Nonprofit Archives - CreativeSonoma.org

Sonoma Academy Gallery Art Gallery, Education, Nonprofit, School, Visual Arts

Sonoma Academy Gallery Guidelines

We look for original artwork that takes an innovative approach and shows a sophisticated execution. Chosen artists should enhance the arts curriculum. Established and emerging artists interested in showing are encouraged to look over the guidelines on our website. Shows are generally up for two months unless another arrangement has been made between the artist and the school. We provide a stipend of $120 for a lecture or class demo.

Artists are responsible for hanging and taking down their own shows.

The school takes no commission for any work sold.

Gallery Size

Dimensions of the wall space:

Two walls are 6' 8”
One wall is 10’ 5”
One wall is 8’ 7”
One wall is 33’ 10”
One wall is 3’

Please submit a link to your website or blog for consideration and send it to Hillary Younglove. Shows are booked one year in advance.

Sonoma Arts Live Theater Company Holidays Shop Local, Nonprofit, Performing Arts, Performing Arts Membership or Season Tickets, Theatre

Sonoma Arts Live, a non profit 501 (C)(3), believes that theater is a universal language, rooted in its ability to open our hearts towards greater levels of compassion, and empower our minds to explore new ways of thinking.

We believe in presenting theater that enriches the lives of our community, sheds light in times of darkness, and revives our spirits.

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

--Oscar Wilde

Sonoma Bach Creative Sonoma Grantee, Holidays Shop Local, Music, Nonprofit, Performing Arts Membership or Season Tickets Sonoma Bach’s mission is to bring together and nurture a community of music-lovers in our beloved Sonoma region to share in the magnificent experience of early music. We know that this music from the distant past—sacred and worldly, vocal and instrumental, solemn and joyful—can speak powerfully to today’s audiences, and we reach out not only to those already familiar with its pleasures and beauties and traditions, but also to those for whom the music is brand-new. Our resident ensembles—including three vocal ensembles and our period-instrument orchestra—prepare and perform an annual series of eight concert sets, featuring the finest repertoire presented in imaginative programs designed to bring to life the magic of the music and to connect compellingly with our audiences. Most of our concerts take place in the Green Music Center’s 240-seat Schroeder Hall, with its live acoustics, intimate audience experience, and wonderful Brombaugh pipe organ. In addition, we offer site-specific concerts designed for special places in Sonoma County, such as our annual concerts in the domed and frescoed Church of St. Seraphim. Sonoma Bach offers a variety of opportunities for learning and exploration for singers, instrumentalists and listeners alike. Our classes, workshops and lectures focus upon four broad areas: Individual skills (such as vocal technique and sight-reading); ensemble skills; knowledge of repertoire; and ‘the big picture’: What does it all mean, and how can I connect? We believe passionately in the power of music to bring people together, to help us work through life’s challenges, and to serve as a catalyst for positive change. When people make music with and for each other—with skill, with style, with love—we believe that our world becomes better. Sonoma Bach is proud to have been serving our community since 1991 through this essential activity of music-making, and we look forward eagerly to continuing our efforts for many years to come.

Sonoma Community Center Adult Arts Education, Art Gallery, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Dance, Education, Fine Crafts, History/Heritage, Holidays Shop Local, Kids/Family, Music, Nonprofit, Visual Arts, Youth Arts Education For 70 years, the Sonoma Community Center has been the cultural heart and soul of the Sonoma Valley. Originally built as the Sonoma Grammar School in 1916, the Community Center was incorporated as a public benefit 501(c)3 organization in 1952, and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Today, the mission of the Sonoma Community Center is to cultivate a vibrant community through extraordinary creative, cultural, and learning experiences. Driven by values of community, innovation, creativity, inclusion, and leadership, the Center offers a broad range of programs, events, and performances that encourage people from all walks of life to create, connect, thrive, and build community together. We offer over 200 classes annually in ceramics, fine art, fiber art, music, movement, culinary arts, and writing. We also host an Artist-in-Residence program that attracts expert artists to work and teach at the Center. On campus, we house and maintain valued partnerships with the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Crescent Montessori School, the Sonoma International Film Festival, Valley of the Moon Magazine, and Sonoma Arts Live, our theater production partner. Our Andrews Hall Theater offers a year-round schedule of films, live music, theater performances, and more for audiences of all ages. We host a variety of creative community events throughout the year, including our annual Día de los Muertos celebration in early November, and our free Thanksgiving Dinner, a valued community tradition for decades now. The Center is also an integral part of the City of Sonoma’s emergency preparedness plans; we serve on the City’s Disaster Council, and serve as the Emergency Volunteer Center for the City of Sonoma during local disasters and other emergencies.

