Sonoma Valley Museum of Art turns 20

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art patrons party under the stars|

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art celebrated its 20th birthday with 260 friends on Oct. 6. The event raised money to support arts education in Sonoma Valley.

“Our members and friends are energized by the museum’s community outreach and arts education mission, and they showed their enthusiasm and support at the event,” said Linda Keaton, executive director, in a press release following the party. “We are grateful for their encouragement and endorsement of our goal to ‘Build Community Around Art.’”

Co-chaired by Diana Bugg and Elaine Smith, the event, dubbed Gala 20/20: A Vision of Art, brought together artists, patrons, art enthusiasts and community members. During the cocktail reception, guests had a chance to walk around the two current exhibitions: “From Fire, Love Rises” and “20 Sonoma Collectors.” The dinner took place in a tent behind the SVMA building.

Christie’s and Sotheby’s alum Gabriel Butu served as the auctioneer, and a portion of the auction proceeds raised will benefit the Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association. Arts educator Diane Egger-Bovet was honored for her 20 years of commitment to the Art Rewards the Student program that serves all fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms with art education in Sonoma Valley at no cost to the schools.

The “Art in our HeARTS” fund-a-need video introduced several students who had participated in the museum’s art-education programs.

Before the After-Glow dance party began back inside the museum, performance artist David Garibaldi led an experience of paint, sound and entertainment through his show, Rhythm and Hue. Garibaldi created two 5-by-6 foot portraits of artist Frida Kahlo and Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and both paintings were auctioned off immediately after the performance.

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