Visual Arts Archives - CreativeSonoma.org

Takao Saito Other, Sculpture Takao Saito is an abstract artist specialized in large-scale metal sculptures for outdoor display. He has devoted years of study to create unique art forms that incorporate a three-dimensional structure with a wide variety of media including metal, wood, ceramics, canvas, and oil paints.

Brooklyn, New York

After receiving an M.F.A. from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Takao moved to New York to focus on developing his innovative style and techniques. He had numerous exhibitions in the U.S. and worldwide, and his work was featured in several world-renowned publications. An art critic once described Takao's artwork as “a powerful sense of the physical experience of man’s encounter with nature”.

Bodega Bay, California

In 2015, Takao and his wife visited Bodega Bay, California, for the first time and were captivated by the beauty of its nature and wildlife. A couple of months later, they departed from their residence in New York of over 40 years and moved to Bodega Bay, which inspired and conceived Takao's latest work "The Bodega Bay Series". While dedicating his life to exploring and conveying his sentiments for nature through his artwork, he and his wife continue being active members of the community in Sonoma County.

Janeane Rose Sanborn Photography, Visual Arts Janeane Rose Sanborn As an artist, I am fascinated by the emotions explored in transformation and my work follows along general themes of journey, awakening, healing, and acceptance. Images I create are usually set in nature, utilizing the elements of the landscape to illuminate the subject. It is my intention to capture mood through natural lighting, movement, or props that symbolize the story I am telling. In the editing room, I can take an image and add elements to strengthen a concept, with the use of color toning, texture, and image compositing. When I am creating a particular composition, I am exploring the emotion that I feel as I envision the possibility of relating to my audience. Connection to my audience is what inspires me to create; to tell a story that compels the viewer to be curious about the deeper meaning and to participate in a fluid way. I want the viewer to find a bit of themselves that perhaps they hadn’t known. I am passionate about being an artist that nurtures and invites others to join the journey to a place of openness, with strengthened resolve toward compassion for ourselves and others. I recently became an exhibiting member of the Arts Guild of Sonoma and was chosen to exhibit my image "Awakening" in a juried exhibition for "she", with Juror Joyce Tenneson.

Francesca Scalpi Photography, Visual Arts I capture emotional memories in nature. My goal is transport the viewer deeper into the scene, exposing their relationship to the natural world and to rediscover our sacred connection. Whether it's through the magnificence of the night sky, the vibrant colors of a sunset or the soulful twinkle in the eye of an owl.

Abraham Schroeder Children's, Design, Graphic Design, Literature, Mixed, Photography, Sculpture, Visual Arts I am an artist, designer, and author living in Petaluma. My art includes digital, mixed media, and sculpture, electronics, metal, clay, collage. I also do freelance graphic and web design. My children's picture books are The Gentleman Bat (http://www.TheGentlemanBat.com) and Too Many Tables (http://www.TooManyTables.com). Before moving to CA, I worked for 7 years in the Asian Art Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. During that time I managed a massive 5-year project to catalog, digitize, and rehouse the MFA's spectacular collection of 50,000+ Japanese prints. An 1880’s woodblock print of bats by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in the MFA collection was the seed of inspiration for The Gentleman Bat. Read more about the hidden art historical references and book production process at http://www.TheGentlemanBat.com. My second book, Too Many Tables, features fun, colorful illustrations and a comically entertaining story, with a subtle message of generosity and community woven throughout. I do school, library, bookstore, and children's museum visits with large and small audiences. Depending on age and interest, I adjust the presentation to the group, often including interactive drawing activities, amazing bat facts and science, and introductions to Japanese woodblock prints. As an artist who worked closely with the illustrators of my books, I am always happy discuss the book making and illustration process, as well as writing, rhyming, and editing, and I do Skype/FaceTime for schools and groups around the country.

