Dear Friends:

For almost 50 years, members of the Arts Guild of Sonoma have dedicated themselves to enriching our community through Art. This year, we were honored to be named “Best Gallery in Sonoma” in the Press Democrat’s 2026 People’s Choice Awards—a wonderful recognition of our artists and the community that supports us.

With your help, we can continue to inspire creativity and foster connections among all walks of life: art lovers, aspiring young artists, master creators, and all those connected with Sonoma’s burgeoning Creative Economy. We rely on the generous support of individuals like you, who share our passion for the arts to help us sustain and expand our initiatives.

How does the Arts Guild make an Impact?

Through our Student, Guest, Artist Member and Art Walk programs, we asked individuals:
How has The Arts Guild of Sonoma changed you or your art career?
This is what we heard:

Renate Kuprian, Art Teacher, Sonoma Valley High School
As an art teacher, watching a young person transition from a student to a gallery exhibitor through the Arts Guild is a truly profound milestone in their creative development. When students see their artwork hung on a wall and celebrated by the community, something powerful shifts within them. It transforms their art from a private activity into a valid, respected voice, instantly validating their hard work and unique perspective. We are deeply grateful for this wonderful opportunity and extend our heartfelt thanks to the Arts Guild of Sonoma gallery, the Plein Air Foundation and our community for making it possible.

Madison Boter, art student, Sonoma Valley High School and exhibitor in the Guild's 2026 Student Show
I’ve always been self-conscious about showing my art in progress and even when it is finished, yet I chose to have it displayed for many to see. Given the opportunity to have my own thoughts and feelings on canvas in pigment allowed me to move from this and be able to present my work with pride. Now, if I have something to paint, I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t show it, especially when I have the chance for others to see my mind as I do.

Kate Knudsen, Guest Artist
Being invited as a guest artist at the Arts Guild of Sonoma meant being welcomed into a community that takes art, and the people who make it, seriously. Making art can be a solitary pursuit, and there’s something deeply valuable about having a place where artists can share their work, meet one another, and connect with the community around them. I loved being part of the Guild and experiencing that exchange firsthand. It’s an important part of what keeps art alive in Sonoma.

Mark Zukowski, Photographer, former AGS member and Art Walk participant
I appreciate what the Arts Guild does to organize the Sonoma Art Walk. It is a unique opportunity for me to connect with a local business hosting me, the community, and visitors. I enjoy bringing life to my photographs by telling the stories behind them while engaging in thoughtful conversation with guests. Art Walk is an excellent, easy way for me to connect with the community.

REACHING A NEW MILESTONE - OUR 50th ANNIVERSARY

As we strive for artistic excellence and community connectivity, we also need financial help. We have much planned for 2027 to strengthen our role as a welcoming creative hub for local artists and the broader community. We believe that our commitment to the community is the key to our longevity.
Won't you help us to continue to:

Provide local, emerging and working artists the opportunity to exhibit and promote their work at our gallery.
Showcase nearly one hundred local artists throughout downtown area shops at the Sonoma Art Walk’s First Thursdays April through October.
Support art in schools by offering over one hundred Sonoma High School and Sonoma Middle Schools students the chance to create, exhibit and sell their work in partnership with the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation - the April "Small but Grand" Annual Art Show.
Curate monthly shows for local artists at Vintage House, Sonoma Valley’s Senior Center.
Offer Guest Artists the opportunity to show their works on a high profile wall space in our Gallery on a monthly rotation.
Host monthly Artists' receptions for the community to gather and celebrate the arts.
Hold annual Juried Shows bringing our seven closest counties together to show their work at our gallery.
Impact our community with Artist Members teaching at the Sonoma Community Center, Art Escape, and local schools.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

To sustain and expand our initiatives, we depend on your generosity to build a sustainable future for our gallery. We kindly ask for your assistance through a tax-deductible donation to continue our support of the creativity and livelihoods connected to the arts community in Sonoma.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference! Together, we can continue to inspire, create, and nurture a vibrant arts community in Sonoma Valley.

From all of us at the Arts Guild of Sonoma, we thank you!
Have a very Happy Holiday Season!

Warm Regards,
Tricia O’Brien
President 2025-2027
Arts Guild of Sonoma
707/996-3115
admin@artsguildofsonoma.org

Donate Online Today at artsguildofsonoma.org
Or mail or drop off a check payable to: The Arts Guild of Sonoma
140 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476
Tax-ID# 94-2391571

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is a 501(c)(3) California Public Benefit Corporation