| Sonoma County is famous as one of the | | | | medias including paint, photography, and |
| largest wine producing regions in the | | | | sculpture. The SVMA also stages a number |
| world. Sonoma, located in the | | | | of events in the Sonoma Valley |
| southwestern portion of California's | | | | throughout the year. With more than |
| wine-making region, has always been | | | | 1,000 members, the SVMA is the largest |
| known for its fantastic wine. In the 50 | | | | visual organization in the San Francisco |
| years following Prohibition, Sonoma | | | | North Bay region. |
| county wine production faltered. With | | | | Another option is the Sonoma County |
| the growing consumer interest in wine, | | | | Museum, located in the city of Santa |
| Sonoma experienced a dramatic rebound in | | | | Rosa. This museum is dedicated to the |
| the 1980's, with the establishment of | | | | rich history and art of Sonoma County. |
| over 125 wineries. Today, with over 250 | | | | The most prized possession of the Sonoma |
| distinct vineyards, the Valley produces | | | | County Museum is the collection of work |
| an enormous amount of high quality wine. | | | | by renowned artists Christo and |
| In 2004, almost 200,000 tons of wine | | | | Jean-Claude, donated in 2001 by Tom |
| grapes were harvested, worth more than | | | | Golden. |
| three hundred million dollars. | | | | The Sonoma Valley is also home to an |
| While wine is the main economic engine | | | | ever-expanding collection of art |
| of this California county, it's | | | | galleries. These galleries serve |
| certainly not the only attraction. | | | | different functions. Some provide an |
| Beautiful landscapes provide scenic | | | | outlet for local artists to display |
| vistas and hiking. Sonoma County also | | | | their work, while others sell fine art. |
| has great beaches that are less crowded | | | | In addition, some vineyards also house |
| than many other destinations. Finally, | | | | an art gallery on the grounds.In such |
| the Sonoma and Mayacamas Mountain Ranges | | | | galleries it is common to see that the |
| create a sharp contrast with the Valley, | | | | art will be wine related. Combining a |
| adding to the spectacle. All of these | | | | day of wine tasting and art viewing is |
| visual factors have contributed to | | | | one of the most pleasant ways to |
| making Sonoma a center of art, with | | | | experience the Sonoma Valley. |
| galleries and museums continually | | | | Coordinating much of this art is the |
| opening. | | | | Arts Council of Sonoma County. Its |
| The most visited art museum in Sonoma | | | | mission is to enrich the community of |
| County is the Sonoma Valley Museum of | | | | Sonoma County through art. The Arts |
| Art. The museum is located at 551 | | | | Council accomplishes this through |
| Broadway St. in Sonoma, only a half | | | | encouraging art programs in schools. |
| block south of Sonoma Plaza. Admission | | | | This comes full circle when local |
| is 5 dollars during the week, but free | | | | artists remain or return to the area |
| on Sundays. Attracting more than 100,000 | | | | after further training to produce art. |
| visitors since 1999, the SVMA exhibits | | | | The Council also sponsors events |
| incorporate work from local, national, | | | | throughout the year to bring artists |
| and international artists across various | | | | together. |