Sonoma Valley Museum of Art facts for kids
| Established | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Location | Sonoma, California, United States |
| Type | Art museum |
| Visitors | 16,500 (2009) |
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (often called the SVMA) is an art museum located in Sonoma, California, United States. It was started in 1998. The museum shows art from artists who are local, from other parts of the country, and from around the world. These artworks are usually modern and contemporary pieces.
Contents
History of the Museum
The museum first opened its doors in 1998. It is the only museum in Sonoma that focuses on modern and contemporary art. In 2011, the museum opened a special art library. This library was created with a gift of 20,000 books from board members Stanley Abercrombie and Paul Vieyra. Today, the library has about 2,500 books about art, architecture, and design. Anyone can use these books to learn more about art. In 2016, the Museum Store also opened. It sells unique items made by local artists and gifts from other countries.
Working Together at the Museum
In March 2022, the museum staff decided to form a group called Sonoma Cultural Workers United. This group helps staff members work together to share their ideas and concerns. After some discussions, the staff voted in June 2022. A large majority, 93% of the workers, voted to have their group officially recognized.
Museum Building and Design
The SVMA has a main gallery space that is about 3,000 square feet. There are also a few smaller gallery areas. In 2010, the museum added a large solar electric system. This system helps power over 90% of the museum's electricity needs using energy from the sun.
In November 2022, a car accidentally crashed into the front window of the museum. The damaged area was covered up. A fun comic drawing of a car crash was put on the boarded-up section.
Art Shows and Exhibitions
The museum displays beautiful art by artists from the local area, across the country, and from other regions. The SVMA does not have its own permanent collection of art. Instead, it borrows artworks from private collections, artists, other museums, and various sources for its shows. Each year, the museum also features art made by 4th and 5th graders from the region in a program called Art Rewards the Student. In 2019, about 12,700 people visited the museum's exhibitions and attended its educational programs. The SVMA usually has one or two art shows happening at the same time.
Special Art Exhibitions
The museum has shown amazing works by many famous artists. Some of these artists include Richard Diebenkorn, Phillip K Smith III, Eleanor Coppola, David Hockney, Dario Robleto, Torolab, Nao Bustamante, Sandow Birk, Harry Callahan, Auguste Rodin, David Best, Mark di Suvero, and Jack Lenor Larsen.
Eco Chic: Fashion for a Better World
In early 2011, the museum hosted an exhibition called "Eco Chic." This show featured "Gron Mode," which means "Green Fashion" in Swedish. It displayed clothing by Swedish fashion designers. The goal was to teach visitors about fashion, how to be sustainable, and live an eco-friendly life. The exhibit showed off the clothing designs and how they were made. Artists like Julian Red and Anja Hynynen were featured. The "Eco Chic" show was put together by the Swedish Institute and the Consulate General of Sweden in San Francisco. An art critic named Juliane Porter said the clothing in the exhibit was "smart and beautiful."
Fletcher Benton: Inside the Artist's Studio
From November 2010 to February 2011, the SVMA had a special show about San Francisco kinetic artist Fletcher Benton. Kinetic art is art that moves. This exhibition, put together by Kate Eilersten, explored what inspired Benton. It also showed how he created his sculptures and the tools he used. Large sculptures and smaller models were displayed. There were also big photographs, sounds, and a recreation of Benton's own workspace.
How the Museum is Run
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is a non-profit organization. It is managed by director Linda Keaton. As of 2022, the museum has 24 full-time and part-time employees. Many volunteers also help out at the museum. They even have their own volunteer group. The museum's board has 20 members who help make important decisions. Ken Stokes is the president of the board. People who become members of the museum get free entry, a newsletter, discounts at other museums, and other benefits. Members can also vote for the Board of Directors at the yearly meeting.
Museum's Main Goal
The museum's website states its main goal is "Building Community Around Art." This means they want to bring people together through art.
Reaching Out to the Community
The museum offers many programs for students. These include educational classes, talks, workshops, tours, and chances for students to gain work experience. The Art Rewards the Students (ARTS) program sends art teachers into 4th and 5th grade classrooms across Sonoma Valley. Local art and community groups help support this program. In the early 2010s, a Sonoma resident named Calvin R. Vander Woude gave $100,000 to help expand the museum's public and educational programs. This gift, along with other donations, helped turn old storage areas into new classrooms.
Museum Events
The SVMA hosts a few big events each year, along with smaller activities.
Yearly Gala Dinner
The museum's yearly gala dinner and auction helps raise money for the SVMA's yearly budget and special projects. In 2010, the museum raised over $45,000. The theme that year was Moulin Rouge, with French-inspired art and entertainment. In 2021, the gala was held at the Donum Estate and raised more than $200,000. In 2022, the gala's theme was "Imagine That."
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
In the past, the museum has celebrated Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). They worked with Sonoma Valley's large Latino community to host art and educational events. Special altars were displayed inside the museum. Music, dance, and a community altar were also featured outside the museum entrance.
MIX Evenings
The museum used to host an after-hours event called MIX. This event featured local musicians, special drinks, and fun activities related to the museum's current art shows. It was designed for adult visitors.
