Sonoma County ARTrails

ARTrails takes place during two consecutive weekends each October. This year's event is on October 11-12 and 18-19, 2008, 10 am to 5 pm.

• See some hot picks for the 2008 ARTrails.

What

ARTrails is an annual event in which the public is invited to visit the studios of participating Sonoma County artists, view their work, speak with the artists, ask them questions, and buy unique pieces of art.

• You’ll find quality work. This is a juried program, meaning that only those artists who are approved into the program are able to participate. The 7-person jury is made up of different art professionals each year. These include other artists, art instructors, gallery directors, or curators.
• This is an excellent opportunity to do some holiday shopping and find unique, personal gifts from Sonoma County. Once you find that perfect gift, make sure to ask the artist a few questions about it so that you can pass on the information to the recipient. In the past, I’ve taken my holiday cards with me. And after buying a gift, I’ve asked the artist to sign the card as well, making the present even more special. (By the way, this isn't an inherent part of the ARTrails event. But, so far, everyone has been very accommodating.)
• Make it an event. Sonoma County is gorgeous during the month of October. So, this is a great excuse to drive through the back roads and view this region’s beauty as well as its art.

Where

Artists' studios throughout Sonoma County are open for the event.

How Much

Visiting the studios is free to the public.

Contact Info:

The program is put together by the Arts Council of Sonoma County [/br] artrails@sonomaarts.com
www.artrails.org
707-579-2787
FAX 707-542-3412

The First Step:

The first step is to get a copy of the free ARTrails catalog which has sample photos of each artist’s work and a map of where the studios are located. Decide which artists you’d like to visit and circle their location on the map and plan out your route. Of course, you can get the same information on the website and print out the map, but it’s easier to just get the catalog.

Where to Get the Catalog:

Starting in late September, the color catalogs can be found throughout Sonoma County at:

• visitor centers
• libraries
• most art galleries and museums
• many locally owned businesses.

If you don’t happen to run into any of the catalogs, the following places are always stocked:

• The Arts Council Gallery
  529 Fifth Street
  downtown Santa Rosa
  

• Copperfield's Bookstores:
  www.copperfields.net
  
  Santa Rosa
  Montgomery Village
  2316 Montgomery Dr.
  (707) 578-8938
  
  Sebastopol
  138 North Main St.
  (707) 823-2618
  
  Petaluma
  140 Kentucky St.
  (707) 762-0563
  
  Calistoga
  1330 Lincoln Ave.
  (707) 942-1616
  
  Napa
  3900A Bel Aire Plaza
  Hwy. 29 & Trancas St.
  (707) 252-8002
  

• Rileystreet Art Supply
  www.rileystreet.com
  
  Santa Rosa
  103 Maxwell Ct.
  (707) 526-2416
  
  Sonoma
  500 W. Napa St.
  (707) 935-3199