Sunlit Redwood Forest

Artist: Ryan Grossman
Location: The Forrester Building at 301-309 East Redwood Avenue

Inspiration for this Mural

As I considered how I was going to transform this wall I knew that I wanted to capture more than just the look of trees. I wanted to capture the experience, the awe that comes from gazing upwards in a thriving forest and seeing sunlight streaming through the branches. I wanted to capture the acid green backlit leaves, the welcoming quiet, the feeling of lushness and abundance. Nature is inspiring, both in a pristine state, but also in a state of recovery. I see great beauty and hopefulness in the process of re-growth, decade upon decade, century upon century. It was great to work with RFFI and learn more specifics about mixed-age forests and their work on behalf of our local forests and community. All of the trees, plants and details of this mural can be found in RFFI's forests."
 - Ryan Grossman

Thank you to our co-sponsor RFFI

Huge thank you to our co-sponsor The Redwood Forest Foundation Inc.
In the late 1990’s a diverse group of community leaders from Mendocino County came
together with a vision for local control of a natural resource on which the community depends.
Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc (RFFI) was the first non-profit created to own and manage timberland
for the benefit of neighboring communities. In 2007, RFFI purchased Usal Redwood Forest, 50,000 acres
of working timberland, and placed a conservation easement on the property assuring it would remain as
a single parcel of forestland. They immediately began the process of restoring forest structure and
habitat, responding to climate change through carbon sequestration and reconnecting community
members to the role and responsibility of managing a forest. It has not been without its challenges, but
15 years later, they are harvesting annually to support local employment, restoring watersheds and
improving salmon habitat and selling carbon offsets into the California Cap and Trade market to support
debt repayment. To find out more go to www.rffi.org

From RFFI

Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc. and Usal Redwood Forest seems to be one of the best kept secrets in Fort Bragg, which is one of the reasons why we partnered with the Alleyway Art Project, Ryan Grossman, and Cynthia Sumner on the Sunlit Redwood Forest Mural. This
stunning mural is certain to inspire passersby to reflect upon and perhaps renew their personal connection with the forests of Northern California."

Restore · Respond · Reconnect

Installation 

About the artist

Ryan Grossman came to the Mendocino coast from San Francisco in 2015. He is a graduate of the Academy of Art University where he studied oil painting. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he's been heavily influenced by the visual power of seascapes and the increasing effects of climate change. His subtle narratives and symbolism drive his representational paintings often with a surreal or dreamlike quality.

​Check out his website here
Follow his Instagram here

Ryan is currently showing work at TC Space in Fort Bragg and Lansing Street Gallery in Mendocino. 

​Huge thank you to the City of Fort Bragg!

The City of Fort Bragg has been an integral part of the development and advancement of the Alleyway Art Project. As one of our earliest and most significant partners, the City generously waived fees, expedited permits, and dedicated hours of staff time. Our current round of murals was funded by a challenge grant between the City and a local donor. The City's long-standing enthusiasm and on-the-ground support for Arts and Culture downtown is a major reason we are seeing the creative explosion of public art in the built landscape downtown. Keep an eye out for more delightful improvements and projects coming in the near future!

About the Forrester Building

In October of 2019, artists Randy Tuell and Cynthia Sumner purchased a rather neglected building on the corner of E. Redwood & McPherson. Their intention was to create a place for artists to come together, to work and to live in an area that already actively supports the arts. The Forrester Building, (named after Cynthia’s grandparents), has now become a giant canvas and an example of the transformational power of public art. 
​In early 2022, Cynthia launched Art Scene Studios, a co-working creative space in one of the large street front units. (309 E. Redwood Ave) Here, like-minded artists who enjoy working in the company of others are welcome to share their creative process with passersby. Keep an eye out for Open Studio dates and other events, and take a peak inside. ​

See all our murals in
downtown Fort Bragg

The Rhododendron - Behind 300 N Main St.
The Fish Mural - 345 N Franklin St.
Mendocino Panorama - Hwy 1 where the train tracks cross the street
​Sub Rosa - 400 E Laurel Ave.
Sleeping Cat - 223 E Redwood Ave.
Tarot Cat - 128 E Redwood Ave.
Be a Light - Main St. and Redwood Ave.
​Queen Bee - 481 N Main St.
Redwood Frolic - 221 E Redwood Ave.
Sunlit Redwood Forest - 301 E Redwood Ave.
Protean Forms - Behind 300 N Main St. (look north past the Rhododendron) 
Harbor Seals - Behind 203 N Main St.
​From Finland to Fort Bragg - 345 N Franklin St. ​