Artists | CreativeSonoma.org

Rachel Forbis Recovery Fund Grantee, Visual Arts Rachel Forbis is a conceptual artist from Northern California who focuses on engaging her viewers with each piece she completes. She thrives on creative interpretation while widening her range of artistic abilities. She is a UC Davis Graduate with a degree in Interior Architecture and an emphasis on Fine Art. She lived in Taiwan and has traveled to various surrounding Countries, exploring and expanding her creative world. With a passion for numerous medias and styles, she has found her expertise doing custom artwork for her clients and is always looking for new explorations of subject matter. She has a love for fine detail that is evoked in all her projects. Rachel sells both original artwork and prints from her own inspirations, as well as welcomes commissions that are purely customized. If you live in Sonoma County, you can book a free consultation where she will go to you and discuss your interests.

Lauren Forcella Painting, Visual Arts

Shop my website for museum-quality fine art originals and giclee prints by Lauren Forcella. Oil paintings in contemporary impressionism. Thank you for signing up for my newsletter and being the first to see new work and hear about seasonal sales and giveaways. I love adding beauty to your world! email: lauren@laurenforcella.com website: https://laurenforcella.com/ (707) 622-6821

ARTIST'S STATEMENT I strive to translate onto canvas the essence and wildness of this beautiful planet. I am a contemporary impressionistic oil painter using generous paint and vivid brushwork in a style called “first coup” (from the French, “au premier coup”). This is a one-layer painting technique where the painting (or each section of a large painting) is completed in one sitting while the paint is still wet – in other words, after the first pass. For me, this is the best way to impart the aliveness and emotional intensity of Nature. BIOGRAPHY I have been painting for 25 years. In a life-changing event, with no warning whatsoever, painting dropped into my life while I was in the flow of raising four fantastic kids. Though my technique has improved with use, this gift arrived as an already-developed skill that continues to astonish. I grew up extremely close to Nature and have been a tree hugger since my earliest memories, climbing them barefooted at every opportunity. Trees are incredibly special to me and I give them credit for keeping me healthy and connected. To give back, I first became a hydrogeologist. I was going to save the planet. This proved rotten with politics, so I retooled in the human potential movement, eventually writing a critically-acclaimed syndicated advice column, Straight Talk Advice, with contributions from youth panelists around the nation [2004-2016] [including the Santa Rosa Press Democrat]. It was important work, but I wasn’t happy. In 2017, I thought why not take this gift of painting – which I love most of all -- and contribute by sharing the beauty of Earth? Best decision EVER. Painting every day is like being in love and my paintings are essentially love letters to this amazing planet. The vivid contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings of my current period are a return to my painting roots which were dominated by this style. The generous paint, vivid brushstrokes and loose compositional style reflects the heart opening I feel out-of-doors. While hiking and backpacking, I drink in the scenery, take multiple reference photos, and often walk barefooted and sleep on the earth to further soak in the energy. Returning to the studio, I strive to translate onto canvas the peace, aliveness, and utter beauty I experienced. My paintings are in private collections throughout the United States and abroad. From my website, you can purchase originals as well as artist-quality giclee prints on canvas that arrive ready to hang. Please contact me for sales, commissions, and showings. —Lauren Forcella email: lauren@laurenforcella.com website: https://laurenforcella.com/ (707) 622-6821

EXHIBITIONS Solo shows throughout 2022! See website at https://laurenforcella.com/ for dates and locations. Sonoma County: Fulton Crossroads Gallery, premier featured artist: Nov 1, 2022 - Jan 31, 2023 PRESS Vogue, GQ, World of Interiors, House of Coco, Conde Nast Traveler, London Life, English Garden, and many more. See website at https://laurenforcella.com/ for media list and interviews. A few past shows: 2022: March: 2nd place, juried exhibition, Carter House Gallery, Redding, CA 2020: April-June JCO's Art Haus, Los Gatos, CA 2020: July: Mosiac, solo art show, Sundial Bridge, Redding, CA 2019: Solo art show, Elle Lui, Santa Rosa CA, April 4 - March 4, 2019 2017: Solo art show, Elle Lui, Santa Rosa CA, Dec-March 18, 2017 2012: Solo art show, Gold River, CA 2011: Solo art show, Bukovina, Auburn, CA 2004: Selected Artist, Art in Print Calendar 2004: Featured Artist, Auburn Printers & No Cal Artists, Auburn, CA 2009: Solo art show, Bella Fiore, Fair Oaks, CA 2008: Solo art show, Sacramento Art Complex, Sacramento, CA 2007: Group art show, Art de Soul opening, Irvine, CA 2004: Group art show, Auburn Center for the Arts, Auburn, CA 2001: Solo art show, Latitudes, Auburn, CA 2000: Solo art show, Renaissance Room, Peterborough, NH 1999: Solo art show, Expressions Gallery, Milford, NH

