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CREATIVES

Entrepreneurs.  Innovators.  Interpreters of life’s jagged edges and silken pathways.  Soothsayers and sorcerers.  These words and more define the creative individuals who have chosen Sonoma as their home.  Explore their methods and mediums in these pages and be inspired.

Are you a creative professional in Sonoma County working to satisfy your artistic expression and make a living with your work?  Register HERE to have your own page included on CreativeSonoma.org.

Heather Mackin
Heather Mackin Architecture, Artisan, Design, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Jewelry, Storytelling I am a multi-disciplinary design professional with over 20 years experience in creative problem solving. I made a pivot in my career during the recession from commercial interior design to marketing-focused, graphic design. I’ve been able to transfer the design principles of space, color, pattern, and function to that of an organization’s brand initiatives seamlessly. My design and business education coupled together with technical savvy and graphic design skills I was already using in my career has enabled me to use design thinking to solve sales and marketing challenges from a unique perspective.
Rayne Madison
Rayne Madison Creative Sonoma Grantee, Design, Folk Art, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Mixed, Visual Arts I view art as an exploration of life experience and the tangible means by which to share concepts, ideas and emotions. The closest I have come to describing myself is as an emerging inter-disciplinary conceptual artist. The concepts that I work with arise from my day-to-day existence, they seem to choose me, rather than the other way around. Each project leads me to learn and expand into new areas. My work explores themes of identity, femininity, humanity, attachment, connection, intention, spiritual evolution and that which underlies emotion. Using, whichever materials are best suited to communicating the concept I am working with. Lately, I am drawn to creating street art posters, paper sculptures, pop-up public art installations and collaborative projects. I have a BFA in Graphic Design from NYIT. And, I have worked in publishing, non-profit and investment banking sectors. Bringing me into contact with different aspects of our culture and a diverse field of individuals. I am freelancing as an organizational assistant, event planner, graphic designer and website builder while developing my own projects.
Mother Magica
Mother Magica Artisan, Audio, Choreography, Composition, Dance, Design, Fashion Design, Instrumental, Jewelry, Media, Music, Other, Photography, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal

Artist , Muse, CRAZY

I am a creative designer and maker of music, videos, jewelery, clothing, wigs, dance and short storys..... I am a constant comic in all ways of life. Being able to laugh at everything is my true gift. I practice gratitude... I am sooooo greatfull to be alive and able to inspire you to create and love!
Jacqueline Mallegni
Jacqueline Mallegni Artisan, Design, Fiber Art, Graphic Design, Mixed, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Visual Arts I create mixed media sculpture with rattan, handmade paper, cast flax and silk fiber, sometimes embellished with mono-prints infused with indigo, sumi ink and handmade plant based inks and stains. Making and the art of transformation from tangible to intangible returning to a tangible form is very alluring for me. I am interested in working with materials that translate my appreciation for mother-nature's installations formed by water, wind, light and dark. Patterns in nature, textures and seasonal changes inform my sculptures that reveal primitive and refined qualities. Aside from nature's inspiration, I’m also interested in the concept of the ethereal journey, motherhood, vacancy, loss, renewal and how emotional responses can evoke beauty.  I began making Asian style paper with kozo fiber in 1987. My journey with paper and sculpture has been varied from light fixtures to stone carving to ethereal mixed media sculpture. The thread of my creative process always begins with paper. I’m excited about creating the Chrysalis series that feels like a merging of many techniques developed over the years bringing many voices together that I refer to as contemplative sculpture. 
Gayle Manfre
Gayle Manfre Mixed, Other, Painting, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts Gayle Manfre is a teaching artist, painter and art advocate. She one of the founders of Art Escape Sonoma, Sonoma Treasure Artist of 2010 and was awarded The Youth Mural Award from Precita Eyes Muralist in San Francisco. Gayle has been a teaching artist in Sonoma Valley since the 80s. She retired in 2017 and has been happily paintings since then Gayle is a member of the Arts Guild of Sonoma. My paintings are joyful and colorful and range from a wide variety of subjects. I am inspired by my travels and living in beautiful Sonoma.
