SVMA Exhibit Offers a Crash Course in Color Theory

How good is your color-sense? Most of us struggle to put together a matching outfit, or pick out coordinating paint colors for our new living room.

The is hoping to bridge the color knowledge gap early with a new exhibit: 'Color Theory: The Use of Color in Contemporary Art.'

The exhibit explores the meaning, usage and significance of color in the works of nine contemporary artists – who uniquely engage in the foundations of color theory. 

Sonoma Valley students are already well aware of the roll of color: Kids in 4th and 5th grade in Sonoma Valley public schools have been taking color-theory art classes and creating works inspired by the exhibit.

The special instruction is part of the museum's A.R.T.S. program – which stands for . Now in its 11th year, A.R.T.S. provides students with specialized instruction alongside the museums rotating curated exhibits.

Teaching artists Diane Egger-Bovet and Gayle Manfre have been leading students through a range of individual and collaborate projects related to color.

Starting next week, the Museum will present an exhibit of the students' final product, alongside the professional works, starting Wednesday, May 23 and through June 10. A public preview will be held May 23, from 6-8 p.m.

The artist corps also includes: Jane Antee, Deborah Colotti, Natasha Drengson, Stephanie Fine, Jan Hansen, Lee Hastings, Rosemary McNeely, Kate Ortolano, and Jill Valavanis.  Ongoing funding for A.R.T.S. has been provided by the Community Foundation, Sonoma County, The Sonoma Plein Air Foundation, and Calvin R. Vander Woude.

More information about the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art and A.R.T.S. is available at www.svma.org or by calling (707) 939-7862.