M Stark Gallery presents Margaret Niven: Protected Landscapes

M Stark Gallery presents Margaret Niven: Protected Landscapes
September 12–November 1, 2026
Opening Reception: Sun, September 13, 1-4PM
Artist Talk: Fri, September 25, 5PM
Volunteer Recruitment Party for Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: Fri Oct 2, 4-6PM
Open during Pumpkin Festival October 17 & 18

Margaret Niven is known for her virtuosic images of the green world—trees, soft foliage, and the quiet understory of plants. She is drawn to dappled patterns of tree canopies and the shifting shadows they cast. Her work celebrates the beauty of our coast, preserved through environmental stewardship of protected natural areas.

Niven received her BFA and MFA in Art from UC Berkeley. She is a lifelong art educator, serving at West Valley College, Saratoga; Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey; University of California Santa Cruz, Porter College; Palma High School, Salinas, and more. She is the chair of the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission and director of art in the Scotts Valley Library. She lives in Scotts Valley and works in Santa Cruz.

During this exhibition, M Stark Gallery will offer a signed and numbered photogravure print on paper by Niven: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, 11 × 10 inches, $20. 100% of the proceeds from this series will benefit Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve 501c3.

Pictured: Margaret Niven, Until Then, 2026, oil and collage, 30 x 60 inches