Art and music take over Sonoma Plaza at the Plein Air Art Sale
The 24th annual Sonoma Plein Air Festival culminated on Sept. 19 with a bustling Art Show and Sale in Sonoma Plaza. Over six hours, 29 juried artists displayed paintings created during the week‑long festival, while live music and hands‑on activities kept families entertained.
The event followed the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation Gala at the Hanna Center, where artists previewed their favorite works for a silent auction. The gala set the tone for the Saturday sale, which also serves as a major fundraiser for visual‑arts education in the valley’s public schools.
Artists donate 40 % of each sale price, directly supporting K‑12 art programs and community supplies. Since its founding in 2002 by Keith Wicks and Judy Vadasz, the festival has funneled more than $2.4 million into local art education, underscoring its role as both a cultural highlight and a civic benefactor.