Crafting Curiosity Crafting Curiosity

January 23–February 21, 2026

Petaluma Arts Center
230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
Thursday–Saturday, 12:00–4:00 pm

Crafting Curiosity features work from the inaugural Ranch Studios Artist Residency, created at the Eames Ranch in Petaluma, CA. Over two three-month sessions, a small group of artists including Windy Chien, Rie Dion, Jay Dion, Chris Kallmyer, Travis Meinolf, Masako Miki, Yvonne Mouser, Amy Rathbone, Kristen Stain, Nobuto Suga, Pierre Gorgui Thiam, and Lena Wolff transformed the Ranch’s barn and farmstead buildings into studios for experimentation, discovery, and play.

Drawing inspiration from the Eames Archives and supported by research resources from William Stout Architectural Books, each artist responded to the questions that guide their practice. The resulting work reflects the philosophy of Ray and Charles Eames, whose legacy demonstrates that inquiry, problem-solving, and play are powerful tools for learning, creating, and positively shaping the world around us.

The residency carries forward a long tradition of agriculture and making at the Eames Ranch, shaped by Lucia Eames and her daughter Llisa Demetrios, both artists whose daily lives on the property integrated creative practice, stewardship, and experimentation.

This exhibition celebrates not only what was made, but also how it was made: through curiosity, shared learning, and a belief in the generative possibilities that arise when we work together.

Crafting Curiosity is an exhibition partnership between the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity and the Petaluma Arts Center (PAC). The exhibition is curated by Llisa Demetrios, Chief Curator, of the Eames Institute, with Jay Dion, Studio Manager for the Ranch Studios program at the Eames Ranch.

Learn more about the Ranch Studios Artist Residency.

Working across disciplines in fiber, metal, wood, ceramics, digital fabrication, and taking inspiration from the surrounding farmland and nature, residents explored new materials and processes while developing solutions to the visual, physical, and social aspects of their work. The residency is informed by Petaluma’s longstanding culture of creativity and its community of makers.

Admission to this exhibition is free in honor of Lucia Eames, made possible by the generosity of her daughter, Llisa Demetrios, former Board President of the Petaluma Arts Center. For more information, please visit petalumaartscenter.org.

Curator’s Tour with Llisa Demetrios
January 25, 2026, 2:00–3:00 pm
This program was offered to Eames Institute members only. Not a member yet? Join here.

Panel Discussion: “Material Innovation and Agricultural Space”
February 7, 2026, 3:00–4:00 pm
Ranch Studios Artist Residents and the Eames Institute Farm Manager join Jay Dion to discuss how place shapes process, materials, experimentation, and curiosity.

Workshop: Botanical Ink Making with Lena Wolff
February 15, 2026, 12:00–3:00 pm
Explore natural ink and paint making with Ranch Studios artist and craftswoman, Lena Wolff. Participants will create several color charts and learn how to adjust hues with a variety of additives. All experience levels are welcome.

Curator’s Tour with Llisa Demetrios
February 21, 2026, 1:00–2:00 pm
Eames Institute members only
Members may contact membership@eamesinstitute.org to register.
Not a member yet? Join here.

Closing Party
February 21, 2026, 2:00–4:00 pm
Join us for the closing reception of Crafting Curiosity. Exhibiting artist Chris Kallmyer, joined by a cohort of local artists, will activate the bells he created at 3:00 pm. Free and open to the public. Please register to attend.

Getting here on the SMART train

The Downtown Petaluma SMART station is directly across the street from the Petaluma Arts Center. Consider taking the train to save on gas and parking time and arrive ready to explore.