Jordan Mantzke
Jordan Mantzke Artisan, Jewelry Hi! I’m Jordan, the goldsmith and founder of this company. Modern Goldsmith is the culmination of many years of skill-crafting and experience. Rather than limit my work and scope to a single brick and mortar store, I’ve set out on a mission to be the goldsmith for people around the world! This means the start of many great relationships, and lot of stunning jewelry as well. See the portfolio. Located in Petaluma, California — Shipping Most Everywhere. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.
Gianna Marino
Gianna Marino Children's, Illustration, Literature, Visual Arts Gianna Marino was born in San Francisco and spent her early years galloping horses through Golden Gate Park. Her explorations expanded after graduating from high school and in order to afford her many journeys, Gianna had several jobs at once: apprenticing a muralist, a jewelry designer, a product designer and driving horse carriages through the park. She explored many corners of the world, from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to the South Pacific, Europe, and as crew on sailboats in the high seas. Gianna finally landed a full-time freelance gig designing toys for children, but after several years in a corporate box with no windows, she left for good and began painting, illustrating and writing books for children. Gianna has written over a dozen award-winning books, including Meet Me at the Moon, Too Tall Houses, Following Papa's Song, Night Animals, Night Animals Need Sleep Too, If I Had a Horse and she is the New York Times best-selling illustrator of Don’t Let Them Disappear, written by Chelsea Clinton. Though she still wanders the world, Gianna now lives in Northern California and works full-time writing and illustrating.
Christie Marks
Christie Marks Painting, Visual Arts “The compelling force behind my images is a thirst to reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary. I search for beauty in places where it seems not to exist; in seemingly mundane and dust covered places, objects, and even people. To me, this basic connection is where our human heritage begins.” Christie Marks Christie Marks has lived in California her entire life. She was born in Long Beach, California, the daughter of a hard working small businessman from Iowa and a homemaker from Kansas. Although Christie was considered creative, especially in regards to design, texture and color, she showed no interest in drawing or painting. In fact, it was not until Christie was in her 50’s that she took her first fine art class; Drawing I at Santa Rosa Junior College. Christie did have experience in the applied arts prior to taking that first drawing class at the Junior College. Her college degree is in Interior Design and a certain amount of drawing is involved in that coursework. As time went on and Christie began to advance in her interior design career, she used sketching more and more to communicate ideas to her clients. The sketches eventually led to full presentation drawings and Christie’s interest in fine art was born. Christie took every drawing and painting class available at Santa Rosa Junior College, some several times! Eventually having exhausted the available coursework, Christie began to branch out, taking classes from local instructors and enrolling in workshops throughout the Bay Area. Finding and working in her own studio space in Santa Rosa’s SOFA Arts District made the transition complete. Although Christie enjoys painting, she says that she loves mixed media work. Her process involves layering paper bags, butcher paper, and multiple original drawings and paintings done on translucent paper. The subject matter is contemporary but nostalgic and often based on her own photography. The end result is a body of oftentimes haunting works that convey a beautiful melancholy that touches the heart. Solo Exhibitions 2016 ‘Spellbound, Morocco From Photos to Easel’, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Gallery III, Sebastopol, Ca. 2015 ‘Torn Asunder’, Rosenblum Cellars, Healdsburg, Ca. 2012 ‘Texture Play’, Atlas Coffee, Santa Rosa, Ca. Selected Group Exhibitions 2015 'The Left Coast; What Does it Mean to You?, Marin Society of Artists, Ross, CA Juror: Lauren R. O’Connell. Third Place Award. 