Sonoma Conservatory Of Dance Adult Arts Education, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Dance, Education, Kids/Family, Nonprofit, Nonprofit Services, Performing Arts, School, Special Events, Theatre, Youth Arts Education

Our Mission & Vision

Sonoma Conservatory of Dance's mission is to nurture the creative spirit of our community through dance. We at SCD envision a world filled with inspired and inspiring people, developing and using their talents for good.

Our Story:

Originally Founded as Sonoma Ballet Conservatory in 1970, Patty O’Reilly reenvisioned the studio as Sonoma Conservatory of Dance in 2005 after 12 years of directing the Vallejo Ballet Conservatory, which she had founded in 1993. Under the Artistic Direction of Ms. O’Reilly, SCD continues to offer the very highest quality classical ballet and dance instruction to youth and adults.

In 2016, Sonoma Conservatory of Dance transitioned into a public benefit corporation to better serve the community of Sonoma and to more effectively fulfill its mission of providing the youth (and adults) of Sonoma Valley and beyond an opportunity to grow artistically and technically through participation in our classes and productions.

As a nonprofit, we are able to serve as many students as possible regardless of financial circumstances. Our students grow as they train together under the mentorship of an excellent artistic staff who create an outstanding classroom environment as well as high-quality performances that we share with the public, thereby enhancing each student’s sense of self-mastery.

We expose students and audiences to a mix of culture through music, and dance and our full-length productions offer a blend of classical ballet with other cultural themes. Through our performances, we provide the community with an opportunity to gather together and enjoy an inspiring, enchanting event.

The studio’s students have been accepted into the most prestigious dance programs both locally, nationally and internationally, including: American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet, and Royal Ballet School of Antwerp.

Other Notable Programs Include:

Boston BalletLINES Ballet, Colorado Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Ballet West, Nutmeg Conservatory of the Arts, The Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Dance, Marymount Manhattan College Dance Department, and The Royal Ballet School of London.

To date, SCD students have competed in the Genée International Ballet Competition, Youth America Grand Prix and the RAD Dance Challenge.

Sonoma County Dance Beat Dance, Education, Music, Nonprofit Sonoma County Dance Beat, created in 2014 by local dancers, Kevin and Ann Hutchinson, to provide a comprehensive calendar for dancers to find live dance music in Sonoma County, has grown into a multi-faceted organization serving musicians, venues, dancers and music lovers by supporting live music in Sonoma County through a variety of services. Services include talent buying, marketing consulting for venues and musicians, dance instruction and demos at live music events, stage-presence coaching, choreography for music videos, advocacy and education, and so much more.

Sonoma County Dancers United (SCDU) Dance, Kids/Family, Nonprofit, Performing Arts

Sonoma County Dancers United (SCDU) is a local youth-founded and fiscally sponsored non-profit organization. Our mission is to work with dance studios, schools, and organizations to promote dance and provide free dance opportunities for children and teens in Sonoma County.

We help introduce youth to dance in a professional setting, sparking their interest in the performing arts. As dance inspires creativity, promotes lifetime physical fitness values, and builds self-esteem, participants have the opportunity to be exposed to these benefits. SCDU Offers:

School Outreach Dance Education
Dance Workshops
Dance Studio Scholarships

Since inception in September of 2014, we have introduced over 300 Sonoma County children and teens to dance, awarded over 21 dance scholarships, and held our first dance community showcase.

Sonoma International Film Festival Festivals/Markets, Film/Video, Food/Drink, Nonprofit, Special Events, Theatre, Visual Arts

The Sonoma International Film Festival provides a welcoming, entertaining, and inspiring cinematic experience that supports and promotes independent films and celebrates the cultural diversity in the Sonoma Valley through the art of film.

