Best Ways to Explore Sonoma County’s Vibrant Art Scene

If you have an appreciation for visual art and generally find yourself in awe over the way that artists can create such magnificent pieces through a variety of mediums, you will enjoy seeing all of the artistry that is represented in abundance in Sonoma County. The northern California region has a long, illustrious history of inspiring artists to work on their craft amongst the tall redwoods, Russian River waters, and rolling green vineyards. The vibrant arts scene that can be found throughout Sonoma County attracts many people here every year. Whether you prefer to get your dose of art at a gallery, museum, winery, or special event, you will have all those options and more with this thriving arts community. To help you get started, these are some of the best places to find art in Sonoma County.

Art Galleries

Area Arts

Address: 105 4th St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Website: areaarts.com

Area Arts is a unique gallery that showcases original artwork by musicians Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, and Jimi Hendrix. In addition, there are original Tom Everhart paintings that are based on the characters created by “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Schulz.

AERENA Galleries & Gardens

Address: 115 Plaza St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Website: aerenagalleries.com

Inside the AERENA gallery visitors will be exposed to remarkable works of art created by artists at all levels of their career and in a range of disciplines. Outdoors is the sculpture garden where art and nature intertwine and the landscape is brought to life.

Sculpturesite Gallery

Address: 14301 Arnold Dr.
Glenn Ellen, CA 95442
Website: sculpturesite.com

Sculpturesite Gallery offers a contemporary art experience and the largest selection of sculptures in northern California. Made from an assortment of materials, there are different figurative and abstract sculpture pieces located throughout the gallery grounds, as well as on display in an indoor space.

Riverfront Art Gallery

Address: 132 Petaluma Blvd. N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Website: riverfrontartgallery.com

The Riverfront Art Gallery is one of the best places to see featured work of local Sonoma County artists. The gallery is run as a cooperative, which means new exhibits are consistently being moved in all through the year.

Lisa Kristine Gallery

Address: 452 1st St. E
Sonoma, CA 95476
Website: lisakristine.com

The Lisa Kristine Gallery was opened to highlight the humanitarian photography of Lisa Kristine. Traveling from country to country, the photographer has captured rare and emotional images that depict what life is like for native people across the globe. The photographs give gallery visitors a glimpse into a world they’ve likely never experienced.

Art Museums

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art

Address: 551 Broadway
Sonoma, CA 95476
Website: svma.org

For more than two decades, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art has provided art enthusiasts with a place to congregate and enjoy a wide mix of rotating exhibits. It has featured pieces by renowned artists like Eleanor Coppola, Auguste Rodin, and David Best and continues to promote works by regional, national, and international artists.

Art Museum of Sonoma County

Address: 425 7th St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Website: sonomacountymuseum.org/exhibits/art-museum.aspx

Recently opened in 2015, the Art Museum of Sonoma County presents visitors with a collection of artwork from northern California artists. In addition it maintains exhibits that span national and international interpretations of modern and contemporary art.

Art Events

Healdsburg Art Festival

Location: Healdsburg
Website: healdsburgcenterforthearts.com/events/healdsburg-art-festival

Healdsburg Center for the Arts has made the Healdsburg Art Festival an event people look forward to attending each year. It features a large number of arts and crafts vendors, promoting a deeper appreciation in the community for art. Those who go get the added enjoyment of music, poetry, beer, wine, and a kids art zone.

Art in the Park

Location: Petaluma
Website: petalumaarts.org/event_entry/59th-annual-art-in-the-park/

Every year, the Petaluma Arts Association hosts Art in the Park. This two-day celebration of art and music takes place in Walnut Park, and attendees have the opportunity to browse through booths set up by local artists while listening to live music.

Art by the Sea

Location: Sea Ranch
Website: artbytheseaguide.com

Art by the Sea is an annual self-guided tour event held on Labor Day weekend. A number of artists will have their works on display, showcasing watercolors, oil paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, acrylics, and photography. Different stops along the tour path will allow for interaction and engagement with the artists.

Sonoma County Art Trails

Location: Sonoma County
Website: sonomacountyarttrails.org

The Sonoma County Art Trails event takes place every October and provides art lovers with the chance to explore studios of local artists who open up their creative spaces to the public. This offers an in-depth look into each artist’s vision and inspiration. Studios participating in the Art Trails can be found all over Sonoma County.

Art in the Redwoods Festival

Location: Gualala
Website: gualalaarts.org/2016/08/art-in-the-redwoods-festival-2016/

Hosted by the Gualala Arts Center, the Art in the Redwoods Festival weekend occurs each summer and has become a popular event for thousands. Artist booths are set up for the crowds to admire a diverse collection of pieces that have been created using all types of artistic expressions. Live musical performances play throughout the festival, and there is a great selection of delicious food and drinks made available as well.

For those who truly admire art and the gifted artists behind the work, Sonoma County is the perfect place to encounter an extensive collection of works. If you’re looking for some of the best art galleries, museums, and events in the state, search no further than Sonoma County.

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