The History of Trinidad Art GalleryThe Trinidad Art Gallery was founded in 2012 by a collection of local artists after the passing of Ned Simmons. Simmons owned the building in which TAG now resides, and had a few wishes before his farewell to this world. Gallery member Howard "Howdy" Emerson wrote this about Ned:
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Ned Simmons
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Ned Simmon's 25th annual show
25 years ago Ned Simmons bought this house and began Trinidad Art as gallery and home. Those who knew Ned know that he was a unique individual. I knew him mostly as an artist and consistent supporter of arts and artists in Humboldt County and especially in Trinidad. Some of us showed our art first in Trinidad Art. Every year he had an annual anniversary show.
Towards the end of his life Ned told me he had three things he wanted to accomplish before he died:
1. He wanted to publish a book of all his poems.
With the help of Donna Lin at Linpress he was able to do that in early October last year. [2011]
2. He wanted to have his 24th annual show.
I offered to help him display all of his large paintings. The show was scheduled to open the first week in November. Ned died a few days before the opening and it became a celebration of Ned's life.
3. He wanted to have his 25th annual show.
I thought it sad that he didn't get to do the last thing. However another wish of Ned's was that his house be used for an art business or gallery. Thanks to the Trinidad coastal land trust, to whom Ned donated this house, and to the hard work of many volunteer hours, Trinidad Art Gallery is now manifest. I recently realized that this opening IS Ned's 25th show.
I'm certain that Ned is well pleased.
Howdy Emerson
November 17, 2012
25 years ago Ned Simmons bought this house and began Trinidad Art as gallery and home. Those who knew Ned know that he was a unique individual. I knew him mostly as an artist and consistent supporter of arts and artists in Humboldt County and especially in Trinidad. Some of us showed our art first in Trinidad Art. Every year he had an annual anniversary show.
Towards the end of his life Ned told me he had three things he wanted to accomplish before he died:
1. He wanted to publish a book of all his poems.
With the help of Donna Lin at Linpress he was able to do that in early October last year. [2011]
2. He wanted to have his 24th annual show.
I offered to help him display all of his large paintings. The show was scheduled to open the first week in November. Ned died a few days before the opening and it became a celebration of Ned's life.
3. He wanted to have his 25th annual show.
I thought it sad that he didn't get to do the last thing. However another wish of Ned's was that his house be used for an art business or gallery. Thanks to the Trinidad coastal land trust, to whom Ned donated this house, and to the hard work of many volunteer hours, Trinidad Art Gallery is now manifest. I recently realized that this opening IS Ned's 25th show.
I'm certain that Ned is well pleased.
Howdy Emerson
November 17, 2012
"The Riecke House"
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Built in 1900 and known as the Riecke House, Trinidad Art Gallery is one of only five structures still standing from this turn-of-the-century period. For more information about our lovely home, visit the Trinidad Museum, located just down the road from our gallery.
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