Arts Guild Spins Gold Out of Straw

Think the best art comes from the most refined of materials? Think again.

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is challenging preconceived notions of artistic finery with their latest exhibition: "Cheap but Grand."

The exhibit features work made from a vast array of mixed media: think paint, collage, clay, metal, wood and...feathers? 

Guild artists, board members and, yes, even civilians have been fashioning the hodgepodge-style works on standard 8” x 8” canvases provided by the Guild. (The only rule? Everything has to stick and fit.)

Each piece will be priced appropriately on penny-pinching theme at $100

Check out the creative works during the Guild's First Friday opening on Friday, May 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Guild holds opening receptions on the first Friday of every month, serving food, wine and exhibiting special 'on theme' works alongside new work by Guild artists.

Expect pieces in acrylic, encaustic, oil and water color paintings, jewelry, mixed media work, ceramics, metal sculpture and more, including smaller objets d'art, prints and note cards.

Miss the opening? The exhibit runs from May 2 to May 28 at the Guild's gallery on 140 East Napa Street in Sonoma.

The Arts Guild of Sonoma is a contemporary art gallery with changing monthly exhibits showcasing the work of local artists. The Guild was founded to exhibit and advance the creative efforts of local Bay Area artists.  Founded in 1977, the Guild has solidified its status as the oldest, continuously operating artists’ collective in the State of California.

is wheelchair accessible and is located at 140 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. Admission is free and gallery hours are Wednesday to Monday, 11 am until 5 pm. Contact the gallery on the web, via e-mail or phone at 707-996-3115.