Local artist Jim McVicker paints in his garden. (Courtesy of Jim McVicker)
Award-winning oil painter Jim McVicker is selling some of his artwork as a benefit for the Redwood Art Association’s Chairlift Fund.
“This (is an) opportunity to purchase a piece of fine art from one of Humboldt County’s most highly regarded painters,” said Lynn Niekrasz, RAA board member.
The fundraiser, which kicked off Saturday, continues today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RAA Gallery, 603 F St, Eureka. Thirty percent of sale proceeds will go to the nonprofit arts organization and be used to purchase and install a chairlift, making the gallery’s second floor accessible to everyone.
“Jim’s generosity is an important part of our fundraising success and we’re proud to provide him the best location to showcase his amazing work … during this sale,” said RAA President Sara Kimber.
McVicker — a full-time painter since 1975 — moved to Humboldt County in 1977. He paints large and small works on location and in his studio.
“I … have always found this to be a great place to live and paint,” he said. “(There is) so much diversity in the terrain — the ocean, rivers, farm and rural land, fishing boats, wonderful townscapes and not far from the mountains.”
McVicker is selling more than 100 works of art at discount prices for this RAA fundraiser. The Redwood Art Association — founded in 1956 — hosts art exhibits, holds workshops in many different media and has small galleries available for rent.
The idea for this special art sale came about while McVicker was teaching a workshop at the Redwood Art Association Gallery. He asked Erica Brooks and David Boston — both past RAA presidents — if the Redwood Art Association would be interested in hosting a sale of his work, Niekrasz said.
“‘Yes’ was the immediate answer,” she said. “Jim has been a member of the RAA since he started painting in the early ’70s. Jim is a nationally renowned plein air painter who lives locally (in) Loleta. His work is shown in major galleries internationally. He has won numerous major art awards and has been featured in major art publications. Jim also teaches workshops through the Redwood Art Association and has a long history with them.”
McVicker said he asked the folks at RAA about holding a studio sale because he had not done one in a long time.
“My studio space is at home, no real parking available and the space is not large enough to display all the works I have available,” McVicker said. “My first thought was to approach the RAA about doing it there. I know they have a fundraiser going for the chairlift. It seemed the perfect fit — beautiful gallery space and right in Eureka with plenty of parking space.”
He added, “I always loved the huge part the RAA has played in supporting and promoting the arts of Humboldt County. I got a lot of local exposure earlier on from being part of the RAA juried shows.”
For more information about the Redwood Art Association, go to www.redwoodart.us. For more information about Jim McVicker, visit