Cathleen Francisco Children's, Literature, Photography, Visual Arts What I love about photography is the wide range of expression it allows. I enjoy the power of Photoshop to create my own visions, altered cameras for a change in perspective and alternative processes to explore and push past boundaries. Beyond the imagery I create, photography is a mediation for me, a quiet, restorative place that is as much about creativity as it is mindfulness.

Ross Friedman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Vocal Ross Friedman is a songwriter, recording engineer and music instructor based in Petaluma, California. Ross' songwriting covers many genres including: singer/songwriter, jazzy ballads, blues, rock and country rock. Instrumentals of various styles (acoustic, jazzy, blues and rock are also part of Ross' repertoire. Ross has a ProTools recording setup and can help songwriters and other musicians record their music. Ross provides individualized instruction on guitar and bass, taking into account the students taste in music. Instruction is provided for all levels - beginning, intermediate and advanced. Ross has many years of experience in music instruction and has been teaching in California since 1979. Ross has performed in bands and as a solo act since the age of 12. Although a professional for many years, he says "I remember what it's like to be a beginner and know that people starting out appreciate patience and encouragement." With this in mind, he has developed teaching techniques to simplify and explain the workings of music to all ages and levels of ability.

Anna Friesen Mixed, Painting, Photography, Visual Arts I imagine observe photograph collect then follow intuitive leads to usual and unique materials to express my feeling responses to the natural world

Margo Gallagher Other, Visual Arts I am a life-long creative, artist, and part owner of Vibe Gallery in downtown Petaluma. My latest artistic endeavor, KaleidaStars, involves taking photos, printing them out, and cutting them up into hundreds of pieces and putting them back together again to ultimately create a personally designed large scale kaleidoscope. My focus is photographing street art, flowers, memorial pieces, or anything that moves me. I love bright colors! Most of my work is commission based, but I also have prints and cards at the gallery.

Nicole Rose Gelormino Arts Administration, Illustration, Mixed, Other, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts Nicole Rose Gelormino is a teaching artist and painter. A SF Bay Area native, Gelormino has maintained a studio practice alongside her career in teaching art and leading professional development in arts education for over a decade. In her studio practice, Gelormino is committed to the continued exploration of the nuances of personal memory, the body and internalized cultural paradigms. She employs the paint and painting methods in the process of reflection and discovery within the pscyho-visceral landscape. Gelormino holds a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Visual Art and recently served on the advisory panel to the California Department of Credentialing. She worked for a few years on the Teachers Advisory Group to the SF Museum of Modern Art, writing curriculum for their collection and special exhibitions. She has also worked in arts administration in schools and other non-profit and public agencies. Some additional settings she has taught in include: professional development for teachers in schools and museums, youth and families before and after school and at special events, summer arts programs run by the city of San Francisco. At Gateway High School, Gelormino also served as the Arts Department Coordinator and Teaching Coach for other teaching artists.

