The O’Hanlon Center for the Arts is a cluster. Found a long way down Throckmorton Avenue, its small buildings ascend the apex of Mill Valley in steps and stages. On a high ridge above, eucalyptus grows. They cooled and spiced my climb as I rose to meet Erma Murphy, who has led O’Hanlon for the past six years.
Two buildings in the cluster stand out, monolithically, parentally. They are the former art studios of the center’s two founders and spiritual leaders—Dick O’Hanlon, the sculptor, and Ann O’Hanlon, the painter and philosopher-teacher. With plantings of flowering natives, Dick O’Hanlon’s modernist steel and granite sculptures stud the three-acre property. Ann O’Hanlon’s words are carved above the center’s open doors: “Art cannot be taught, only Perception.”
When the couple died without children, the O’Hanlons’ will disclosed an act of true philanthropy—they gave their assets to the art community so that generations of people could find their artistic voices and artistic families in their home.
That is the offer director Erma Murphy and her nonprofit board maintain for everyone. Tuesday through Saturday, O’Hanlon is freely open to the public and hosts many free and paid art events (one may bring a sketch pad, as the sunlit art library is inspiring).
Art centers such as O’Hanlon are the few unmetered public spaces in this part of the world. And would I liken them to public libraries—free public space as essential to the liberated soul as libraries are to a liberated mind (in a democracy).
Erma Murphy, what’s the vibe of O’Hanlon?
It’s a place to play and not be intimidated by having to do it right, and I think that’s what makes us unique—besides our rustic location.
Erma, give us abundance—could you share some of your upcoming offerings of your galley-residency-school?
Perception workshops, where people can start their art practice. Ceramic workshops—we have ‘build your favorite bird’ coming up. Monoprint, which is very popular, starts in the fall. We have writing workshops: a memoir writing class, a Sumi class, a Matisse class—that one is all in French. Ink painting, Shibori dyeing—workshops all the time. We also do special events and music; we have Sunday salons, and exhibitions.
I really enjoy your artist talks. Erma, I understand that the center has 10 openings a year (and two digital) and about 200 classes—as well as rentals, residencies and youth camps. How do you and your staff do it?
I realize that my job is really about … (laughs) getting people to do things. I know what needs to be done; let’s find the right person for the job to make it happen.
Yes (laughs), delegation. How do you and your board keep so many offerings free?
In part through our membership. Having 300 members helps smooth our finances.
What’s the best part of the work?
When people drop off artwork for a show, seeing their excitement and building that community.
You have lent me a book produced by the students of Ann O’Hanlon. It consists of things she said in her classes. At your invitation, I will end with one: ‘You are the discoverer of your own artwork—not its maker. Look into what it is to find it. And it will reveal to you what you are.’
Learn more: Go to ohanloncenter.org to find out the many ways to join and contribute to this art community in Mill Valley. Erma Murphy suggests coming for a first Tuesday art walk on Aug. 4 for a rare showing of the paintings of Ann O’Hanlon.