Linda Schroeter Painting, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts Artist Bio: Linda J Schroeter (b. 1963, Australia) is a representational oil painter based out of Geyserville, Sonoma County. Linda has always had a passion for drawing and painting and has been drawn towards realism through inspiring Dutch masters of light such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer. Her most current body of work continues her exploration into important visual vocabulary in Western art, working in traditional methods inspired by nature and natural light. Her paintings all have a significant symbolic meaning and together form an allegorical visual treat for the viewer’s intellect to decipher making her paintings interact with both the artist’s intention and the viewer’s analysis. Notable Accomplishments: Art Renewal Center Associate Living Master American Woman Artist Associate with Distinction Australian Governor Generals Award for Art Excellence

Peggy Sebera Painting, Visual Arts colorful landscapes and seascapes of Sonoma County. See website for images. peggysebera.com I look forward to welcoming you to my home studio. Peggy

Rob Senn Sculpture, Visual Arts During regular work hours, I am a national business consultant, providing growth strategies for companies in the entertainment marketplace. But I also build site specific landscape sculptures that seek to inspire viewers while respecting the uniquely beautiful scenery of Sonoma County. r

Jennifer Shada Recovery Fund Grantee, Visual Arts Jennifer Shada (b. 1988) is a Bay Area visual artist who finds passion in both learning and teaching. While earning her BFA from Sonoma State University in 2011, Shada was teaching art classes to students in grades K-12. Since graduating from California College of the Arts with her MFA in 2016, Shada has worked as a studio assistant for Mario Pires Cordiero in San Francisco and has co-founded artist collective ONE + ONE + TWO— aiming to bridge the gap between individuals artists with resources in the Bay Area.

Adam Sharron Architecture, Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Visual Arts, Woodworking I am a designer who seeks to create spaces and objects that add interest and serendipity to our built and lived environments. Spolia Design/Build is a landscape architecture practice, based in Santa Rosa, that focuses on cultivating, planning, and building beautiful spaces and objects.

Rachel Shayne Edelstein Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Media, Other, Visual Arts While earning her bachelors degree in fine art from UC Santa Cruz, Rachel has had illustrations published in City on a Hill Press, Primer, and Santa Cruz Weekly. After graduating in 2011, Rachel began working as a graphic designer. She specializes in digital, watercolor, and ink mediums. Her recent work includes graphic design and web production for ecommerce. In her spare time she enjoys drawing, reading, and running.

Larry Sheradon Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Jewelry, Multi-Media, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Woodworking Larry has recently been manifesting a long dream of creating whimsical CNC light sculptures and functional festival deco. With experience in 3D algorithmic design, illustration, woodwork, programming, electronics and altar creation, he draws on inspiring plant forms and the radiant spirit of nature in his designs. He currently lives in the redwoods of Northern California.

Jewel Shield Artisan, Ceramics, Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Vocal Music is the Universal language of all people and creation. I am a lifelong Artisan with a deep love and appreciation for harmony and beauty. The creative spark that leads me from within feels natural and familiar. It perhaps comes from an experience of many lifetimes being emerged in the arts and my ancestral lineage that includes many artists, musicians and teachers. I have been a professional harpist, musician, artist, teacher and mentor since the early 1980’s. I have a passion for creating and contributing more love, beauty and peace in the world through music, arts and compassionate teaching. I have a BFA in Studio Arts/ Ceramics with a background in Creative Arts Therapies and also Certifications in Sound, Voice and Music Healing, and Yoga of the Voice and Transformational Life Mastery Coaching. Although I have played and performed a variety of genres and styles mostly rooted in world and ethnic traditions, I am currently focused on my own creative compositions and contemplative improvisations on Harp, my primary instrument, as well as exploring and creating new music, instruments and sounds for healing. I am a holistic and compassionate teacher and creative mentor. Primarily being a self taught musician, I love to empower my students and assist them in discovery of their inner guide and teacher. Music is natural to everything, it is what connect us and has powerful transforming and healing benefits. I currently perform ambient background for special events, receptions, featured performances, Sacred occasions and meditations, healing and magical SoundScapes. I also perform music as accompaniment for yoga, dance, chi gong and tai chi classes, poetry readings and other various events and collaborations. As a multi instrumentalist I play a variety of instruments, especially in my Sound Healing work, including Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, Native American flutes, and zithers. I am now combining my experience and artistry, and working on designing instruments that anyone can enjoy playing and experience the powerful and therapeuticbenefits of making music.

