Ricky Watts Opening New Gallery in Downtown Petaluma

The native son has come home.

Artist Ricky Watts, who grew up in Petaluma but later moved away, is opening a new studio and gallery on the boulevard.

The 32-year-old Watts is finishing up a five-story mural on the side of the Phoenix Theater, the largest in the city's history. The project is supposed to be complete this weekend or early next week, depending on the weather.

On Saturday, April 13, Watts is celebrating his massive public art project with the opening of the gallery, located at 402 Petaluma Blvd. North. Watts will exhibit illustration and canvas work and have prints available for purchase.

He'll also be giving away signed empty spray cans used on the mural as a souvenir for the diehard fans.

The same day, Cosmic Terrain, a new show featuring Bay Area graffiti artists, including paintings by the world-renowned FURTHER Collective, kicks off at the Petaluma Art Center, 230 Lakeville Street. The reception is 4-8pm, so you'll have enough to check out the art, then walk over to Ricky's new place. Watts' reception 7-10pm.

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