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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.

Irene Silva
Irene Silva Dance, Latin, Teacher/Instructor Santa Rosa Salsa is the pulse of the local Salsa music and dance scene whose purpose is to inspire joy and connection through Latin dance classes, boot camps and live music events. Propelled by the purpose of bringing live Salsa music to Sonoma County, visionary entrepreneur Irene Silva founded Santa Rosa Salsa in 2001. Silva holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a Minor in Communications from University of California Davis and offers experience in Event Planning, Customer Service, Advertising, Sales, and Strategic Planning.
Aparna Sinha
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.
Mitchel Slade
Mitchel Slade Composition, Music, Vocal

Take a moment, and show the world what you got....

Music offers us a form of expression to help explore and give meaning to the otherwise predictable world.  

Born in 1973, Mitchel's musical training began with his first classical piano teacher in sixth grade. Her inspiration continued to push him forward into using music to express his experiences and journey.  His musical influences range from the 80's punk scene to bluegrass, and include the great song writers: Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Beck, Cohen and an endless list of poets, mentors, family, friends, and a constant supply of interesting people from around the world.
Monika Sloan
Monika Sloan Film Office, Talent Monika Sloan is a SAG professional stuntwoman and actress, with well over 10 years of film, television and commercial credits.  In addition to her considerable stunt experience, she is a registered nurse.  Height: 5"1" / Weight: 98 Eyes: Hazel / Hair: Blonde SF Stunt Association Web Site: www.sfstunts.com View Monika's Profile and Resume: www.sfstunts.com/monika
Dylan Smith
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.        
Saani Smith
Saani Smith Artisan, Jewelry, Recovery Fund Grantee I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the United States in 1969. Having lived all over the East Coast for a decade, I decided to move to a warmer CA. I lived in Sonoma County for many years but got burnt out in the Tubbs CA Wildfires of 2017 and subsequently am temporarily living in Marin county until we rebuild. Retired as a Jet Engine Mechanic from United Airlines with 4 shoulder surgeries, I had to do something to keep busy. I started making jewelry and giving to friends and family but they loved it so much, they encouraged me to make a business of it. My creations can be found at Sister’s Consignment in Santa Rosa, Yeah Baby in Fairfax, Encore and Bella boutique in San Rafael. I also sell at shows around town. Look for Saani’s Signature Jewels. I don’t have a website but may in the future. A lover of the arts, I have been volunteering at live theatre for 11 years. My love of travel also takes me to several exotic places around the world, where I collect pieces to incorporate into my jewelry. I’m happy to be a part of this creative collection. Thank you Creative Sonoma! Saani Smith
William Smith
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.
SonoMusette
SonoMusette Music, Vocal SonoMusette recaptures the moody, melancholic sound and spirit of mid twentieth-century Paris. Featuring French singer Mimi Pirard, this classic Parisian ensemble of accordion, piano, guitar, upright bass, and drums combine to revive the enchanting and evocative music from this "golden era" of French chanson. This music has retained its power to charm and transport listeners, and SonoMusette taps that nostalgia with artistry in both vocals and instrumentation. Inspired by the great performers of that era, such as Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, and Django Reinhardt, along with contemporary artists such as Zaz, SonoMusette brings bal-musette to the “moderne” era.
Audette Sophia
Audette Sophia Multi-Media, Other, Painting, Performance Art
I am a human décor artist & fantasy stylist with 15 years professional face paint experience, a lifetime dedicated to the magic & power of creativity. I got a B.A. in Integrative Arts which was essentially a roundabout holistic tour of the Arts as they intersect with different aspects of self & society. It gave me a lot of ideals about the great potential of the arts but didn’t set me on a path to making a living from it. That took dabbling & experimentation & a colorful winding path through teaching & performance & production & entrepreneurship until I was finally able to craft a biz that could both keep my interest & pay the bills.
So I spend much of my time as ladyboss of  Catalyst Arts Entertainment.
I still do face paint & body art regularly & am available for events of all kinds.
