Opening Recap: California Dreaming & Judy Gaulke’s Delights of Life

Sep 9

On Friday, September 5, 2025, the Pacific Art League in downtown Palo Alto welcomed the community for the opening of two remarkable exhibitions: California Dreaming and Delights of Life by artist Judy Gaulke. This inspiring evening brought together artists, art lovers, and neighbors to celebrate creativity, connection, and the start of the fall season.

California Dreaming: Juried Exhibition Celebrating the Golden State

California Dreaming drew over 200 submissions, with just over 30 works selected for exhibition in the Ramona Gallery. Juried by Marguerite Gong Hancock, inaugural President and CEO of the Palo Alto Museum, this exhibition explores the spirit and complexity of California.

From redwood forests to desert skies, coastal fog to urban skylines, the show reflects the Golden State’s cultural diversity and layered identity.

Award Winners

We are thrilled to announce the award selections for California Dreaming:

1st Place: Mina Khoshdeli – A Summer Day in San Francisco
2nd Place: John Haynes – Dragon Gate San Francisco
3rd Place: Emilie Munsch – Sand Castle

Honorable Mentions:

Stanisalava Chening – San Francisco's Roaring Twenties (and Twenties)
Meghna Sharma – IN N OUT
Meredith Moles – Tompkins Steps
Maura Carta – Cole Valley
JM Golden – The Watchers

Participating Artists Include:
Alvar Jacomet, Anna Feldman, Bruce Washburn, Carolyn Stewart, Curtis Schauer, Denise J Howard, Donna Eck, Emilie Munsch, Fiorenza Gorini, Gina Galindez, Helena Kocis, Jean Thrift, Jenna Hobbs, Jess Gilliam, JM Golden, John Haynes, Judy Kramer, Maura Carta, Meghna Sharma, Mel Beach, Meredith Moles, Mina Khoshdeli, Radha Rao, Rafael DeSoto Jr., S Kendall Osborne, Sriharsha Annadore, Stanisalava Chening, Tom Green, Viktoria Berezovska, Walter Sedriks.

California Dreaming is on view September 5–23, 2025 in the Ramona Gallery.

Judy Gaulke: Delights of Life

In the Forest Gallery, Delights of Life marks the return of Judy Gaulke, whose first solo show at PAL was in 1991 in the Elizabeth Norton Gallery. This new collection captures the quiet beauty of everyday moments—empty chairs, solitary boats, a cup of coffee untouched—painted with warmth, whimsy, and reflection.

Drawing on her background as a food editor and stylist for Sunset Magazine, Judy brings an editorial eye for composition, color, and atmosphere to her paintings. Her work reflects decades of exploration, from childhood lessons in Oregon to global travels with Pan American Airlines, to her present studio practice in Atherton.

Delights of Life is on view September 5–23, 2025 in the Forest Gallery.

A Night of Art, Music, and Community

The opening reception coincided with the revival of the Palo Alto Art Walk, a tradition brought back by Pamela Walsh that fills downtown streets with creativity and culture. Guests enjoyed live music by the Terrigal Burn/Chris Davis Duo, admired the expert installation led by Natalia Drachinskaya, and connected with artists whose works shape our shared cultural landscape.

Gratitude & Support

Exhibitions like these are possible thanks to the generous support of our members, artists, donors, and community partners. On behalf of the entire Pacific Art League team, thank you for being part of our story—and our future.