Lisa Damico And Gena Richman Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts Lisa Damico* and Gena Richman**, are excited to offer you professional development integrating Social Emotional Learning and the Arts. We offer a staff development "special" condensed workshop or an expanded two session workshop either via Zoom or in person. Either will provide you with lessons you can do with your students the following day. The Arts and SEL pair perfectly together helping students gain and/or maintain a sense of well being in the classroom. The Arts provide students a way to learn, know and communicate aspects of themselves and others. Our PD is a make and take that will walk you through lessons to use at the beginning of the year which can be repeated as check-ins throughout the year. We recommend this workshop for early to upper elementary. Professional development fees on a sliding scale. Contact us for more information. Gena Richman genarichman@att.net and/or Lisa Damico ldamicoart@gmail.com *Lisa received her BA in Child Development, a Minor in Fine Arts and went on to receive a K-12 teaching credential with a supplemental credential in Art. She provided professional development to California teachers and presented in state and national conferences through her association with the California Literature Project, integrating Visual and Performing Arts into teaching and assessing in Language Arts. Lisa retired after 32 years in the classroom and has now become a happy gardener and shamelessly spoils her Labrador Retriever. **Gena received her B.S. in Arts, followed by a K-12 teaching credential from SSU. She provided professional development to teachers on how to integrate the Arts into Mathematics during many sessions at the California Mathematics Conference at Asilomar. Gena retired after 20 years in the classroom and works out 5 days a week in order to keep up with her young grandson! Thank you for checking out Creative Sonoma! Look for grants and other workshops on their site!

Philip Thomas George Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Visual Arts I am moved by life around me, daily, in almost any place. Watching a young boy climb a tree or an elderly woman slowly cross the street with her patient dog — either scenario has the power to pull feelings out of me. My goal as an artist is to recreate what moves me, in the way that I see it or imagine it, in order to stir up the same emotions in my viewers and make a connection through something shared visually. Sonoma county provides a plethora of opportunities for observing people, animals, and nature which all aid in inspiring me to take action and create. My background is in UI design, but last year I took the leap into what I feel is my true calling and passion — creating artwork. If you'd like to work with me or hire me, please feel free to contact me.

Scott Gibson Media, Photography, Teacher/Instructor, Video, Visual Arts Landscape/Nature/Wildlife. Ground-based and aerial/drone. Stills and Motion. Assignments, Commissions, Prints, Licensing, Photo Products. Award-winning photographer Scott Gibson creates the images for Gibson Outdoor Photography from his picturesque base in Northern California's Wine Country. From there, he travels the region, the western United States, and the world to capture images to educate, entertain, and inspire viewers. A serious hobby photographer for decades, Scott has spent recent years carefully refining his craft. His artistic eye helps him see and feel what others miss and his deep technical training helps him capture and share these experiences in his photographs. Scott's search for the next great image often provides opportunity for adventure. He is particularly proud of the acclaim for his images from an ascent of 14,505 foot Mount Whitney in California's Sierra Nevada mountains – camera in hand the entire 22 miles. Willing to go 'all in' to get the shot, Scott camped for days in the Oregon wilderness to capture the August 2017 total solar eclipse. His FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate supports capturing fresh aerial points of view. His award-winning images are featured in private collections, winery publications, popular photo products, and stock photo services.

Bill Gittins Painting, Recovery Fund Grantee, Visual Arts Widely recognized for his vibrant “Colorist” oil paintings, Bill Gittins has logged many hours capturing the beauty of his surroundings in colorful, textural excellence. Painting both en plein air and in studio, his paintings are a visual delight; filled with robust, clean hues and distinctive dynamic brush and palette knife work. With a Colorist style that blends traditional with impressionism, and an impasto-like application, his superior handling of the medium results in paintings that convey complexity and movement. As the viewer, you will experience each new discovery for yourself, and be immersed in the moments that captured Bill’s attention. Taking his cues primarily from the elements of Land, Water and Sky, Bill challenges himself to transform his subjects from vistas remote and unaccustomed, to enticing scenes, immanent and familiar. Offering an invitation to enjoy and to feel at-home, each painting beckons you to linger and find welcomed repose. As a metaphor, pathways, and waterways, often leading you into Bill’s work are an artistic element of his process, rich in symbolism and intrigue. Embarking on each piece, he sees his palette as the trailhead for the adventure that awaits the viewer. As he departs and places those first applications of paint, the journey to another wonderful destination begins.

Kevin Gonyo Audio, Composition, Design, Film, Graphic Design, Media, Music My name is Kevin Gonyo, and I love to create. Currently, I work as a designer at a non-profit in Santa Rosa. I received my BA in music from UCLA, and still compose and perform. Always looking to work with new people!