We are dedicated to the financial support of the visual arts educational programs in Sonoma Valley schools and community outreach programs. Since its inception in 1997, the annual March film festival has celebrated the best in film, food, wine and fun; bringing positive economic impact to Sonoma and enriching cultural life throughout Sonoma Valley and beyond. Year-round activities include special screenings and events. The SIFF-conceived SVHS Media Arts Program, started in 2002, provides student filmmakers with the tools and resources to explore visual storytelling and has given more than $750,000 to the program to date.

Sonoma Plein Air Foundation Art Gallery, Education, Foundation, Nonprofit, Special Events, Visual Arts The Sonoma Plein Air Foundation facilitates artists, art organizations, public schools and the community to create, appreciate and understand the importance of visual arts. We seek to engage youth through art education, foster artistic excellence, nurture a vibrant local arts community and bring people together for experiences that inspire a creative exchange of ideas. The Sonoma Plein Air Festival brings acclaimed artists to Sonoma for a week in September to paint, show and sell their work to benefit youth art education in Sonoma.

Sonoma Valley Chamber Of Commerce Arts Council/Alliance, Association/Club/Group/Guild, Business, Business Services, Nonprofit The Sonoma Chamber's "Creative Alliance" brings together businesses and nonprofits in Sonoma Valley's creative sector. Our goal is to collectively work to support and grow this important part of our economy, so that local businesses, organizations, and venues continue to thrive. After a series of meetings, the Sonoma Creative Alliance identified collaboration, resources, and promotion as common needs. To learn more about the Creative Alliance and to join the mailing list, please contact Patricia Shults at the Chamber.

Sonoma Valley Education Foundation Education, Nonprofit The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) is the primary organization channeling community funding to Sonoma Valley public schools. SVEF supports the Sonoma Valley Unified School District in developing the next generation of leaders in our community, preparing students for today's fast paced world by providing rich academic programs and student enrichment that includes critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Sonoma Valley Museum Of Art Adult Arts Education, Art Gallery, Business, Education, Fine Crafts, Holidays Shop Local, Kids/Family, Museum, Museum and Gallery Memberships, Nonprofit, Retail, Special Events, Visual Arts, Youth Arts Education SVMA’s mission is to build community around art, which reflects our commitment to providing critical arts education, public art and humanities programs, and innovative, thought-provoking exhibitions tied to social and human experiences. SVMA serves the Sonoma Valley region and a wide range of visitors from, primarily, the Bay Area, but also from across the nation and the globe. Founded in 1998, SVMA is the region’s only modern and contemporary art museum providing arts and humanities interpretive programming and experiences. SVMA’s steady growth confirms the strong need and desire for its presence and service to the community and field. In addition to presenting art and culture from across the nation and, at times, from around the world, the Museum annually presents at least one exhibition with a broad depth and range of interpretive programming that highlights the distinct, influential, cultural and artistic heritage of California. With a modest seven full-time and two part-time staff, over 75 volunteers, and an engaged board of directors, SVMA produces model arts and humanities education along with highly respected exhibitions, inspiring cultural conversations that stimulate critical thinking and discussion surrounding contemporary issues of our day. Through its education efforts, SVMA provides free arts education for 4th- and 5th-graders in all Sonoma Valley schools (700-750 students) and averages hosting 75 public programs annually—a great feat for a small staff. SVMA’s library serves as an arts public reference source with a collection of over 2,500 art, architecture, and design books available to scholars and the public. SVMA also works with the Sonoma local government to spearhead activities that explore the art and heritage of the area, including the popular Sonoma Art Walk and public art exhibitions in Sonoma Plaza which, pre-COVID19, engage over 1,000 visitors a day in summer and fall months.

