics and recently adopted a tube line decoration style that exclusively uses clay and glaze.

Filar, who specializes in black and white photography, captures the essence of community through his lens. His portfolio includes local landscapes, industrial scenes, sports events, and dock workers. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Filar relocated to Humboldt County in 1977 after studying mechanical engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. It was there that an elective drafting course ignited his interest in art.

Beginning his photography journey in 1973, Filar taught himself the craft, initially using 35 mm cameras and a large-format 4 x 5 camera. The process of developing and printing in a darkroom was labor-intensive, but he found it rewarding. The transition to digital photography has streamlined his work, offering greater convenience and efficiency.

Filar retired from engineering in 2005 to dedicate himself fully to photography. He is a contributing photographer for the Mad River Union and serves on the board of the Humboldt Crabs baseball team. His involvement in the local community extends to volunteering as an engineering judge for the Grand Kinetic Championship, where he has documented each entry since 2000.

The Ferndale Arts Gallery, located at 535 Main St. in Ferndale, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on major holidays. Visitors can explore the unique artworks of Cairns and Filar, which collectively celebrate the creativity and spirit of the local community.