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