Stewards Of The Coast And Redwoods Education, Environmental, Nonprofit, Special Events Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) is a non-profit organization that partners with the Russian River Sector of California State Parks. The sector includes Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (outside Guerneville), Austin Creek State Recreation Area (a park Stewards is now operating), Sonoma Coast State Park (from Bodega Bay to Jenner) and includes the Willow Creek watershed. State Parks depends on Stewards to provide funding for the Volunteers in Parks program, educational and interpretive activities, for resource management and stewardship projects, and to assist in the development of interpretive facilities and displays. The State Parks of Sonoma County's coast and Russian River valley are rich in natural and cultural history, biological diversity and distinctive geology. Our mission is to promote education, preservation and restoration of the natural and cultural resources of Russian River area State Parks through interpretation and public stewardship. We do this (with the help of 300 volunteers) by providing park visitors of all ages with a variety of programs and opportunities to experience and explore these exceptional parks. Donate today! With your support, Stewards is protecting Austin Creek State Recreation Area with volunteer patrols and stewardship support. We have reopened Bullfrog Pond Campground and three backcountry campsites. We are providing public access and programs in closed areas on the Sonoma Coast, as well as contining all our existing education and stewardship programs during these unprecedented times. Stewards is excited to launch our new Marine Education Program in 2014. We will continue to support efforts to secure a sustainable funding source for our state parks. All donations will help us achieve our goal of keeping your parks open and thriving.

Storybook Children's Theatre Creative Arts Academy Art Gallery, Corporation, Dance, Education, Kids/Family, Literature/Poetry, Music, Nonprofit, Performing Arts, Special Events, Theatre, Visual Arts Storybook Children's Theatre Creative Arts Academy is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization offering a comprehensive ARTS curriculum to children. SCT is dedicated to supporting the ARTS through advocacy, research, scholarship, and community partnerships. SCT provides immersion in creative arts, theatre, dance, literature, public speaking, community engagement, and leadership. Our supportive environment encourages self discipline, problem solving, taking risks, meeting challenges, and teamwork. SCT strives to enhance the quality of life in the North Bay by presenting imaginative, diverse, artistic experiences for the community through education, events, civic participation, and performance. Coming soon to downtown Santa Rosa!

Teen Services Sonoma Education, Nonprofit, Nonprofit Services

Dubbed The Tree of Possibilities, this 13-foot kinetic sculpture is made of recycled bicycle parts and culinary items representing our two social enterprises: Operation Bicycle and the Lovin’ Oven. It was created by metal sculptor Marty Munson, assisted by two teens - Alondra Perez and Leila Whitney. Together, the three determined the general design of the tree and the teens learned about weight, balance, form and space, as well as a variety of welding techniques. Hanging from the tree are flattened spoons and metal leaves imprinted with words about teen hopes and dreams for the future.

In March 2020, Sonoma Valley teens were ready to create their leaves and share their sentiments. Stamping was to take place at Teen Services, Sonoma Valley and Creekside High Schools, Mentoring Alliance locations, Art Escape, and Boys & Girls Club (The Club) organized by fine artist, Pat Meier-Johnson. COVID-19 interrupted those plans and the scheduled installation and ribbon-cutting. It was decided to install the tree and teens would add leaves to the sculpture during the following months.

Despite the interruption, Meier-Johnson was excited to see the Tree come to fruition. “Never did I dream that my whimsical idea would turn into such a beautiful structure, providing young people a way to leave their mark on the world as part of a huge, beautiful, kinetic sculpture for all to see.”

TSS Executive Director, Becky Jo Peterson agrees: “Marty was an amazing mentor to the teens and we hope the community will enjoy the sculpture and the words of teens in the Valley.”

From start to finish, this project was captured on film by video producer and journalist Russell Johnson, to document the entire project. "It was great to tell the story of the sculpture coming together under Marty Munson who shared with the young team the creative process including stamping, welding. fabricating, and balancing used recycled culinary equipment and bicycle parts," said Johnson.

Alondra Perez will begin her studies in engineering this fall and enjoyed working on the project. “Not only did I learn some new skills, but the Tree is an artistic way for teens to have their voices heard.

A huge thank you to all who made this magical project possible:

The Funders: Creative Sonoma and Sonoma Plein Air Foundation

The Players: Marty Munson, sculptor; teen assistants Alondra Perez and Leila Whitney; Pat Meier-Johnson, artist and Project Coordinator; and Russell Johnson

Project Assistants: Casey Richter, TSS Program Director; Ann Iverson, artist and TSS volunteer; Judy Scotchmoor, TSS Board member; and Sandra Santiago, TSS Teen Center Coordinator

Our would-be stamping partners: Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, and Art Escape.