The Arts Guild of Sonoma invites the community to experience one of its most anticipated annual exhibitions, Friends. More than an exhibition, Friends celebrates the relationships that inspire artists to create, mentor one another, celebrate one another's successes, and strengthen the creative fabric of our community.

"Artists don't create in isolation," said Arts Guild of Sonoma President Tricia O'Brien. "We encourage one another, challenge one another, and celebrate each other's successes. This exhibition is a wonderful expression of those creative friendships."

The exhibition reflects the Guild's belief that some of the finest artists in Northern California live and work right here in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties—and that our region grows stronger when artists have opportunities to exhibit, collaborate, and inspire one another.

This year, our Friends’ pairings are:

Christine Gonzalves with Jan Patane
Terri Hamilton-Gahart with Gina Roman
Susan Heeringa-Pieper with Eden Pieper
Ann Iverson with Cameron McKinley
Sally Franicis Ladd with Carol Smith Myer
Jackie Lee with Kirk Hinshaw
Gayle Manfre with Steven Manfre
Margery Mayer with Mary Studer
Pat Meier-Johnson with Michael Bartlett
Tricia O'Brien with Lori Goldman
Julia Pozsgai with Jill Valavanis

September Guest Artist, Robert Benson

“Costal Cypress on Napa Road” Summer Sunflowers 2
Gouache on Bristol board Gouache on paper

Northern California watercolorist Robert Benson's luminous paintings celebrate familiar
landscapes, vintage architecture, and everyday subjects with warmth, craftsmanship, and an unmistakable sense of place. Benson's work blends traditional watercolor techniques with expressive brushwork developed over decades as both a professional illustrator and fine artist.

Influenced by master watercolorist Dick Cole, Benson creates paintings that invite viewers to complete the story with their own memories and imagination. His work balances careful design with a fresh, impressionistic touch that allows light, atmosphere, and emotion to take center stage. 

“I strive to keep the paintings fresh and loose, offering just enough detail for your eye to fill in the blanks. Prliminary value studies in greys help me a lot. ‘Value does all the work, while color gets all the credit’.”

Meet our September Featured Artist: 
Julia Poszgai

A member of the Arts Guild since 2017, Julia is a Bay Area native, born in San Francisco. She took an interest in art while in middle school in Petaluma at Kenilworth, then took art lessons at Alchemia in Petaluma where she was invited to be the "Artist in Residence”.  She has taken classes at the Sonoma Community Center in ceramics, and worked privately with art mentors in painting, fiber arts and jewelry making. She is also involved with ArtLifting, an organization that finds corporate connections for people with disabilities and the homeless to display and sell their artwork in corporate settings.. "Art helps us experience disability through lived experience, creativity and perspective."   In 2014 Julia started her own business and produces a one-woman art show almost every year. 

Check out Julia’s Artist Page

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Join a Vibrant Community of Creatives at the Arts Guild of Sonoma

AGS is Now Accepting Applications for New Artist Members for our 2027 membership year. If you’re an artist ready to be part of a dynamic, hands-on creative community, please visit our Artist Application page to see if the Guild is a good fit for you.

Offering Guest Artist Opportunities for 2027

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is now offering a new monthly opportunity for Sonoma and Napa County artists to show 2-D or 3-D original art on in our lovely gallery located just off the historic Sonoma Plaza. We are now taking applications for 2027. Applicants must be a local artist AND have a current artist website. We welcome Professional local artists to apply online.

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