Sonoma County has been a magnet for artists and art connoisseurs for many decades, and continues to attract sophisticated artists and art collectors, along with casual art lovers. Combined with the sheer natural beauty, and general creative ambience, the area readily entices visitors, as well as long-time residents, to explore the many and varied fine art offerings. With the addition of great food, drink, and outdoor activities, it’s easy to spend a day, a week, or a lifetime traversing through the vineyards, forests, and rolling hills, along the scenic coast, and through the welcoming towns of Sonoma County.

The following is a partial list of local art exhibitions. Many eateries, wineries, and civic buildings also present changing art shows in their spaces.

*** Designates an Opening Reception.

Folded Book

ArtEscape
October 3 through November 19, Books & Words
*** Opening Reception Saturday, October 3, 6 to 9 p.m.
Exhibiting Artists, Jamie Azevedo, Allie Blanchard, Barbara Crow, Judy Danner, Shelly Dorr, Sheryl Elshout, Barbra Fortier, Susan Heeringa-Pieper, Kirk Hinshaw, Ann Hollister, Eli Kelly, Jack Kelly, Gayle Manfre, Lyn Manfre, Libby Mills, Kate Ortolano, Susan Poer, Ellie Portner, Alice Rhodes, Steven Schwartz, Thena Trygstad, and Jenny Zandona.
17474 Hwy. 12, Boyes Hot Springs in Sonoma
707-938-5551
http://artescapesonoma.com/

Art Trails of Sonoma County
October 10, 11 and October 17, 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Studios
Over 160 painters, sculptors, photographers, potters, jewelers, fiber and glass artists showcase the best of their work in this County-wide event. Preview Exhibitions are on view at Sebastopol Center for the Arts and other locations. Catalogs, with detailed maps, are available at exhibiting venues, restaurants, hotels, wineries, bookstores and on-line at www.SonomaCountyArtTrails.org

Calabi Gallery
Through October 31, Other Worlds
Other Worlds features recent paintings by Michael Ramos and prints by Tim Haworth. Michael’s paintings are pure expressions of the subconscious. Tim’s ethereal monotypes are created in a unique process of his own invention. Also showing is a selection of 20th-century work from the gallery collection that explores the deeper reaches of the human psyche or imaginary realms inspired by the natural world, including works by Paul Beattie, Morris Graves, Robert Howard, Ynez Johnston, Sutter Marin, Robert McChesney, and Elisabeth Vellacott.
456 Tenth St., Santa Rosa
707-781-7070
www.calabigallery.com

Charles M. Schulz Museum
Through October 18, Animating Comics
The 1965 debut of A Charlie Brown Christmas brought Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang home to more than 15 million television viewers and enjoyed immediate acclaim. Earning an Emmy for Best Network Animated Special and a Peabody Broadcasting Award, this 30-minute production and the Peanuts films that followed have become treasured additions to our collective culture. This exhibition celebrates the art of animating comics and features rarely displayed production cells from award-winning animations, including Peanuts, Batman, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa
707-579-4452
www.schulzmuseum.org

Christie Marks Fine Art Gallery
October 2 through November 8, Mind to Matter, Photos from DeSoto and Miller
*** Opening Reception, Friday, October 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Growing up in Branson, Missouri, Morgan DeSoto and Carly Miller were close childhood friends. The two reconnected in 2014 and found that they shared the common pursuit of fine art photography. This collaborative exhibit is the first West Coast showing of their compelling photography.
312 South A Street, Suite #7, Santa Rosa
707-695-1011
 christiemarksfineart.com

Chroma Gallery
October 1 through November 14, Corners of the Mouth: The Art of Nourishment
***Artist Reception, Friday, October 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.
This unique exhibition explores the complexities of nourishment through paintings, photography, and sculpture. Through their varied work, the artists weave a fabric connecting the worlds of food, agriculture, nutrition and the environment, expressing these themes in visual terms not often found in the popular food culture.
312 South A Street, Santa Rosa
707-293-6051
www.chromagallery.net

Cloverdale Arts Alliance Gallery
Through November 19, Nocturne
Showing work by resident gallery artists, with guest artists Chris Beards and Michele Holland.
204 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale
707-894-4410
www.cloverdaleartsalliance.org

“Flow” by Susan Proehl

Graton Gallery
Through November 1, 2 Susans
Showing Plein Air paintings by Susan R. Ball, and Abstracts by Susan Proehl, with guest artists, Don Van Amerongen, Peter Fronk, Jennifer Holmes, and Rosemary Ward.
9048 Graton Road, Graton
707-829-8912
www.gratongallery.net