2015 ‘Peoples’, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, Ca. Juror: Jenny Lynn Hall. 2015 ‘Close to Home’, Christie Marks Fine Art Gallery, Healdsburg Ca. 2014 ‘Urban, Suburban, Rural’, Fulton Crossing Gallery, Santa Rosa Ca. Juror: Vicki Kumpfer. 2014 ‘Play It Again Sam’, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, Ca. Juror: Sharon Spain. 2014 ‘Small Works’, Graton Gallery, Graton, Ca. Juror: Bob Nugent.   Selected Open Studios 2016 ‘Art Trails’, Sonoma County, California. Juried. Sponsored by Sebastopol Center for the Arts. 2015 ‘ArtWalk’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2014 ‘10th Annual Winterblast’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2014 ‘ArtWalk’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2014 ‘Art at the Source’, Sonoma County California. Sponsor: Sebastopol Center for the Arts. 2014 ‘Fool for Art’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2013 ‘9th Annual Winterblast’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2013 ‘Vine Art’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2013 ‘ArtWalk’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2013 ‘Small Works’, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2012 ‘Art at the Source’, Sonoma County California. Sponsor: Sebastopol Center for the Arts.   Art Related Experience and Activities 2016 Chairperson, Fool For Art', SOFA Arts District 2014 - 2016 Program Director – Christie Marks Fine Art Gallery, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2014 - 2016 Member at Large, Art in Public Places Committee, City of Santa Rosa 2015 Project Manager, SOFA (Santa Rosa Arts District) public art mural 2015 Chairperson, 2015 ArtWalk , SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2011 - 2013 Chairperson, Fund raising and publicity, Winterblast, SOFA Arts District, Santa Rosa, Ca. 2001 - 2010 Interior Designer, commercial, residential and healthcare. Los Angeles, Fresno and Santa Rosa, Ca.   Arts Education 2012 – 2016 Independent painting study with artists Chris Henry, Martha Wade, Brooks Anderson and others. 2007 – 2014 Santa Rosa Junior College: Drawing, painting, color, art history. 2001 California State University, Fresno: Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design.
Tanya Marsh
Tanya Marsh Sculpture, Visual Arts Mission-To inspire deeper thought into our daily lives and actions through steel artwork, shifting the way we think about and approach our habits and routines.   Vision-To create meaningful pieces of art for home, business and outdoors while inspiring positive changes.  To share and teach my metal working craft to local Women of Color and Youth offering paid apprenticeships.     Values-I value our connections; to each other, the Waters, the Land, the Forests, all of the Creatures that inhabit those worlds including those in our Spirit Worlds.  I value the Elements of the Earth from the North, Fire from the South,  Air from the East and the Waters from the West.  I deeply value diversity and inclusion, compassion, empathy and honesty.   
Dan Martin
Dan Martin Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal Northern California native, Dan Martin has been writing songs and performing in bands since he was 17 years old. A student of drums, as well as guitars and vocals, his passions are found within Reggae and Ska as well as Jazz, Rock and Folk. In 2009, Dan began performing as a solo artist, creating a local buzz through songs with lyrical honesty and an upbeat, danceable feel. Leading into 2010 he began the formation of a backing band, recruiting other local musician-friends who shared in his passion for the Rocksteady vibes. By 2012 the band had solidified into a full 7-piece band, The Noma Rocksteady Band and they lit-up dance floors wherever they went. Performing at venues throughout Northern California, Dan and The Noma Rocksteady Band has shared bills with such acts as The Melodians, Pato Banton, Israel Vibrations, Burnt, and Midnight Sun Massive. Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band continue to lighten the spirit and shake the dance floor with old-school reggae rhythms, while maintaining a unique contemporary sound.
