Ukiah Daily Journal from Ukiah, California • Page 71

22 SUNDAY, JULY 25,1999 THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL LIFESTYLES Visit Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House he Grace Hudson Museum and The Sun House are a modern museum and historic home located in downtown Ukiah at 431 S. Main St. Opened to the public in 1986, the Grace Hudson Museum was built through community initiative by the non-profit Sun House Guild, then donated to the city of Ukiah. Today the museum is operated as a division of the Department of Community Services by the city with the support of numerous volunteers. The museum features the work of artist Grace Hudson (1865-1937), Porno Indian baskets, historic photographs and objects from the large permanent collection, the legacy of the pioneer Hudson-Carpenter family.

The museum staff also mounts temporary exhibitions on a wide range of contemporary and historical themes. Constructed in 1911 for Dr. John Hudson and Grace Hudson, The Sun House is an impressive redwood structure of the "California Craftsman" period, listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated California Historical Landmark No. 926. Grace Hudson had a successful career as a painter of sensitive, detailed portraits of Native Americans, most of them residents of Mendocino County.

Dr. John Hudson, (1857-1936), a native of Tennessee, gave up his medical practice just a few years after moving to California in 1889, devoting himself to the study of Native American cultures and traditions. He was an astute field collector who was responsible for major, holdings at several American museums, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Field Museum in Chicago. The Sun. House and adjacent Hudson-Carpenter Park are shaded by fine old oaks, redwoods and poplars.

Seasonal flowers and shrubs provide color nearly year-round, making the spot a favorite for picnicking or simply relaxing. On a docent-led tour of The Sun House, and wandering through the Grace Hudson Museum, visitors can learn a great deal about local history and culture. A fine museum store features items related to the collections and to local history; of special interest is the wide selection of books for tl fom 1er me artlst Grace Carpenter Hudson and her husband, Seek Hudson ls a nallonal and state historical landmark. Both are open five days a children and adults about county history, women in art, Native American cultures and women's history. Visitors will also find original postcards, posters, stationery and jewelry at the store.

The museum is open to the public five days a week, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 pjn. and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free, although donations are 'gratefully accepted to help defray operational expenses.

The Sun House is open for tours atnoon, 1,2 and 3 p.m.The museum welcomes special groups and schools; arrangements for a visit may be made by calling the museum at 467-2836. The city of Ukiah preserves The Sun House, the Grace Hudson Museum, the museum collections and Hudson-Carpenter Park for all to enjoy. 'Providing Quality Care for Our Community" Ukiah Valley Medical Center Health Emergency Room Outpatient Surgery Services 'Health Education InpatientCare Health Care Maternity Unit (Level II Nursery) Care Clinic Valley Blood Center -31'11.