With a studio right on the Healdsburg Plaza and inimitable portrait work, Bradford Brenner has established himself as one of the most recognizable artists in Healdsburg.

Soon Brad’s work will be enjoyed in the common areas of the Canopy buildings—we’ve commissioned him to paint 12 – 18 pieces which will be installed as the finishing touch.

For Brad the opportunity represents a milestone moment in a 34-year career. The New York City native whose family moved to San Diego when he was 7, made his way to Healdsburg in 2011. After settling in, he rented a gallery in the Harris Building beneath what is now Mill District’s office on Plaza Street. The goal of getting a gallery on the plaza was to get his art into the community. Now his work will be part of a permanent collection at Mill District.

Brad works mostly in oil on canvas and his paintings for Canopy will be in this medium. He playfully describes his work as “faces, vases, and places,” and said he creates his work to inspire viewers to feel.

“I want my paintings to evoke some feeling that more than anything reflects the viewer in that moment,” he said. “Ten different people can have 10 different visceral responses to a piece, but I think it ultimately must reflect back to them where they are in that moment.”

Brad said he has seen Healdsburg change considerably in the 12 years he’s lived here. He added that Mill District represents the very best of this change, and that he welcomes the new vibe it will bring to the southern end of town.

“I think this city is getting better and better. I love the idea that our town is expanding thoughtfully, both to the south and to the north. I see all the growth as upgrading. We’re evolving into a place that people really want to be.”

Be sure to stop by Brads gallery and say hello. It’s located at 101-A Plaza Street. Or visit them online at www.bradfordbrenner.com.