Buzzy Martin
Buzzy Martin Composition, Instrumental, Literature, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Vocal Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Buzzy taught himself to play the guitar and piano at the age of 13. At the age of 15, he performed with his first band as the lead singer, playing guitar and keyboards. Buzzy has been making his dream real, one step at a time. After graduating from high school there were the traveling cover bands, steadily touring the Midwest from Michigan to Florida. In 1979, he moved to northern California, had a stint as a solo street performer at the world famous San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf. While wood shedding his composing skills, Buzzy became the much-in-demand host of a series of coffee house open mic nights, where his knowledgeable musicianship, sunny personality and non-stop encouragement helped the caffeine scene thrive. In 1980 he began to play with many local bands and musicians as a featured artist. In early 1981, he was hired as the mainstay guitar player for an Elvis Presley impersonator and became responsible for the direction and stage presence of the band. This became a highly enjoyable group to work with and afforded him the opportunity to travel the West Coast circuit. In 1984, Buzzy started his own Top 40-style band, which quickly became recognized by club owners. An established professional who loves the music he shares, Buzzy Martin is living proof of the rewards of following one's childhood dreams and is now the author of Don’t Shoot! I’m the Guitar Man. http://www.guitarmanthemovie.com/fullTrailer.html
Nicole Masi
Nicole Masi Artisan, Other, Other, Visual Arts Raised in Sonoma County, Nicole has studied and executed various art mediums. Her murals are whimsical and brilliant for children's rooms. As a mom she knows how important the child's surroundings are, and decided to create a business around it. Stay tuned for new projects being added.
Melissa Masters
Melissa Masters Music, Painting, Visual Arts, Vocal I work as an expressive arts therapist/art therapist. I offer workshops in my studio in Sonoma. As a creative I have an interest in all the expressive arts and primarily focus my time on painting wall hangings that include painted symbols and sacred geometry. In the past I have worked mostly as a landscape painter. I love doing mural work and have done this work in the Bay area ...and also painted furniture. I am a vocalist and write love and new thought themed songs that have a celtic sound.
Rob Matteri
Rob Matteri Music, Teacher/Instructor Rob Matteri is a talented and dedicated musician based out of Northern California. His unique use of linear phrasing and skillful dynamic control, coupled with his professionalism and drive, have made him a valuable asset to many musical projects. Over the past twenty years, he has collaborated with artists in many genres - from funk and jazz, to country, blues and rock. These experiences have been instrumental in developing the style and versatility that is apparent in his playing today. In addition to playing live performances and recording in the studio, Rob finds satisfaction in sharing his expertise with a new generation of drummers. He is a skillful teacher, and his patience and dedication to the art of drumming have helped to empower many students to reach their musical goals.   Currently, Rob performs with The Pat Jordan Band, and Blue Radio.
Spring Maxfield
Spring Maxfield Artisan, Arts Administration, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Film Office, Mixed, Multi-Media, Other, Other, Talent, Theatre, Visual Arts, Woodworking Spring Maxfield is the Founder and Executive Director of Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership in Northern California. She works to create space to provide relevant, community driven arts and cultural programming. Her engagement activities and curatorial work has taken place in public spaces, underground galleries, wineries throughout Sonoma County, and established art institutions. Spring has served as a longtime participant and on the production team of Maker Faires both in the Bay Area and NY. She also cofounded the wildly popular Great Handcar Regatta arts festival, which drew crowds of up to 25,000 to Santa Rosa between 2008 and 2011. She regularly serves on a number of grassroots, city government, and private art foundation committees, using these roles to support and cultivate artists, creative businesses, community groups, and arts programming. She holds Bachelors’ of Arts in Art History and Art Practice and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies. When not busy engaging her international arts community, Spring can be found in the garden at her urban homestead with two daughters, and her husband—artist Todd Barricklow.
Hannah Mayree
Hannah Mayree Artisan, Audio, Composition, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Folk Art, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal, Woodworking Hannah Mayree (she/her/they/them) is a  creative facilitator and musician who's work and art lends itself as a tool for redesigning and reconnecting to our roots as humans on this planet. A banjoist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist, Hannah shares original and traditional banjo compositions as well as harmonies through acoustic live vocal looping and reminds us of the power found in our relationship to the earth, music and community. They co-founded and creatively direct the Black Banjo Reclamation Project which is currently creating musical, cultural and land-based opportunities for Black, Afro-Diasporic communities around the world to work with the banjo as a tool for reclaiming ancestral wisdom & creating Afro-futures. 
