Arts Guild of Sonoma: A Showcase for Local Art

The colorful storefront and hand-crafted metal gates at the entrance to the Arts Guild of Sonoma lead the way to a light and airy gallery which provides an ever-changing look at work by artists in and around the eastern Sonoma County town of Sonoma.

As the oldest continuously operating artists’ cooperative in California, the non-profit Arts Guild of Sonoma is just a half block from the historic Sonoma Plaza and has nurtured and showcased local creativity for more than 40 years. On display are original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, greetings cards, and prints. Visitors can find works in a wide price range, guaranteeing that this is a place to find unique and lasting reminders of their Sonoma experience.

Typically, 25 to 40 local artists are members of the Guild and display their work, some in multiple media. With a new show almost every month, the works on display are always changing with some months featuring themed shows. While more traditional galleries typically take 50 percent to 60 percent of the price of any work sold, guild artists keep 75 percent to 85 percent of the sale price.

The Guild maintains a rigorous screening process to maintain the professional level of works being featured for overall aesthetic quality, craftsmanship, gallery-ready presentation, the artist’s personal identity, and the quality of the work.

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is a non-profit organization and, in addition to its members’ works, periodically features art by young emerging artists and special grant recipients.

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and observes COVID-19 rules for safe browsing.

To learn more about creative Sonoma County, read Discover Amazing Art in Sonoma County: 3 Day Itinerary, and check for upcoming arts activities on our Calendar of Events.

While you are in the area, explore Sonoma County’s history with a trip to the Mission San Francisco Solano, the last Spanish-Mexican mission built in California. Sonoma State Historic Park preserves the mission and the Sonoma Barracks, as well as the nearby historic home of General Vallejo and other sites. Sonoma was the site of the Bear Flag Revolt, when Californians declared their independence from Mexico.

Sonoma is also home to Buena Vista Winery, California’s oldest winery, and Gundlach-Bundschu, the state’s oldest, continually operating family winery.