then worked part-time at several local restaurants. Mendocino Art Center Subsequently, Bill Zacha offered Stevenson a position teaching at the Mendocino Art Center, where Stevenson taught for almost forty years. In addition, Zacha represented Stevenson at Zacha's Bay Window Gallery. Inspired by private schools of art on the East Coast, in the mid-1970s Stevenson created and was the first director of the Mastership Program at the Mendocino Art Center, an accredited alternative art school for children and teens. Instructors included James Maxwell (life drawing), Miriam Rice (sculpture), Ray Rice (murals and animation), Charles Stevenson (painting), and Bill Zacha (watercolor). Outside the classroom, Bill Zacha was the school's administrator and Dorr Bothwell acted as advisor. The Stevenson Studio at the Mendocino Art Center was donated by Mildred and Charles Marchant Stevenson II, the artist's parents. In 1976 Stevenson donated a large parcel of land to the Mendocino Art Center. Stevenson sold the property, located on Little Lake Street between School and Howard Streets, for one dollar, with the provision that it be used for affordable housing for artists. In 2006 the property was sold to a private developer for 1.2 million dollars. Stevenson-Leach Studios In 1989, Stevenson invited young Mendocino artist Matt Leach first to be his apprentice, then to work with him as a partner; they formed Stevenson/Leach Studios. Among the works produced by the team were a series of large painted screens, of which Mendocino Afterglow is a strong example. The Artist's Magazine awarded Mendocino Afterglow first place in its 1995 international landscape competition. Theatre Both Stevenson and Leach worked in local theatre, designing sets and posters for local productions, including productions at the Mendocino Art Center's Helen Schoeni Theatre, currently administered by the Mendocino Theatre Company, and the Gloriana Opera Company (now Gloriana Musical Theatre). Stevenson directed plays as well. Final years In Stevenson's later years, he and his friend, artist Pamela Hunter, held salons at Stevenson's house in the village of Mendocino — open gatherings of local artists, writers, and musicians, with art exhibits, poetry readings, and performances by local musicians. After a long illness, Stevenson died at home the day after his 77th birthday, August 30, 2004. Art practice Media For his large work, Stevenson preferred acrylic paint, sometimes on canvas or canvas board, but more often on wood or masonite panels, which he prepared for painting with a ground of gessoed cheesecloth, a technique Stevenson