Bill Anderson, owner of Anderson Art Gallery, is celebrating 30 years of business in Sunset Beach next to Captain Jack’s Restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway. That’s quite a feat when so many other art galleries have come and gone through the decades.
“Bill Anderson is one of the most celebrated plein air painters living in California and we are honored to have his small and welcoming gallery here,” said Sunset Beach Community Association member Dawn McCormack.
With 75 paintings on permanent display at The Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos and his artwork shown in galleries worldwide, Anderson doesn’t mind the fact that many locals drive by not noticing his building and signs. He welcomes national and international travelers who know of his work and fame, making appointments to visit him and see his original art, as well as the works of other famed artists he represents such as Milford Zornes and Mexican artist Raul Anguiano.
When Anderson was teaching at McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos back in 1994 he drove home daily on PCH in Sunset Beach where he noticed a “For Rent” sign above an interesting, old building next to Captain Jack’s restaurant. When he got home he told his wife Ausma that he thought it would be a great place for an art gallery and she agreed, so they signed a one year lease. That was 30 years ago!
With the intention of showing his work and a few other artists, the couple had no problem filling the walls of their new gallery. They had some works of Raul Anguiano who lived three months of the year in Huntington Harbour but spent most his time in Mexico. Anderson also knew Milford Zornes, the well-known water colorist recognized as a leader in the California Style watercolor movement which began in the early 1930’s. He also displayed works by known, local sculptors and artists such as Howard Hitchcock, Tino Pontrelli, Harvey Clemans and Lynn Morgan. You can still see some of those artists (and others) represented in Anderson Art Gallery today.
Captain Jack’s owner Tim Haley loves the gallery and great watercolors, including several paintings of his famous seafood restaurant. “Mr. Anderson and his gallery together add a touch of class to our great community,” he said.
Sunset Beach resident Elaine Bakker said: “Long time residents are so appreciative of his interest & support in our local youth and their artistic endeavors. Not only has he taught art in schools, but he also contributes paintings and books to fundraisers for our community scholarships.”
Anderson majored in Art in College and taught Art in High School and Jr. High School and Middle School in a 38 year career. He was very involved in Huntington Beach Art for a period of time and was on the Allied Arts Board for 12 years. As president of the board he had the idea of moving the Art Center to a separate building not in the Library and suggested getting the Southern California Edison building which is where the Huntington Beach Art Center is currently located. His successful presentation to City Council resulted in the the Art Center opening in that location.
Former Huntington Beach Mayor Bob Mandic said:” I awarded Bill Anderson Artist of The Year 40 Years ago when I was Mayor. Bill and his Gallery continue as an Iconic Treasure in our beach town.”
Anderson has published 20 books, including 15 books of his artwork and 5 illustrated stories of the Old West by the late historian Craig MacDonald.
The Gallery is open Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 9pm and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. You can call Bill anytime at (714) 272-1400. His e-mail is: aagcollection@aol.com.
