Welcome! The Soul of Sonoma started with a question: What might happen if our town became a place where we knew each other beneath the surface, without condition? In 2023 we hosted a series of unique pop-up experiences to experiment with ways participatory art could kindle deeper connections between people throughout Sonoma. The stories here were written by locals during May of 2023 at the Plaza, Friday Farmer’s Market, and the Sonoma Community Center.

The instructions were simple: Tell us what it’s like being you.

1. Keep your story to 1 page
2. Keep it real and authentic
3. Keep it anonymous
4. Write it while you are here

What emerged were the most beautiful glimpses into Sonoma’s interior world – the genuine struggles and joys of our community. We hope you’ll enjoy reading them and be inspired to add vour own. Everyone who contributed was nervous at first and felt gratitude after so we’d encourage you to try.

You can find this gallery on the second floor of the Sonoma Community Center, free to the public during our business hours, 7 days a week from 9 AM – 9 PM.
This gallery will run through March 4th.

The Soul of Sonoma events are brought to you by Chalon Bridges – a Sonoman since 1979. You may know her through her parents, Carole and Francisco Peccorini – Carole Founded our local hospice program. You may also know her family Dan, Sam, and Lucy Sondheim – we are Crescents Montessori + Sonoma Charter School + SVHS + soccer fam.

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The framework for the stories you are reading was developed by Brandon Doman. He invented The Strangers project which has collected over 85,000 stories to date. If you are visiting NYC, you’ll find them on display at the World Trade Center oculus and often at Washington Square Park.

What might happen if our town became a place where we knew each other beneath the surface, without condition?

Learn more at soulofsonoma.us