Annette Goodfriend Sculpture, Visual Arts I am fascinated by the perversity of nature. My current work casts a critical, scientific, and humorous eye on the mutagenesis of form, from the cellular level to the limb. It examines and celebrates that moment of translation from cerebral to visceral. Recently I have been exploring the hand of man and the role of science in the natural world. While we develop investigative tools in biology, chemistry, and physics to research and understand our world, those same tools give us the capability of controlling and morphing the environment and ourselves. The catastrophic change that man’s actions have caused to our climate could be remedied if our vast scientific knowledge was matched by political will and implemented towards a remedy. And what about the politics of the body? Our knowledge of genetics and the molecular tools we have created could allow us to eradicate disease, but where is the ethical line? And who gets to draw that line? Who decides what traits are desirable, which to be eliminated? And who gets to utilize these tools of selection? These questions and concepts weave their way through my work, and hopefully open a pathway to necessary conversations.

Linda Goodman Painting, Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts A painter, printmaker and educator, Linda remembers how good she felt as an 8-year-old artist wearing the lanyard keychain she made on her favorite ladybug-buttons dress. The impish girl grew up to be an award-winning artist, earning an M.F.A. in Printmaking, at Mills College and a B.A. in Fine Art from Stanford. Her prints and paintings are in numerous museum and private collections. Ms. Goodman shares her passion for making art with her students, encouraging expressive freedom and fearlessness while honing perceptive and hands-on skills. She has been a studio art teacher for over 20 years in the U.S. and abroad. She worked with physically and mentally challenged students at Creative Growth and East Bay Recovery art centers through the Oakland Unified School District, and with clients with disabilities at a Chalk Hill Artist Residency in Healdsburg. Linda also worked as Vespa-riding cafe photographer in Florence, editor, graphic designer, and publisher of books on alternative energy.

Deborah Gray Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Visual Arts I'm a graphic designer, web designer, and artist with 20 years of experience. I specialize in UX. I love minimalism and clean design. My illustration work is mostly pen and ink with watercolor.

Susan Greer Painting, Visual Arts "Painting en plein air allows me to explore the land I love, while doing what I love to do."

Susan, a third generation Bay Area native, lives in Sonoma County and works as a full-time artist. Her paintings - depicting the land she knows and loves - hang in private and corporate collections around the world.

Susan holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from SFSU and UCSC. She worked as a Product Designer with Broderbund Software, as a Curriculum Designer at Skywalker Ranch, and as an Editor at Addison Wesley Publishing Company before devoting her time to full-time painting. As part of her fine art studies, she's been fortunate to study with masterful teachers, including Daniel Keys, Wolf Kahn, and Ken Auster. Susan is a member of Oil Painters of America, The American Impressionist Society, The California Art Club, The Arts Council of Sonoma County, The Sebastopol Center for the Arts, and The Marin Arts Council. She has also served on the Sonoma County Museum Board as well as The Steering Committee for Sonoma County Art Trails.

Ehme Haas Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Music, Other, Painting, Poetry, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Vocal e.h.me is a multi-medium, hungry fArtist currently beginning an exploration of the play between place and perspective with mobile-inspired, found object suspended sculpture. an imported local of the Russian River area with a tendency toward forest frolicking, she is inspired by birth cycles and bridges, plastic bags caught in tree boughs, fermentation and regeneration. she seeks to convey a sense of the beautiful wonder within even the 'ugly' parts of experience. create(or) de(con)struct

Alan Hall Composition, Instrumental, Mixed, Music, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts

Alan Hall

Musician, Composer, Drummer, Mixed-Media Artist, Band Leader of "Ratatet"

I started my life as a professional drummer at 13 years, a visual artist 20 years later, now I'm also an active composer and band leader of my own neo-jazz sextet, Ratatet.

In addition to being an active performer and artist, I teach drum lessons, workshops and ensembles at schools and Jazz camps throughout the Bay Area. My teaching is based at California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley and Cal State East Bay in Hayward.

My art work is in several private collections on East and West coasts and can be viewed at my art website: www.amiguelart.com

My compositions can be heard at www.ratatet.com and www.jazzdrumming.com.

Music and Visual Art are two different modes of expressions for me. Both seem to function as positive feedback loops for me, and I hope, others. I'm striving to integrrate the two art forms in both a personal and social context.