Farrah McAdam
Farrah McAdam Choreography, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Dance, Hip-Hop & Funk, Improvisation, Modern, Professional Performance, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth Calling on her 20+ years of widespread movement experiences and gatherings, Farrah McAdam is a dance educator, choreographer, facilitator, and artist in the Bay Area who is invested in equitable, collaborative environments where history and critical thinking are investigated just as much as physical embodiments. Farrah has performed with CALI&CO, Liz Lerman, Kristen Daley, Cookie Harrist, Jenna Valez, Abigail Mytych, Take 5/Good Fortune, multiple works at American College Dance Association’s West Region’s Gala Concerts, and the ACDA’s National Concert at the Kennedy Center. She currently teaches through Sonoma State University and the Luther Burbank Center and has been a guest educator and choreographer around the West Region- including Arizona State University, Scottsdale Community College, UC Irvine, Modesto Community College, San Jose State, Fresno State University, Marin School of the Arts, Prescott Circus Theatre, Sonoma State University, and ODC in San Francisco. Farrah holds a B.A. in both Psychology and Dance and is currently pursuing certification through Rennie Harris University’s inaugural cohort as a C1 Candidate.
Tim McGee
Tim McGee Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Visual Arts Over 20 years experience in design and illustration; both traditional and digital techniques for commercial, web and publishing projects.
Jessy Mcgibbons
Jessy Mcgibbons Artisan, Jewelry, Other Hi I’m Jessica (Jessy) Creator of Rainbow Iris Designs. I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA with 2 artistic parents who taught me to love the craft of making things. While in college, my passion for creating magical art led me to start a business in selling handmade crystal jewelry, accessories and home decor, along with unique crystals and fossils at local Sonoma County markets, as well as online. After receiving a Bachelor's in Sociology, I was able pursue my dream in turning my business into a full time job! It always makes me so happy to see the smile on someones face when they buy one of my creations, and I hope to spark joy to others through each piece I sell, as well as inspire people to always do what they love.
Christopher Mckee
Christopher Mckee Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Furniture, Illustration, Mixed, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Woodworking more to come
Colton Measles
Colton Measles Design, Functional Art, Interior Design, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Woodworking   Colton Measles is a 30 year old artist and wood carver from Colorado and recently moved to Sonoma County in mid December of 2017 to pursue and further his work as a professional decorative woodworker. Coltons work has developed through the creation of stand alone visual art pieces crafted from wood such as scroll carvings, high and low bas-relief, engravings and fully relieved sculpture. Colton has studied extensively and has a close relationship with Craig Hone of Provo Utah, the only professional wood carver and artist to win both first and second place prizes in the Northern Nationals Carving Competition and also a two time winner of the Dixie Invitational as well as winner of the Carvers Cup Competition in Park City UT. (Craig's work can be seen at craighonestudio.com) Colton has also been instructed in the creation and application of custom wood stain glazing techniques for bas-relief and sculptural wood carving and fine wood finishing by Robin Coalson, another friend and teacher. (Robins work can be seen at robincoalsonstudio.com and some of her work is on display at the D'Artagnan Vineyards in Sacramento California.) Colton was born and raised in Durango Colorado, where he developed skills in wood carving and sculpture over the course of four years, having been a student of art and artists of other mediums since his youth. Immediately before moving to the Sonoma County area from Colorado he had been working as an artist and woodcarver full time for three years in a wood shop and studio attached to his former residence. Colton has a background in construction and loves applying his craft to interior, and, although less often, exterior architectural carving. He was at one time commissioned to create four separate stand-alone art pieces for the Durango Dharma Center; A nonprofit meditation community closely linked with the Spirit Rock Meditation and Retreat Center in Woodacre California, just north of San Rafael. One of these pieces was a high relief carving including highly