By: John Natsoulas Gallery
July 2 – August 23, 2025 | New Exhibition – “John Natsoulas Press: A Visual History”
The John Natsoulas Gallery is proud to present this retrospective exhibition of its long history as a major publisher. By visually combining the publications with the artwork found in over 50 of these books, this exhibition honors the dedication, creativity, and skill of the artists and those who have made this publishing endeavor so successful.
Throughout its close to 40-year history, the John Natsoulas Gallery has demonstrated a continuous commitment to the ideals of research and publishing. Since its inception, the John Natsoulas Press has published over 300 texts about historic and contemporary artists. This significant collection of monographs and exhibition catalogues celebrates artistic achievements in painting, sculpture, ceramic, and more. This exhibition offers visitors the unique opportunity to peruse the large collection of these rare, limited-run publications. The ability to see artwork featured in the books elevates the experience.
During the early history of the gallery and press the primary subject matter explored the history of Bay Area Art – from both the Funk and Beat Movements. The catalogues that accompanied some of the earliest exhibitions dedicated to the revolutionary King Ubu, 6, and Spatsa Galleries, remain as authoritative texts on these spaces more than 35 years later. Founded here in Davis, the gallery also has a rich history steeped in the California Clay Movement. From the beginning, the first published books celebrated the ceramic artists who made the region so famous. This special focus on ceramic arts remains a central tenet for the John Natsoulas Press, which offers an ever-growing collection of ceramic monographs. A similar commitment to elevating the recognition of the distinct style of the Sacramento Valley landscape painters has persisted. While the drive to enter regional artists into the art historical canon has been and continues to be a key enterprise, the John Natsoulas Press proudly publishes the work of international artists. Notable exhibition catalogues including the International Figurative Biennale, the Western Biennale, Art of Painting in the 21st Century, and Working Through It: Women and Their Art offer insight into the developments in the wider artistic world.
For many years, the John Natsoulas Press has printed its books right here at the John Natsoulas Gallery. The work of dozens of authors, designers, and editors have resulted in an immense catalogue of publications, unparalleled in its scope by other comparable institutions. Please join us for the reception on August 8 from 7 – 9pm to celebrate the artists and the many contributors to the Press.
Opening Hours:
Wednesday and Thursday: 11am – 5pm
Friday: 11am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