 
 
Body Art Credentials: 
Got my Face Paint ‘Degree’ from Kids Birthday Party Bootcamp (2005-still do some now)
Airbrushing on skin since about 2010 (+ pretty ridiculous stencil collection)
Conventions ‘Resume’ :
2012- Face Paint convention in Las Vegas
2013 IMATS (as assistant to Trina Merry) & also was runner up for SF Raw Artists ‘makeup artist of the year’
2014 & 2016- attended the World Body Painting Festival in Austria including the weeklong Academy
2017- Fabaic Convention in Florida
2018- Daylong workshop with Pashur + I taught 5 Body Art Workshops at Catalyst Studios
2019- La Fete Convention in New Orleans
2020- Spring Fling Henna Convention
Linda Sorensen
Linda Sorensen Painting I create bold and imaginative landscapes (including seascapes) with their basis in the world around us, working in oil paints on canvas, and principally in larger sizes. My emphasis is on design and story.  I have a background in abstract non-representational art that provides an intersection with traditional landscape painting including Impressionism, post-Impressionism, and a more contemporary approach.
Claudette Soulier
Claudette Soulier Artisan, Jewelry, Recovery Fund Grantee Cloud Ranch jewelry reflects a connection long lost to us between the wild lands and animals of the American West. Inspired by The Snakes, Falcons and Eagles she has met over her many miles on horseback, master craftsman Claudette Soulier lovingly shapes their subtle messages into these totem symbols. Each detail handcrafted using the traditional European method of Lost Wax Carving.
Kusuma Sparks
Kusuma Sparks Artisan, Design, Fashion Design, Fiber Art Kusuma Sparks is an environmentalist who fought the urge to create beautiful things with textiles (and lost).
Despite her youthful ambition to land a Fulbright Grant and ‘save the world’, she finally (and begrudgingly) had to admit she had a gift and passion for textiles and, in the end, she became an artisan of fine garments for women who share her vision of a better world. Maybe it was because she couldn’t stand seeing her for-a-cause friends suffer bad aesthetics. Maybe it was a rebellious act against the industry.
Whatever the reason, for nearly two decades she has devoted herself to textiles arts; wrestling with the subject throughout the US, Europe and India. She finally got the courage (and the push) to open her doors to other women who are also seeking to do good, feel good and look beautiful. From original pattern-making through silk painting, embroidery, and fabric manipulation techniques, her work places emphasis on artisan hand-work skills that are unparalleled by machines today. Aside from sustainability and ethics, themes in her work revolve around nature with dreamy and romantic interpretations. Read her full bio here.

Sara Spaulding Phillips
Sara Spaulding Phillips Literature, Other, Visual Arts Sarita also known as Sara Spaulding Phillips, has used her visionary and creative skills to create Sonoma County Writing Practice, Women's Mysteries Journeys.   She now leads FolkArt Fridays, seasonal Grandmother Lodges, and occasional Pop-Up art Events, and consults individually around Dreams and Art, Spiritual Crisis and Life's challenges. Her ancestry is Welsh-English-French(Brittany) She is the descendant of Celtic Heritage and is well-versed in Celtic/pagan Folklore, as well as a practicing Buddhist and a great believer in the spirit of All. Sara Spaulding Phillips says, "Spiritual journey is a Divine gift in the cold and scary times, and helps me love myself in the down times."
Katherine Spiering
Katherine Spiering Painting, Visual Arts Reckless, boisterous, raucous, unusual, or just plain modern? However you describe her art, it will never be accused of being subdued. Katherine Spiering is a fine arts and multimedia graphic illustrator who creates art with attitude. Originally from Seattle, she broke out of the classical confines of her early parochial schooling by packing up and heading for distant exotic lands. Later, she hung out with Seattle's Belltown Art crowd, an artist encampment in the Denny Regrade area. By the time she had completed a year at the Cornish School of Allied Arts and earned a degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, K. had developed an artistic eye by viewing life through the lens of a camera and by shooting images of her travels abroad as well as in her own backyard. In the early '80s, she presented an entire Polaroid exhibition called "Void Space," a collection of graffiti art photographed in Seattle's downtown Skid Row district. She was influenced and excited by street art, geek (or skin) art and just about everything else out of the ordinary. Today, that influence is reflected in her paintings as a kind of high-amped energy with raw symbology and a spontaneity fused with her own sense of humor. For example, there is her portfolio of radical canines, a lively and diverse depiction of dogs created in multiple media, and a far cry from the fuzzy faces found on brochures for the American Kennel Club! When asked, "Why dogs?
