Anderson Gallery

In Earthquake Trauma: My Path to Recovery, ceramicist Conrad Calimpong presents a deeply personal and visceral body of work that maps the journey from devastation to healing. Utilizing the raw, unpredictable nature of clay, Calimpong explores the psychological and physical aftershocks of trauma. The exhibition serves as a physical metaphor for the shattering of stability; vessels are intentionally fractured, warped, and torn, mirroring the chaotic upheaval of a seismic event. Yet, rather than leaving the pieces in ruin, Calimpong meticulously reconstructs them. Through the visible mending of cracks and the fusing of jagged edges, the artwork transcends destruction to celebrate resilience. This collection is not merely an archive of survival, but a profoundtestament to the slow, deliberate process of piecing oneself back together—proving that there is a distinct, enduring beauty in the scars we carry.

Starting in 1975, the Humboldt County Children’s Author Festival has brought 25 authors from all around the country to Humboldt County every two years. These authors inspire, delight, and encourage a love for books and reading for thousands of children while visiting approximately 60 schools during their four days in Humboldt County. In addition to providing the school visits, the Author Festival hosts a popular book sale and author event at the main library on Saturday, where students and their families can meet the authors and have books signed. The library buzzes with excitement as students interact with the author celebrities.

Funded primarily by the generous support of local businesses and organizations, the biennial festival is produced by a dedicated group of librarians, educators, and community members who volunteer their time, talent, and energies to bring this fun, upbeat event to enrich our local schools.