Discovering “The Unknown Thiebaud” at Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Serafina Palandech
Executive Director, Sebastopol Center of the Arts
For many, the name Wayne Thiebaud immediately conjures images of thick, luscious oil paintings of cafeteria cakes and colorful pies. But starting January 2026, the Sebastopol Center for the Arts (SebArts) is inviting the public to discover a different side of this American master.
In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Serafina Palandech, executive director of SebArts, to discuss the debut of the groundbreaking exhibition: The Unknown Thiebaud: Passionate Printmaker. Running from January 10 through March 8, 2026, this show isn't just an art exhibit; it’s a homecoming for a Northern California legend.
A Rare Look at a Master’s Process
While Thiebaud is world-renowned for his paintings, he had a lifelong obsession with printmaking. This exhibition, curated by Alan Porter, explores six decades of Thiebaud’s iterative process—the way he would return to the same subject over and over, refining his vision through drypoint, monotype, and woodcuts.
Serafina shared that this exhibition reveals a side of the artist many have never seen; it’s about his intimate pieces and the legendary partnerships that defined his career.
Why “The Unknown Thiebaud”?
The show features 35 pieces lent by Heather Stone, daughter of Thiebaud’s longtime gallerist, Allan Stone. These works have never been displayed in a gallery or museum before.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is the "Green Street" series. Visitors can see six different versions of this piece, tracking Thiebaud’s evolution from straightforward perspective to the dizzying, abstract distortions of San Francisco’s cityscapes that became his hallmark.
Why Sebastopol?
You might expect an exhibition of this caliber to be held at the Legion of Honor or the MoMA, but Serafina explains that hosting this in Sebastopol is a reflection of SebArts’ core values.
“Thiebaud is a 'hometown hero' for Northern California," Serafina notes. Having lived and taught in Sacramento, his connection to the region is deep. By bringing these rare prints to a community arts center, SebArts is making high-caliber fine art accessible and intimate.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition:
The Allan Stone Connection: Learn the story of the gallerist who originally rejected Thiebaud’s work, only to later become his greatest champion.
Master Printmakers: The show uniquely honors the master printmakers from Crown Point Press who collaborated with Thiebaud.
A "Model" Gallery: To protect these rare loans from the Thiebaud Foundation and local collectors, SebArts built a custom gallery model specifically for this show.
Community Events & Programming
SebArts is turning this exhibition into a full-scale community celebration. If you’re planning a visit, don't miss these upcoming events:
January 29, 2026: Art History Lectures: Join Linda Loveland-Reed for a deep dive into Thiebaud’s place in the art world.
February 28, 2026: A screening of a documentary by Olympia Stone about her father, Allan Stone, and his relationship with Thiebaud.
Hands-on Workshops: SebArts will host printmaking classes and panels featuring master printmakers to help you understand the "mood" and technique behind the art.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are an artist, a collector, or someone who simply loves the beauty of Northern California landscapes, The Unknown Thiebaud is a must-see.
Dates: January 10 – March 8, 2026
Location: Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Get Involved: SebArts thrives on community support. You can engage with the center as a volunteer, a student in their ceramics program, or a donor.
For more information on the Wayne Thiebaud exhibit and other upcoming programs, visit the official SebArts website.
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