Elisa Stancil
Elisa Stancil Architecture, Design, Interior Design, Literature, Non-Fiction, Painting, Visual Arts Elisa began her creative career remodeling Craftsman homes in Sacramento and for the past thirty-five years her company, Stancil Studios, has provided decorative painting, gilding, and patterning for buildings throughout America and in Europe. Her son James now owns the business and Elisa focuses on writing, architectural color and pattern design and volunteer work. Her first book, Jack London State Historic Park, is sold on Amazon and in bookstores as well as at both museums at the park. All proceeds benefit the park. Her new memoir, This or Something Better, is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and Bookshop. Her recently published essays can be seen on her website, www.elisastancillevine.com. Elisa enjoys outdoor life on Sonoma Mountain with her husband, Chuck Levine, and together they work to support Sonoma County through mentoring and volunteering. 
cathy stancil
Cathy Stancil Photography, Visual Arts Sonoma Valley Photographer. Intimate Weddings and Elopements
Kelly Stanphill - NO LONGER IN SONOMA COUNTY - 10/14/22
Kelly Stanphill - NO LONGER IN SONOMA COUNTY - 10/14/22 Media, Recovery Fund Grantee Production, Event, Client Services and Marketing Professional with experience in the film/entertainment, tech and consumer industries. • Team player that fosters a positive and creative work environment • Calm under pressure while maintaining an upbeat and positive attitude • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of detail Passion for films and television, pop culture, entertaining, writing, design and the culinary arts Specialties: Branding, sponsorship marketing, event production, creative and aesthetic capabilities, extremely strong interpersonal skills.
Susan Starbird
Susan Starbird Literature, Non-Fiction, Other, Teacher/Instructor artist bio to come
Elizabeth Stark
Elizabeth Stark Literature, Media, Teacher/Instructor Elizabeth Stark co-directs and teaches at BookWritingWorld.com and SonomaCountyWritersCamp.com, co-hosts Story Makers Podcast (StoryMakersShow.com), is author of the novel Shy Girl (FSG, Seal Press), and co-director and co-writer of several several films, including FtF: Female to Femme, a creative documentary and Little Mutinies, a short (both distributed by Frameline). She earned an M.F.A. from Columbia University in Creative Writing and has taught at the Pratt Institute, UCSC, St. Mary’s, where she was the visiting distinguished writer, and elsewhere. She is currently producing a feature film called Lost in the Middle, and finishing a novel.
Clarice Stasz
Clarice Stasz Fiction, Literature, Non-Fiction Clarice Stasz has published over forty years, from social commentary to biographies. A retired professor of history, Clarice is a leading scholar of Jack London, with appearances in documentaries for HBO and PBS. She was noted by Book-of-the-Month Club for The Vanderbilt Women, and has received several awards for her Jack London studies. Starting her writing career as an editor, Clarice is committed to crisp and straightforward narratives to introduce average readers to history. A lifelong reader of mysteries, Slanderley is her first venture into the genre, and she is now on her third book in the series! Living close to Jack London State Historic Park, she discovered the author and his times close to her fascination with the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. This led her to the use of biography as a means to convey American history. Her ongoing research was supported in part by the Rockefeller Archives and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Through these writings run the themes of gender, race, and power relations. She wrote the first textbooks incorporating discussion of the male as well as female social roles, this at a time when concentration on women alone prevailed. Stasz is a lifelong musician, active as a singer, percussionist, flutist, and song writer. For relaxation she hikes and is a bird watcher. Her volunteer work contributes to arts groups and services to women in need.
Hugh Steimle
Hugh Steimle Photography, Recovery Fund Grantee, Visual Arts Hugh Steimle has worked with Photography and many aspects of Visual Arts during his creative career. When photographing both Natural Light and Night Photography subjects, Hugh focuses on capturing images of fleeting moments with thought provoking qualities. He studied Photography at the Academy of Art, San Francisco and more recently completed the Applied Graphics Certificate Program in Santa Rosa at the SRJC. He works with both Fine Art and Commercial applications depending on the project at hand.
