How did Sgt. Penguin’s come to be, you ask? Well, it is a very interesting string of events. Laurie Hennig was walking by the day the tenant of 12599 Highway 9 was moving out. They made an offer to the landlord that day, snatching up what is a wonderful location before it was ever put on the market.

So that explains how they got the location, but where did the name come from? Well they already had a large group of artists together (most of them family) and Lynn Markley was the leader of the group. One day as she was driving she heard Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on the radio and it just came to her, Sgt. Penguin’s Lively Arts Designs. Lynn has been collecting penguins forever and the whole idea just started rolling like a large snow ball down a hill. They wanted a gallery name that would capture the whimsical feeling of their art and they found the perfect one.

They wanted, and have created, a gallery that is funky, whimsical, and so Boulder Creek. This art gallery is not stuffy at all, it is fun and fresh. There are ceramics throughout that look like animals but are actually functional pieces of art by the Hennig’s. Watercolor paintings by Arline Anderson sit behind the front door. Acrylic paintings by Stephanie Allison are in every room that give us a glimpse into her dreams. Tile work is in the back room by Sam Markley who does custom orders. Stain glass work by Christine Moorhead is in the windows and a few lampshades in the store. The free flowing sculptures made out of found natural materials are made by Donna Stewman. Sprinkled throughout the store and complementing the art are collectibles and vintage items found by Lynn Markley also known as the Sgt. Penguin. The combination of art and vintage items gives the gallery a very lived-in and inviting feel. There are two chairs in the front for you to sit and lounge while you enjoy the art.

So what is in the future for the Sgt. Penguin’s? Lots, they chose this location because of it’s ample parking. Their vision is for this gallery to become a destination spot, kind of like Mountain Feed in Ben Lomond. They want to have a sculpture garden outside by summer time, possibly live music a few times a month, and maybe wine tasting in the future.

Artist:
Dan & Laurie Hennig – One of the oldest ceramic studios in Santa Cruz, 40 years young in Boulder Creek.
Iver & Jennifer Hennig – Iver is the head of the Santa Cruz High ceramics department. He and his wife Jennifer have been creating together and living in Boulder Creek since 1995.
Arlene Anderson – Lived from 1920 – 2009, she was a Salinas girl who painted what she knew. The gallery is selling framed and unframed prints of her water colors.
Stephanie Allison – Is based in Clovis, California and is currently teaching ceramics and painting to middle and high school students. In her free time she paints.
Sam Markley – Is based in Salinas, California and takes custom orders for tile work.
Christine Charter Moorhead – Combines stain glass with natural items to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Lives and works in Boulder Creek.
Donna Stewman – Is based in Ben Lomond, has been a house designer for years, and is now enjoying a new found love of making art out of found natural items.

For more info or to see it yourself visit them at:
12599 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
https://www.facebook.com/SgtPenguinsDesigns

or call: (831) 703-4632

Preview of what their sculpture garden will look like in the future. Grand opening 11/9/2013.

Ceramic sculpture by Dan & Laurie Hennig.

Ceramic bowl by Dan & Laurie Hennig.

Ceramic sculpture by Iver Hennig.

Back room of the gallery.

Tile work by Sam Markley, ceramic sculptures by Dan & Laurie Hennig.

Acrylic painting by Stephanie Allison.

Stain glass by Christine Charter Moorhead.

Some of the vintage items you will find in the gallery, found and displayed by Lynn Markley.

Branch sculpture by Donna Stewman, and water color prints by Arlene Anderson.