Dyrham Park, by Susan Ball

“Hereditary” by T. Steele

Healdsburg Center for the Arts
October 7 through November 22, 2015 Emerging Artist Exhibition
*** Artist Reception: Saturday, October 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.
This second annual Emerging Artists juried exhibition showcases the work of students and young artists just starting their careers. It is an opportunity for these artists to exhibit their work in a gallery setting; gain the experience of writing biographies and artist statements; and present their work in a polished format. Featured artists are Lorena Cruz, Samara Johnson, Dustin Kinsley, Justin Ringlein, Dane Singh, Tyler Steele, Faye Wheeler, and Corinna Zanolini.
9130 Plaza Street, Healdsburg
707-431-1970
www.healdsburgcenterforthearts.com

By Ned Kahn, detail

Ice House Gallery
October 10 through November 14, Ned Kahn – Ferro-Sulfatum: An Exploration of Geomorphological Processes
*** Opening Saturday, October 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Kahn, an artist whose background is in environmental science, explores natural phenomena through his art. His work typically incorporates fluid dynamics, optics, acoustics, and other features of physics. On view is one of his interactive sculptures inspired by the geological and chemical processes of the Earth.
405 East D Street, Studio B, Petaluma
707-778-2238
www.icehousegallery.org

42 Wasps, by Esther Traugot

Museums of Sonoma County
Art Museum
October 10 through November 29, Sculpted Fiber: West Coast Fiber Artists
*** Opening Reception, Saturday, October 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., $10
From delicate knitting to large-scale room installations, this exhibition features a diverse group of contemporary fiber artists and sculptors working in both traditional and non-traditional formats. Artists include: Janice Arnold, Richard Bassett, Carole Beadle, Rachel Brumer, Lia Cook, Lauren Dioccio, Mary Josephson, Lisa Occhipinti, Gertrud Parker, Sabine Reckewell, Esther Traugot, Annie Vought, and May Wilson.
511 B Street, Santa Rosa

History Museum
Through October 18, Artistry in Wood
Also on view Dia de los Muertos, through November 1.
425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa
707-579-1500
www.sonomacountymuseum.org

By Adam Wolpert

Occidental Center for the Arts
Through November 1, New Paintings by Tony King, Bill Wheeler, and Adam Wolpert
Three long-time friends, nationally-known, master painters, Tony King, Bill Wheeler and Adam Wolpert, showcase their newest paintings. Each of the painters has a unique and deep connection to Sonoma County that is reflected in their landscapes, which are the subject of the show. Although all three have different styles and approaches to painting outdoors, they all share a profound love and respect for the land and for a practice that has engaged them for most of their lives.
3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental
707-874-9392
www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org

“Two Rings” Dee Briggs

Paradise Ridge Winery Sculpture
Through April 2016, Conversations in Sculpture
The exhibition of large outdoor sculpture combines outstanding art with a beautiful and natural setting. Eleven artists explore the theme of Conversations—defined as an exchange of ideas. Participating artists are Terry Berlier, Welat Najeeb, Dee Briggs, Joey Enos, Linda Fleming, Jin Lee, JP Long, Nathan Lynch, Mark Malmberg, Gregory Pagel, and Sabine Reckewell.
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa
www.celebratesculpture.com or www.prwinery.com

Plans To Change, Abba Yahudah. photo credit Scott Hess

Petaluma Arts Center
October 10 through November 22, Black Artists on Art: The Legacy Exhibit
*** Artists reception Saturday, October 10, 5 to 8 p.m.
The Black Artists on Art exhibition features over 50 contemporary and legendary Black fine artists spanning three generations, including Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, Charles White, George P-Funk Clinton, and Dr. Samella Lewis. Artist, art historian, and collector Samella Lewis is renowned for her contributions to African American art and art history. In 1951 she became the first African American woman to receive her doctorate in fine arts and art history.
230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma
707-762-5600
www.petalumaartscenter.org

Ren Brown Collection Gallery
Through October 25, Seiko Tachibana: Elements
The exhibition highlights recent paintings and intaglio prints by Seiko Tachibana. Her new themes are often drawn from nature, with titles such as Fern Butterfly Effect or Origin-Spores. Housed in a refurbished building with shoji and a small, serene Japanese garden, the gallery shows contemporary art by Japanese and regional Northern California artists.
1781 Coast Highway One, Bodega Bay
707-875-2922
www.renbrown.com

Riverfront Art Gallery
Through November 8, Beyond The Usual
*** Art Walk Reception, Saturday, October 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Cathy Thomas, Karen Spratt, Jerrie Jerné, and Sharon Feissel challenge themselves by creating artwork using something other than their usual medium.
132 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma
707-775-4278
www.riverfrontartgallery.com

Santa Rosa Junior College, Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery
Through October 8, SRJC 2015 Art Faculty Show
This exhibition showcases recent work by SRJC art studio faculty and provides insight to the art department’s creative output.
1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa
707-527-4298
www.santarosa.edu/art-gallery

