About the contest

The City of Sonoma, in partnership with the Sonoma Community Center, is excited to announce the 5 th Annual Earth Day Photo Contest, inviting photographers of all ages to celebrate the hidden natural beauty of Sonoma Valley. The theme for 2025 is, “Hidden Gems,” encouraging participants to explore and capture lesser-known or overlooked outdoor spaces—those special places that often go unnoticed but make Sonoma Valley such a unique and beautiful place to live and visit.

New this year, the Sonoma Community Center is joining as a partner, bringing its deep connection to the local arts community and commitment to environmental awareness. “This collaboration allows us to highlight the intersection of art and nature in a meaningful way,” said Vannessa Rognlien, Executive Director of the Sonoma Community Center. “By encouraging people to look closer at the world around them, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for our environment and our role in protecting it.”

In addition to prizes, all submitted photos will be displayed in Sonoma’s City Council Chambers as part of the Rotating Chamber Art Program, another initiative the Sonoma Community Center is now helping to manage. This temporary exhibition offers participants a unique opportunity to have their work showcased in a public setting.