Sonoma Community Center Unveils “Invisible Neighbors”

Photography and Multimedia Exhibit in the Causeway Gallery March 7-31
Community Forum on Homelessness, Tuesday, March 12, 6:30pm in Andrews Hall

The Community Forum includes Osais Encarnacion, Jerry Klenough, Jason Groff and James Whittaker (Chair of the HAS Board of Directors) will be the Master of Ceremonies / Moderator. Listen to the state of the unhoused in Sonoma and bring your questions. The forum will be followed by a reception in the Causeway Gallery.

The forum and exhibit are produced by Homeless Action Sonoma. The Sonoma Community Center is partnering with HAS to provide a space for this important conversation and to explore the topic of our locally unhoused.

Opening Reception of “Invisible Neighbors” in conjunction with Art Walk March 7, 5-7:30 pm

Sonoma, California. Coinciding with the Center being the host venue for the March 7th Sonoma Art Walk, a new exhibit will open in the Causeway Gallery. “Invisible Neighbors” is a compelling multimedia exhibit that sheds light on Sonoma Valley’s homeless population. Cosponsored by Homeless Action Sonoma (HAS), the work is designed to challenge the misconceptions about homelessness and foster community engagement toward finding sustainable solutions.

Images will line a portion of the upstairs hallway of the Sonoma Community Center now known as the Causeway Gallery. “Invisible Neighbors” features the work of local artist and dedicated volunteer, Osias Encarnacion. It brings to life the stories, faces, and realities of those experiencing homelessness in Sonoma through captivating digital photography and video. Encarnacion’s work not only highlights the personal narratives of Sonoma’s homeless residents but also emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy in combating this global social issue.

On Thursday, March 7th, at 5 p.m. the Center will kick off the Sonoma Art Walk with a reception celebrating the opening of the exhibit. Osias Encarnacion will be in attendance.

“I hope my artwork will help dispel many of the misunderstandings that people have of the homeless,” Encarnacion said. “They are our neighbors in need who have been caught in economic and personal circumstances that have left them homeless with little support or resources available.”

The Center will also host a community forum on Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30 p.m. in Andrews Hall. This event aims to facilitate an open dialogue about the homelessness crisis in Sonoma Valley featuring insights from local non-profits, officials, and community members. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about ongoing efforts to address homelessness and explore how they can contribute to making a difference. 

“Together, we can dispel myths, foster understanding, and take active steps towards ending homelessness in our community,” said Ted Nordquist, Programs Director of HAS.

“Invisible Neighbors” opens with a reception featuring wines from Deerfield Ranch at 5 p.m. in the Causeway Gallery at the Center. It will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. through March 31st with no admission fee. Also available for viewing during Sonoma Art Walk between 5:30-7:30 p.m. is an exhibit in Gallery 212 celebrating Women’s History Month and two short films from Sonoma International Film Festival screening every ten minutes. For more information, go to www.sonomacommunitycenter.org or call 707-938-4626.