blue marble, earth week celebration, 2025

Gualala Arts Center Coleman Hall, Gualala, CA

Curated by David Sus Susalla and Bia Gayotto

Artists: Marie Van Elder,  Bia Gayotto, Patrick Gourley and Pamela Holmes, Ann Savageau.

April 11 - May 4, 2025

“Blue Marble” refers to a color photograph taken in 1972 by the Apollo 17 spacecraft on its way to the moon. The vision of the Earth from outer space resembled a blue marble, marking the first time humanity saw what our home planet looked like. This iconic image energized the environmental movement and helped launch the first Earth Day in the 1970s.

Held on April 22 each year, Earth Day now involves over a billion people worldwide in activities supporting environmental protection. This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a perfect moment to reflect on our actions’ impact on the Earth and our common future.

For the inauguration of the “Blue Marble 2025” Earth Week Celebration, a group exhibition will feature five Sonoma Coast artists whose work offers a reflection on the environment and climate change, and its impact on humans and on the planet.  The exhibition includes large paintings by Marie Van Elder,  Pamela Holmes and Patrick Gourley; mixed-media work by Ann Savageau and photographs by Bia Gayotto.