This collection documents the careers and artistic works of Miriam C. Rice and Raymond (Ray) Rice, two artists based in Mendocino, California throughout the twentieth century. It contains artwork samples, including batik prints, sketches, paintings, and dye samples, and photographs of mosaics, sculptures, and paintings. Miriam's extensive research on mushroom dyeing is included along with materials documenting her involvement in the International Mushroom Dye Institute (IMDI). Samples of Miriam's and Ray's writing is represented in this collection in the form of poetry; manuscripts of Miriam's books on mushroom dyeing and papermaking; and Ray's artists' books, journal and magazine articles, and personal journal entries. Both Ray and Miriam corresponded extensively with family, friends, and colleagues, which is represented in the Correspondence series.

Miriam C. Rice (1918-2010) and Raymond C. Rice (1916-2001) were two Mendocino, California based artists known for their artwork across various kinds of media, their teachings and impact in their profession, and strong involvement within their communities. Miriam and Ray met in the early 1940s as students at the New York Arts Students League, and married in 1942 after Ray finished military service in World War II. After the war, Ray and Miriam spent time working and teaching in Arizona and Mexico, and eventually settled in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1950s. During these years, they had three children: Mira Ellen (born 1945 in New York), Rachel Susan (born 1948 in New York), and Felicia May (born 1954 in San Francisco). Miriam and Ray were regular teachers and working artists at the Mendocino Art Center, which they helped develop, along with other artists recruited by the Center’s founders Bill and Jennie Zacha. Miriam and Ray settled in Mendocino in 1970, where they continued developing their respective art, research, and writing practices throughout their lives.

32.5 Linear Feet 28 boxes

Copyright for the items in this collection is owned by Felicia Rice. Reproduction or distribution of any work protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the copyright owner. It is the responsibility of the user to determine whether a use is fair use, and to obtain any necessary permissions. For more information see UCSC Special Collections and Archives policy on Reproduction and Use.

Collection open for research. Audiovisual media is unavailable until reformatted. Digital files are available in the UCSC Special Collections and Archives reading room. Some files may require reformatting before they can be accessed. Technical limitations may hinder the Library's ability to provide access to some digital files. Access to digital files on original carriers is prohibited; users must request to view access copies. Contact Special Collections and Archives in advance to request access to audiovisual media and digital files.