First Fridays at the Sonoma County Museum

On the first Friday of every month, the Sonoma County Museum stays open late and you can enjoy live entertainment and refreshments while having a look at the history and art exhibits inside the historical Santa Rosa building. This Friday, August 6, hear local musician Nick Salerno singing and playing acoustic guitar and find refreshments donated by Lagunitas Brewing Co. and Diamond Oaks Winery.

The museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts that surpasses expectations of regional collections. Sonoma County’s history through the 19th and 20th centuries is documented by historic paintings, sculpture, photographs, textiles, ceramics and glass, industrial tools and machinery, furniture, and other items expressing our area’s rich culture.

Current exhibitions include Cuban art, the history of Communism in Sonoma County, and photography documenting Latinas. The exhibit “Polaridad Complementaria: Recent Works from Cuba” features over 40 works of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and installation art from current Cuban artists who are gaining international recognition. “Red Sonoma: Communism and Radical Politics in Sonoma County” studies communist practice in Sonoma County from the 19th century through the 1950s, including an infamous local, depression-era event that made news worldwide. In “Nosotras: Portraits of Latinas,” 50 photographs from eight artists detail the culture of Latinas, the strength and courage in their families and traditions.

Coming in September are two exhibitions of woodwork and one of woodblock prints. “Artistry in Wood” showcases fine regional craftsmanship and, after twenty-two years, the exhibition that began with local crafts now draws participants from other areas of California. Woodturning is displayed in “Bob Stocksdale: Woodturner,” where you can see the artist’s talent in highlighting the unusual grains and colors of exotic woods. “Sandow Birk: The Depravities of War” is a series of large-scale woodblock prints depicting scenes of the Iraq War that are based on news media images.

Further to the collections and exhibitions inside the Sonoma County Museum, the building itself is of historical significance. It was built in 1909 and was originally the Santa Rosa Post Office and Federal Building. Note the beautiful oak and marble decoration that has been preserved. In 1979, the building was relocated several blocks to its current location and, following renovations, was opened as the museum in 1985.

Sonoma County Museum 
425 7th Street, Santa Rosa 
707-579-1500 
www.sonomacountymuseum.org

Tuesdays – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
First Fridays: 5 to 7 p.m.

Admission: $5 Adults, Students & Seniors $2, Children under 12 Free