Arts Guild of Sonoma: A Showcase for Local Art

Arts Guild of Sonoma; Metal Gates by Martin Munson

The colorful storefront and hand-crafted metal gates at the entrance to the Arts Guild of Sonoma lead the way to a light and airy gallery which provides an ever-changing look at work by artists in and around the eastern Sonoma County town of Sonoma.

A photograph of the coast and seaweed in the settgin sun
Photograph by Mark Zukowski

As the oldest continuously operating artists’ cooperative in California, the non-profit Arts Guild of Sonoma is just a half block from the historic Sonoma Plaza and has nurtured and showcased local creativity for more than 40 years. On display are original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, greetings cards, and prints. Visitors can find works in a wide price range, guaranteeing that this is a place to find unique and lasting reminders of their Sonoma experience.

Typically, 25 to 40 local artists are members of the Guild and display their work, some in multiple media. With a new show almost every month, the works on display are always changing with some months featuring themed shows. While more traditional galleries typically take 50 percent to 60 percent of the price of any work sold, guild artists keep 75 percent to 85 percent of the sale price.

A painting in reds, oranges, and yellows of cars driving down a country road
Painting by Tracy Child

The Guild maintains a rigorous screening process to maintain the professional level of works being featured for overall aesthetic quality, craftsmanship, gallery-ready presentation, the artist’s personal identity, and the quality of the work.

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is a non-profit organization and, in addition to its members’ works, periodically features art by young emerging artists and special grant recipients.

A painting of golden hills in Sonoma County
Painting by Pat Meier-Johnson

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and observes COVID-19 rules for safe browsing.

To learn more about creative Sonoma County, read Discover Amazing Art in Sonoma County: 3 Day Itinerary, and check for upcoming arts activities on our Calendar of Events.

While you are in the area, explore Sonoma County’s history with a trip to the Mission San Francisco Solano, the last Spanish-Mexican mission built in California. Sonoma State Historic Park preserves the mission and the Sonoma Barracks, as well as the nearby historic home of General Vallejo and other sites. Sonoma was the site of the Bear Flag Revolt, when Californians declared their independence from Mexico.

Sonoma is also home to Buena Vista Winery, California’s oldest winery, and Gundlach-Bundschu, the state’s oldest, continually operating family winery.

A collage of swirls and spirals
Mixed Media by Susan Heeringa-Pieper

 

You Might Also Like

outside view of Astro hotel in santa rosa CA
Arts & Culture

Sonoma County is not a secret, but one of the county capital’s most culturally alive neighborhoods is almost hiding in…

The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival (Julie Vader/For Sonoma Index-Tribune)
Events & Festivals

The finest of Sonoma County’s art and agriculture will be on full display this autumn in a myriad of both…

Arts & Culture

What is it about the wide-open spaces of Sonoma County that inspire folks to put pen to page? The region…

Events & Festivals

It’s not hard to find something going on somewhere on the weekends, but what about when your trip stretches into…

Cultural Arts

Every Labor Day weekend, costumed revelers from around the world converge on “the Playa” at the Black Rock Desert in…

Cultural Arts

Black History Month in February will feature events, talks and performances in Sonoma County highlighting Black history, achievements, art, music…

Cultural Arts

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang may be recognized around the world, but to the people of…

Cultural Arts

In Sonoma County, public art is easily accessible in every town. Petaluma, especially, has loads of public art, and to…

Cultural Arts

Native American basket weavers follow differing traditions and use various techniques. But they do seem to agree on one thing:…

Arts & Culture

November is Native American Heritage Month, but you can celebrate Native American heritage all year long in Sonoma County. Long before…

See What’s Happening

Share your experience using #SonomaCounty or #LifeOpensUp