College of the Redwoods will name the art gallery in its new Creative Arts Complex in honor of Emeritus Professor Floyd Bettiga; it was announced at the CR Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 1.

Board member Sally Biggins wrote a letter in support of the action and remembers Mr. Bettiga fondly. “It was my privilege to serve with CR emeritus professor Floyd Bettiga for over 10 years on the Humboldt County Arts Council,” she says. “He inspired and mentored North Coast artists for decades. I am thrilled to see his legacy honored with the naming of College of the Redwoods’ newest art gallery in his memory.”

Bettiga was one of College of the Redwoods’ original faculty members hired in 1964 to teach art. Floyd successfully mentored many generations of artists and students in our community and was a tireless advocate for the arts in Humboldt County. He was instrumental in founding the Morris Graves Museum of Art and donated many works of art to this very successful community institution. He served as a board member of the Humboldt Arts Council for many years, and was a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Humboldt County Historical Society.

“The naming of college property or buildings is a considerable honor, and when doing so, it is important that we choose individuals who have made important contributions to the teaching and public service mission of College of the Redwoods,” says CR President Keith Flamer. “Floyd Bettiga was integral, not only to the development of CR’s Art Department, but also to the culture of art appreciation and creativity that flourishes in our District. When we considered a name for the art gallery in the new Creative Arts complex, Mr. Bettiga’s was at the top of the list. I am truly pleased that we can honor him in this way.”

Floyd started the permanent art collection at College of the Redwoods, donated several of his own pieces, and established the Floyd Bettiga Art Scholarship. He built a strong relationship with the local art community, and worked to acquire most of the work in the college's collection. Floyd received the Faculty of the Year Award in 1983-1984 and retired from the college in 1993.

"Honoring Professor Bettiga by naming the new art gallery for him acknowledges the tremendous and long-term impact he had with the establishment of the permanent art collection at College of the Redwoods, and through his influence on the arts and art education throughout the community" said CR Trustee Carol Mathews.

CR’s new 29,888 square foot facility will replace the current Creative Arts building, which was constructed in 1974, and will allow the College to make several environmental and instructional upgrades to our learning environment and is scheduled to be completed in summer of 2023.