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