Recall the grizzly past of vanished bears in Santa Rosa museum exhibit

Whether you want to see work by some of Northern California’s best-known artists, or just want to find out all about grizzly bears, it’s a great time for museum-goers in Sonoma County, with new exhibits at both the History Museum and Art Museum in Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, as well as the Petaluma Arts Center.

“Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly” opens Sunday at the History Museum of Sonoma County and runs through March 31, tracing history of the state’s official animal, which now is seen only on the state flag and in other images.

Scientists estimate that 10,000 grizzlies once lived in California, but had vanished by the early 1900s because of increased human settlement, loss of habitat and hunting. Through images, stories and hands-on activities the exhibit demonstrates the grizzly’s continuing impact on our minds and imaginations.

The exhibit, which will travel to 17 museums across California over the next years, is based on the Heyday Books publication “Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly” by Susan Snyder, as well as UC Berkeley’s Bancroft Library exhibit of the same name.

“3 Friends,” which opened Jan. 9 at the Art Museum of Sonoma County and runs through April 15, includes work by sculptor and assemblage artist Robert Hudson, ceramic sculptor Richard Shaw and plein air landscape painter Jack Stuppin. The three artists have been friends, colleagues and sometimes collaborators for decades.

Receptions for both shows will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The two museums are side by side at 425 Seventh St. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $7-$10; free for children age 12 and younger. Admission: $7-$10. Information: 707-579-1500, museumsc.org.

“We’re delighted to be presenting three major North Bay artists in a vibrant and dynamic new show, plus a fascinating new exhibit about the California grizzly, the iconic symbol on our state flag,” said Jeff Nathanson, executive director of the Museums of Sonoma County.

“Power of Ten: Scaling Up” runs Saturday through March 24 at the Petaluma Arts Center. It’s inspired by the work of iconic designers Charles Eames and his wife and Ray, and their 1977 film “Powers of Ten,” which will be screened at the center in March. The curator for the exhibit is their granddaughter, Lisa Demetrios.

“We are thrilled to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Petaluma Arts Center with “Power of Ten: Scaling Up,” said Delfin Vigil, the center’s new executive director. “It certainly will underscore the powerful role art has had in our Petaluma community in the last 10 years.”

Embracing Charles Eames’ observation that “Eventually, everything connects,” the exhibit celebrates artists whose work focuses on often overlooked connections, showing in new ways how things fit together in the world around us.

The exhibit includes work by Warren Bellows, David Best, David Alan Boyd, Amy Critchett, Mary Dooley and Chris Lynch, Christopher Evans, Douglas Gayeton, Ned Kahn, Patricia McShane and Erik Adigard, and Tiny Houses for Humanity.

The show opens with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville St., Petaluma. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $4-$5. Information: 707-762-5600, petalumaartscenter.org.

You can reach staff writer Dan Taylor at 707-521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @danarts.