After Nearly a Decade in Business, Pelican Art Gallery Bids Farewell

Linda Postenrieder’s new career began with a doodle while killing time on a plane.

Postenrieder was crisscrossing the country on business trips while working in the high tech industry. But during one such trip, Postenrieder's computer died, forcing her to look for something else to keep her busy. She picked up a pencil and started drawing.

That led to art classes and a part time job at Fast Frame on Petaluma's Eastside. When the owner wanted to sell the business in 2003, Postenrieder and her life and business partner Donna Hinshaw seized on the opportunity, taking over the lease.

They named it and in 2006 relocated to Petaluma Boulevard North. In that time, Pelican became a lot more than a frame shop, hosting literary events like the Readers Theater, productions by Cinnabar, West Side stories and other community groups as well as giving local artists a place to showcase their work.

But on Tuesday, Postenrieder and Hinshaw announced that they were closing the gallery, not because business was bad, but because they wanted to focus on their own art, traveling and spending more time with family and friends.

“We have partnered with so many great folks and it’s been a real joy to provide those things to the community,” said Postenrieder. “But we are ready for a new path in our lives and are looking forward to having some inward focus.”

Pelican Art Gallery’s last day will be June 30. There will also be a farewell reception June 13 at 5pm. For more information, visit www.pelicanart.com