In the summer of 1975 three dedicated couples (pioneers!) opened Running Ridge Gallery in the Ojai Valley. The Farnhams, Grabowskis and Spencers were interested in showing their own work - paintings, sculpture and jewelry, and others' art too. At that time the area was known for it's oranges and avocados, not the chic shops, galleries and trendy eateries of today. The appreciation of fine crafts was just beginning to spread across the country.

Sharon and Jett Spencer became friends with Hallie and Stan Katz, who had a gallery and jewelry school in Studio City, in the L.A. area. Many common interests were shared among the Running Ridge partners and the Katzes. When the Spencers wanted to leave Ojai, Bob and Barbara Grabowski and Ruth and John Farnham invited Hallie and Stan to become partners with them.

Leave L.A. and go to Paradise? It took exactly 15 minutes for Hallie and Stan to decide. They sold their jewelry school, rented out their house, and moved to Ojai! They worked in the gallery with their partners, who became their Ojai family. They developed an extensive line of jewelry and exhibited at national juried craft shows for over 13 years.

In 1991 the Farnhams wanted to pursue other interests, and the Grabowskis had moved to Idaho, so it was agreed, Hallie and Stan would keep the gallery as sole owners. They took on the legacy and made it their own with a new name: HumanArts! The serene little valley WAS starting to be noticed, and the momentum was in place as they marched forward, offering the most unique jewelry and artwork to a loyal local following and visitors alike. In 1993 the gallery's success gave them the courage to open HumanArts Home, 8 doors west, to show furniture, home accessories and larger works of art.

1975 The Beginning: Running Ridge Gallery	Ruth Farnham
John Farnham	Sharon and Jett Spencer
Sharon Spencer	Hallie Katz and Barbara Grabowski
Stan Katz and Bob Grabowski	Interior in 1982
Exterior in late 80's	All white interior. David Willis was manager for 9 years until 1992
HumanArts, view of the Arcade, main shopping district	New cases built for jewelry, early 90's
Painted again, this time using some color	HumanArts Home opened 1993, 8 doors West of gallery
Gallery interior in 2003	Hallie and Stan, April 2005, after painting and installing new maple cabinetry custom made by James McCarthy.

Where are they now?

Ruth, still painting and in Ojai, is active in a local arts organization, and loves traveling to exotic locales like Syria, India, Libya. John, mischievous, clever, sweet and kind, passed away in 2000.

Bob and Barbara lived in Sun Valley, Idaho until January 2004 when they moved to San Diego. Both have become ministers in the United Church of Religious Science and keep busy every minute with friends, family and travel for the church.

Jett went to Santa Fe in the early 90's and opened Jett Gallery of designer jewelry. He lives on a ranch with his partner Suzanne, also an artist.

Dear Sharon had an illness that kept her in a wheel chair for many years, but her creative spirit always burned bright. She left this world in 1999.

David Willis is an artist and winemaker and resides in Ojai.

Hallie continues to design jewelry, mostly on a custom basis, and manages the gallery. Stan oversees HumanArts Home and the entire office. They feel extremely fortunate to be doing what they love in this idyllic place called Ojai. They thank their staff, without whom this would not be possible: Katherine Ennis, Suzin O'Donnell, Katrina Seaton, Jeri Ware Johnson, Kandace Pearson, Donna Elam, and Monica Eiserling.

A special exhibit "Reunion: Highlights From 30 Years" June 3 - July 10 celebrates the gallery's 30th Anniversary. Featured artists are Bob Grabowski, Ruth Farnham, Jett Spencer, Hallie Katz, Jim Danisch, Patrick Crabb, Nicholas Bernard, Amanda Richardson, Randy Stromsoe, Carol and Jean-Pierre Hsu, Jeff and Katrina Seaton, Ann Quisty, Mikal Deese, and in memorium the work of John Farnham and Sharon Spencer.

There will be an Anniversary Reception Friday June 24 6-9pm and Saturday June 25 noon-9 during Art Ojai...Summer Stroll. Ojai's 9th annual merchant sponsored art event takes place in 40 venues in downtown Ojai.