|
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.
This year HumanArts is celebrating 30 years of showing
their unique blend of art and fine craft. With amazement,
joy and gratitude, Hallie and Stan are ready for the future!
Please click on a picture to see a larger version.

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.
|