Larry Mills

Larry was one of the most well-known artists attending NCA. He had been involved with the center since its inception in 1984, and was previously involved in art classes at the Nevada County Community Workshop, which were commenced by Neighborhood Center co-founder, Gillian Hodge, in 1973.

His career as an exhibiting artist began with an exhibition at Sierra College in Rocklin in 1977, titled “A Line Has Meaning Too, You Know.”

He was also awarded a grant by the California Arts Council in 1980. His work was exhibited and sold throughout the local region, Northern California and Europe. In 1994 Larry’s work was exhibited and sold in Brussels, Belgium at the Art en Marge Gallery. He was subsequently featured in exhibitions in both The Netherlands and Denmark.

At Neighborhood Center of the Arts, Larry was the subject of one-man retrospective exhibitions in 1988 and again in 2003, and his art was featured in countless group exhibitions at NCA’s gallery and on popular T-shirts and coffee mugs.

His unique style was often distinguished by use of black outlines, bold colors and fanciful images in which men in hats and coffee are recurring motifs.

In Larry’s own words: “I like going to restaurants so I can look at things: tables, vases, pictures and waitresses. Sometimes I see bowls, coffee cups and spoons. When I make a drawing and it’s colored, it’s real good. Then I date and sign the picture.”

While most of Larry’s art is on paper, he also explored clay sculpture and textile painting, as well as abstract works.

Larry was proud of being a working artist who gained the respect and admiration of audiences both locally and beyond: “I’m a famous artist. My drawings are personal. I draw upside down to get the big picture. I like working; it’s my job. I can’t see myself stopping. I draw whatever is in my mind. The pictures come alive. The paintbrush comes alive. The paintbrush is my tool. Coffee is my drink.”

Coming soon: Images of Larry’s work.