Sonoma art exhibit to support Syrian refugees

Local artist Jacqueline Kramer watched the Syrian refugee crisis unfolding on the news and felt helpless to do anything about it. One day in her art studio she started painting a landscape that, to her surprise, turned into a mother and children waiting by a river to cross rough waters. They reminded her of a refugee family waiting to cross to Lesbos – and thus began her series of Syrian refugee paintings that will be on display at the Sonoma Holistic Center this September through November.

Kramer has lived in Sonoma for more than 35 years. She has taught art through the Santa Rosa Junior College and the Julie Nation Institute of Fashion in Santa Rosa. She received her degree in painting and sculpture from Bennington College. She is also a director of a nonprofit that teaches Buddhism to mothers.

“This series combines my love of painting with my love of service. I’m very excited to share these paintings with others,” said Kramer.

The Sonoma Holistic Center offers quarterly art and speaker events for the community.

The exhibit opens on Sept. 30 with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event will be a fundraiser for Syrian refugee relief.

Proceeds will be sent to the International Rescue Committee. There will be a raffle for spa services and for an original work by the artist.

The show will be at the Center at 525 Third St. W. until the end of November.