By Krawczyk

Sculpturesite Gallery
Through December 5, 25th Anniversary Exhibition
This exhibition of figurative and abstract works by 33 artists, features Kati Casida, Mark Chatterley, John Tyler, Curt Brill, Robert Holmes, Nina Lyons, Gerard Tsutakawa, Hans Van de Bovenkamp and John Denning. Clement Meadmore, Jeffery Laudenslager, Bella Feldman, John Atkin, Peter Schifrin, Mike Gustavson, Holly Curcio, Carole Feuerman, Troy Pillow, Gale Hart, Jane Burton, Frances Semple, JP Long, Dina Angel-Wing, Steven Maslach, Joseph Slusky, Rob Lorenson, Rebecca Welz, Richard Taylor, Emil Alzamora, Jon Krawczyk, Tyler Burton, Judith Stewart and Dawn Hart.
Jack London Village, 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 8, Glen Ellen
707-933-1300
www.sculpturesite.com/

Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Through October 18, Art Trails Preview Exhibition
The preview exhibition features a piece of artwork by each of the 164 participating artists. During the Open Studio weekends the Gallery will have extended viewing hours of 10a.m. to 5 p.m.

October 23 through November 28, International Fiber Arts VII
*** Opening Reception, Friday, October 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.|
This biennial juried exhibition presents distinct and innovative approaches to fiber art techniques, and contemporary concepts for the use of traditional and unusual materials. Jurors Lia Cook, John Hopper, Kyoko Kumai selected 63 pieces for the exhibition.
282 High Street, in the Veterans’ Memorial Bldg., Sebastopol
707-829-4797
www.sebarts.org

Baby Chick, by Jeff Watts

Sebastopol Gallery
October 4 through November 21, Pomo Images, Paintings by Sandy Eastoak
Celebrating the 6th Annual Pomo Honoring Month, the Pomo Project fosters awareness of Pomo history and traditions.

October 5 through November 21, Feathers and Fur
*** Artists Reception, Saturday, October 24, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Animal portraits by Jeff Watts.
150 North Main, Sebastopol
707-829-7200
www.sebastopol-gallery.com

Sebastopol Library
Through October 29, Batikletcawi Was Here
Celebrating the 6th Annual Pomo Honoring Month with a display of art and artifacts from the West County History Museum, photography by Christine Cobaugh and paintings by Sandy Eastoak. See the complete schedule of events Pomo Project online at www.pomo-honor.org.
7140 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol

Sonoma State University, University Art Gallery
Through October 25, Focus on Photography
The exhibition features 59 photographs from the Gallus Sweet Collection. The selection of photographs spans much of the history of photography, from Carleton Watkins’ lyrical 1883 image Multnomah Falls in Oregon to Annie Leibovitz’s powerful rendering of Niagara Falls in Canada. The exhibition also presents the work from other artists including Ansel Adams, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Carrie Mae Weems. A Conversation with Richard Sweet and Martin Weinstein; Thursday, October 22, 7 to 9 p.m.
1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park
707-664-2295
www.sonoma.edu/artgallery

The Cairo Zoo, tapestry

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
Through December 6, Jane Baldwin: Kara Women Speak
Through portraiture and film, Sonoma Valley photographer Jane Baldwin gives voice to the women of the Omo River Valley of Southwestern Ethiopia and Northern Kenya.
Also showing; An Accomplishment in Creativity: The Egyptian Children’s Tapestries. Prior to formal schooling, children between the ages of 5 and 10 in the small Coptic Christian village of Harrania, were selected to weave images created entirely in their mind’s eye.
551 Broadway, Sonoma
707-939-7862
www.svma.org

The Art Wall at Shige Sushi
Through October 4, On the Edge of the Animate: Photography by Barbara Elliott
Elliott photographs old dolls weathered by time, mannequins missing limbs, or live female models wrapped in spiraling cellophane. Her work captures a somewhat macabre humor but always with an understated elegance.
8235 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati
707-795-9753
http://ctalcroft.wix.com/artwallatshige/

The Spinster Sisters
Through October 4, Colin Talcroft: Recent Work—Abstract Photography and Monoprint Collage
The work focuses on recent art from his “Museum Shadow Series” of photographs and a selection of recent collage work.
401 South A Street, Santa Rosa
707-528-7100

Upstairs Art Gallery
October 2 through October 25, Donna Schaffer
*** Artist’s reception, Friday, October 2, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Donna Schaffer paints the vibrant colors of vineyards that surround her home in Dry Creek valley. Capturing on canvas the long light of dusk and the morning glow of sunrise, Schaffer creates an environment that invites her viewer into her paintings on a leisurely stroll along dusty vineyard rows.
306 Center St., Healdsburg
707-431-4214
www.upstairsartgallerysite.com

Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Sculpture Garden
June 2015 through 2017, Root 101
On view in the new Sculpture Garden is the inaugural exhibition of recent work by Bruce Johnson. The work is comprised of colossal wood sculptures made from salvaged old growth redwood, which he has been working with for over 50 years.
50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa
wellsfargocenterarts.org, http://formandenergy.com/new/root101/

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