The Secret is Out on Petaluma's CW Gallery

The timing couldn’t have been any worse for CW Gallery’s recent show opening for “One Gallon of Black Paint” by Petaluma artist Jonny Hirschmugl. Festivities around town on Dec. 3^rd included Santa arriving by boat, the Fabulous Women's tree festival and great bands at just about every live music venue.

“There was a lot going on downtown, but we still managed to draw a crowd,” said Cody McCoy, owner of CW Gallery, which is located in the old hatchery complex on the north end of Petaluma Blvd.

That’s why Hirschmugl and McCoy, friends since first grade when they bonded in a donnybrook over a toy, hatched a plan to host the gallery’s first show closing. It is the equal and opposite of an opening with a chance to buy any unsold works and includes free wine, good conversation and a glimpse at the gallery they both hope will be an art world entry point for local emerging artists. 

The Saturday closing of “One Can of Black Paint” will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 620 Petaluma Blvd. North. There’s plenty of parking, just look up for the yellow neon chick.

A tile setter by trade, McCoy, 31 is slowly coming into his own as a mixed media and found object artist. Hirschmugl is a housepainter by trade but has spent that last few years developing a spectacular drip method to create artworks on found materials including cardboard and old windowpanes.

“I’m hoping that this gallery will continue putting on lots of shows. Not just painting, but sculpture, mixed media, even music,” said McCoy.

The friends are also hatching a few original show ideas including a schools benefit using a dozen vintage children’s school desks that artists will be invited to turn into art.

“Each desk will represent a chosen school and viewers can donate to that school’s deck. I’m sort of hoping that show will make a significant contribution to art in the schools,” said Hirschmugl.

The next show at CW Gallery “Printed Intensions” opens Sat. Dec. 17 and will feature print work by several local artists