relieved birds and lotus flowers in a wonderfully harmonious and flowing design layout and two were functional and decoratively carved wooden boxes for the collection of donations. The fourth was a decoratively carved stand for a Tibetan singing bowl. (These pieces are on constant display in their current location and can be seen on Colton's Instagram page @truenaturecarving) Colton's art is influenced by many traditional mediums. He has studied acanthus scroll and the systems of its design as well as Celtic knot work and depicting all ranges of natural vegetation with a focus on realism. Colton enjoys utilizing design themes from traditional oriental carpentry, in furniture as well as architecture, in his work and has dedicated much time to the study and creation of anatomically correct creatures of all sorts, including fish, birds, animals and insects. Colton is inspired by ideas of cooperative pursuits with other artists and crafters, and by benefit work and his door is open to all inquiries of the kind. His contact info is included in his profile here on creativesonoma.org
Justine Mendoza
Justine Mendoza Graphic Design, Woodworking Justine Mendoza is a multi-skilled visual designer whose experience has ranged from nudging vector points and kerning at a digital type foundry to completely rebranding and directing the marketing strategy of a quickly growing eco-friendly company. Working for smaller businesses has brought a broad spectrum of skills to her fingertips ranging from social marketing and advertising to customizing and populating e-commerce platforms. She now student-teaching at ArtQuest while in the Art teaching credential program at SSU. In addition to the graphic design work mentioned above she also designs and laser cuts custom signage and decorative pieces, specializing in collaborations with fellow artists.
Adrian Mendoza
Adrian Mendoza Photography, Visual Arts An award winning California photojournalist now working as a public relations photographer for a community college. Specialty in college and university promotional capture - with minimal oversight - on tight (often daily) deadlines for social media and brochures/catalogues. Considerable experience in aerial (non-drone) photography of architecture, infrastructure, vineyards in Sonoma and Napa Valleys, multi-year documentation of the California Delta and related conveyance channels (i.e., sloughs, canals, reservoirs, etc.). Concurrent with my reality-based imaging is a passion for digital image processing in Adobe Photoshop.
TumbleWeed Expressions Meryl Juniper
TumbleWeed Expressions Meryl Juniper Artisan, Ceramics, Holidays Shop Local, Mixed, Muralist, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts While following the seasons within her Expressive Arts Inspirations, Meryl intertwines over 4 decades of Multimedia Arts Educational Experiences and Community Arts Activism. Meryl ignites and delicately encourages artistic expression and a sense of humility and humanity, while inspiring hands-on, process based learning, along with a curriculum integrated focus. In this we weave a healthy approach, revealing and enlivening the naturally creative self.  Simultaneously, Meryl thrives within her close to 5 decades of experience engaging a life within: Multimedia Visual Arts and the Performative realms of Nature Based and Street Performance Ritual, Improvisational Movement, Dance Theater, Improvisational Vocal Play, Song Writing, Movement Infused Personal Storytelling and Somatic Movement Practices. Moreover, Meryl commits, inspires and dedicates her artistic being to Community Arts Production, Process and Presentation.  Lastly, Meryl’s instinctive devotion to the natural world and the offerings of Eco Somatic Engagement, allows her to share the wisdom gleaned and harvested from all her experiences living close and being inspired by the earth, while continuously extending a steadfast faithfulness to the practices of Expressive Arts, Natural Medicine Making, Farming, Holistic Nutrition and Parenting, while moving within a Heart Centered Living Folks Arts Tradition.  
Meeshka - Michelle Vidro
Meeshka - Michelle Vidro Artisan, Jewelry “Story” is the intent of my jewelry designs.  Life’s events inspire me deeply. It is my gift to be able to tell stories uniquely through my artwork. The process includes drawings, lost wax casting & fabrication using precious metals and gemstones. The Mended Heart, Last Drop Of Water, 14 Cows, and Dust Off Your Peace Signs lines are best selling expressions of my story telling designs. Owners of Meeshka’s jewelry know they are supporting the artist, the arts, and important causes. Shop Meeshka Jewelry Designs  
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