Kala Stein
Kala Stein Architecture, Artisan, Ceramics, Design, Functional Art, Interior Design, Multi-Media, Other, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts Kala Stein (b.1979) is an artist and designer noted for innovative mold making and casting techniques. Her work explores dynamic systems and sustainable practices within the intersection of design, production, and the handmade. Kala received her BFA in Ceramics from SUNY New Paltz in 2002 and her MFA in Ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2009. She stayed on at Alfred to teach and curate at the Cohen Gallery from 2009-2015. She exhibits her work nationally and works with private clients on custom designs for the home and hospitality industry. Her community based work is aimed at developing models that will help organizations, schools, and private practitioners operate with more sustainable practices. Kala is the Director of Ceramics at Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma, California where she is developing and enhancing their community studio, artist in residence program, and community outreach programming. Her studio is located at the Community Center, 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Paul Steward
Paul Steward Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Performance Art, Vocal Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, award-winning performer and recording artist, Paul has resided in Sonoma County since 1997 and has been entertaining audiences all over the world with his own style of R&B/Rock/Pop. Winning the 2010 Nammy for Blues Album of the Year, the 2016 NorBay Award for R&B band of the year from the North Bay Bohemian weekly, among other awards, he has performed all over the USA and internationally with 8 album releases and recorded live footage. Learning the guitar when he was a teenager from his father and sharing the stage with him, Paul found a passion for music and excelled at it. Notably as the frontman of Twice As Good, also on record with artists Jacques Wilkens, Ras K'dee and Audiopharmacy. Paul's guitar style is a sweet and screaming melody reminiscent of B.B. King and a vocal style that is soulful like Bruno Mars, Jonny Lang, and Al Green.
Adelle Stoll
Adelle Stoll Artisan, Design, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Jewelry Handcrafted for the Modern Minimalist  Adelle Stoll combines her love of modern design with nimble hands to create original handbags and jewelry from her studio Store at The Barlow. Classic and bold architectural shapes are crafted from soft materials resulting in iconic pieces destined to become heirlooms. Each piece is designed and crafted with love by modern accessories designer Adelle Stoll in Sonoma County, California. Materials  All Adelle Stoll goods are made using supreme materials specifically chosen for their quality and durability. Using the finest oil tanned leathers sourced from the United States, leather is hand cut to create stylish pieces, designed for years of use. 100% German wool felt in vibrant, saturated colors and hand fabricated brass rods and hardware define Adelle Stoll’s original designs. Meet Adelle Stoll Ever since Adelle can remember she’s had an active mind filled with creative ideas. Bored by high school academics, she found her niche in theater arts courses and at 16 performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Discovering that traditional academics weren’t for her, Adelle charted her own course with entrepreneurial thinking built around creativity. A child of the 70s who watched American manufacturing disappear, Adelle wanted to give people a place to shop for quality products that weren’t made in China. The answer? She opened The Silo, a Sonoma County shop carrying modern artisan goods, all made in America.  At the helm of The Silo, Adelle saw an opportunity to fill a void. Many trendy handbags were overly adorned and cheaply made. With poor quality materials made by machines only, these mass produced bags didn’t jive with Adelle or her clientele. By virtue of meeting her customers at the shop, Adelle received immediate feedback and refined the designs that are now her trademark style. After a successful stint, Adelle closed The Silo to focus on expanding her product lines. If Adelle hadn’t discovered her inner theater geek years ago, she might have dropped out of high school. Reaching troubled teens is a cause close to her heart that has morphed into a business strategy. Adelle dreams of hiring foster children who’ve aged out of the system. She wants to give them an opportunity to learn a trade and access their creativity. Teens could be taught pattern making, design thinking, or marketing, while learning about personal integrity through responsibility. Her ultimate goal? For each teenager to look beyond personal circumstances and believe in their potential. So many ideas, it’s surprising she sleeps. Adelle creates new original designs and wearable art every season. Producing small batches of handcrafted bags and jewelry are just the beginning. Currently in the design pipeline are modern women’s shoes, men’s accessories, and minimalist home decor items; all designed and handcrafted by Adelle Stoll in Sonoma County, California.
Linda Stonestreet
Linda Stonestreet Composition, Improvisation, Music, Performance Art, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Vocal Linda Stonestreet is the founder of The Sing Project which seeks to seed circle singing groups in the north bay for the purpose of re-building and strengthening community. Born in California, she is mentored by Rhiannon in the vocal river traditions and conducts improvisational circle singing. She is a Singer-Songwriter with 40+ songs published. A former long time civil-servant in the State’s Natural Resources Division (Conservation Corps, State Parks and CalFire) she utilizes her expertise in State government and water issues to grow capacity in rural communities throughout California by her work with Rural Community Assistance Corp.
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