We are always happy to see rain in Sonoma County and we have seen plenty of it this year. It’s gorgeous and green and time to get outside to enjoy the fresh air. So, how about a little art-hopping? Look for local fine art by taking a stroll through picturesque downtown Petaluma, going for a drive through the wine country landscape, or ambling through blooming gardens.
Petaluma’s May Art Walk
Petaluma’s thriving art community is gaining a lot of momentum. Take some time to get to know the burgeoning selection of galleries there during the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk. The next one is May 8, 4-7pm.
During the May Art Walk, the Pelican Art Gallery will have a live painting demonstration by award winning portrait artist Alfredo Tofanelli. They will have a special poetry reading before the walk from 2-4pm. Katherine Hastings and Sonoma County Poet Laureate Gwynn O’Gara will read poems from The Golden Anniversary Edition of Beatitude Magazine.
At the Petaluma Arts Center you can join in the Artists’ Reception for two new exhibitions. ‘A World Defined: Drawings and Sculpture by Chester Arnold and Edwin Hamilton’ features new drawings by Arnold and stone assemblages by Hamilton. ‘Art and Infrastructure: Patricia Johanson and the Petaluma Wetlands Park’ features drawings, sketches, and photographs.
Art and Wine Pairing
In preparation for the upcoming 16th Annual Art at the Source Open Studio Tour in June, over 30 wineries are currently previewing the artists’ work. Art at the Source and Wine Road, Northern Sonoma County have teamed up again this year for the special spin on the studio tour. Art at the Wineries features a variety of mediums including paintings, pottery, sculpture, and glass art by local Sonoma county artists. Visit www.wineroad.com to find the list of participating wineries and even some lodging partners and their corresponding artists. Wind your way through the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley wineries and see what great art is in store for June’s open studios.
Art at the Source is on two weekends, June 5 & 6 and 12 & 13. You can find the map for the free, self-guided open studio tour at www.artatthesource.org.
Sculpture Garden
In Sonoma Valley, Kenwood’s Wildwood Farm is a fantastic place for a springtime meander. Their sculpture garden features works by several Californian artists and offers the ultimate combination of art and nature. With all of the April showers, it deserves a mention as a place to see art and May flowers.
Have a look at our Sonoma County event calendar for more spring happenings!