Mamoru Shimokochi Painting, Visual Arts Mamoru Shimokochi is an accomplished fine art painter and his paintings have been exhibited in galleries and juried shows. His work hangs in corporate and private collections. Artist statement: Simple elements – line, form, space and bold color – this is the visual language that fascinates me. I strive to create depth and balance, simplifying elements down to the minimal. It’s as much about what you don’t see as what you do. My background: Many years as a brand identity designer, helps me focus and distill the elements that make up my vision. I choose a strong and simple visual expression that combines bold form and color to create a sense of dynamism and tension that captures the eye. Painting Shows: Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Biennial Juried Exhibition, Los Angeles, CA National Orange Juried Show, San Bernardino, CA - Honorable Mention Mt. San Antonio Gallery, Mt. San Antonio College, CA - Purchase Award Downey Museum of Art Show, Juried Show MM Shinno Gallery, Los Angeles, Group Show Sidney Rothman Gallery, New Jersey Los Angeles Art Association, Group Show Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Juried shows, Sebastopol, CA Chroma Gallery, Santa Rosa, CA The de Young Open Exhibition, San Francisco, October 2020

Aparna Sinha Painting

Aparna Sinha was born in Jaipur, India. Her family moved around various parts of India and Nigeria while she was growing up. Her work reflects her travels and experiences. Now she is Sonoma, California local.

Aparna’s work is influenced by impressionism; the works of Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh, to name a few. She loves working with the playfulness of light and shadows. Archways are her current obsession, thanks to her visit back to her birthplace.

Her love for watercolors began at school and she had a great teacher who helped her realize her potential. She later took a liking to oil pastels and discovered their vibrant and rewarding nature on sandpaper.

In the past she has held an exhibition of her work at the Sophia Bhabha Hall, Mumbai. Her work was on display at the local Nepalese restaurant and at Sunflower Cafe in Sonoma as well as Honey Badger Coffee in Rohnert Park, California. She was creative director for her College festival in Mumbai, and was responsible for designing the festival logo and overall theme.

A portion of her art sales goes to helping local children’s charities in India.

Dylan Smith Ballet, Choreography, Dance, Illustration, Literature, Modern, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Poetry, Professional Performance, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts Dylan Smith is a Bay Area dancer, choreographer, instructor and visual artist. He holds a BA in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College and is on staff at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Mr. Smith has performed and choreographed with Transcendence Theatre Company in Sonoma, California the past few years earning him Broadway World San Francisco's Best Choreography Award for 2015. Other performing credits include the Japan and North American Tours of 42nd Street, JUBILEE! at Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and Principal Dancer on Holland America Line. As a choreographer and instructor his experience ranges from the Alvin Ailey Children's Program, Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University just to name a few. In addition to the performing arts, Dylan has rediscovered his joy and passion for visual art, creating new works based on childhood pieces. He has had three, well attended, successful exhibitions here in California and plans to keep moving forward with developing a brand entitled "Hair Pop Out Mania". He is available for private dance and theatre instruction, group classes, choreography as well as visual art commissions.

William Smith Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts

William Smith (b.1970) received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with an emphasis in printmaking from Sonoma State University, CA. in 1996.

As an undergraduate student at SSU, he collaborated with many artists as a printer and technician at Aurobora Press, in San Francisco and independently around the Bay Area. In 1998, he received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from West Virginia University.

After completing his graduate studies, he returned to California where he continued to work at Aurobora Press and teach part-time at Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College. He has taught all levels of drawing (including figure drawing), foundations courses in design as well as printmaking. He still teaches part time at Santa Rosa Junior College while making and showing his art.

In addition to art, he is a music enthusiast and has played drums in various punk and hard rock bands since the 90’s. William Smith lives and works in Santa Rosa, CA. Passersby may hear anything from classic jazz to hardcore punk and metal bellowing from his studio.