Students will spend half their time deep diving into the culinary arts with Chef Gerardo by exploring cultural food traditions, learning basic cooking skills, sampling flavor profiles, and understanding the importance of sustainability. 

The other half of the program will be our Art & Science class with Claire Carlomagno. At the Sonoma Community Center, we like to think there’s a budding artist and scientist in all of us! We are excited to offer these Art & Science enrichment classes as a wonderful way to explore and appreciate the world around us in a new way! 

We may instinctively think of art and science as distinct fields, but both require creativity and the willingness to try something new. We’re excited to offer these new classes to encourage learning through our fun, hands-on activities. By blending science and art, kids can develop a deeper understanding of both subjects.

The themes of each Art & Science class will be based on Next Generation Science Standards and the first three themes will be:

• October: Stars and Planets
• November: Elements and Weather

This after-school program includes 1 culinary class and 1 Art & Science class each Thursday.

Drop off at 3:30 and pick up at 5:30. The Center is working on a consistent place for drop off and pick up. Until then, you will be notified where to drop off and pick up your child each week.
We also offer a free pick-up service for your kids if you are unable to drop them off after school. Please contact Melissa Agocs, the Youth Program Director, for more information. You can contact her at melissa@sonomacommunitycenter.org.

The priority of the Sonoma Community Center is the physical and emotional safety of its members, staff, and volunteers. Sonoma Community Center maintains a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse. Sonoma Community Center implements policies and procedures for members, employees, volunteers, or any victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to report any suspicion or allegation of abuse. In addition, the Sonoma Community Center does annual safety assessments and provides regular emergency procedure training for all staff. The Sonoma Community Center has also engaged local partners, such as the Sonoma Police Department. Any violation of this policy would result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

The full policy can be read here in the tab here.

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.

About the instructors

Gerardo Diaz

Culinary Director

Gerardo Diaz is a passionate individual with a love for the great outdoors, culinary arts, and family connections. Born and raised in Mazatlan Sinaloa Gerardo’s affinity for nature was fostered from a young age. His earliest memories are filled with the sights and sounds of the ocean waves  sparking a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure.
Beyond his love for fishing, Gerardo is also a skilled culinary enthusiast. He delights in the art of cooking, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to create mouthwatering dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From sizzling seafood caught on his own fishing excursions to hearty meals prepared with love for his family, Gerardo’s kitchen is always brimming with creativity and flavor.

Above all else, Gerardo treasures time spent with his family. Whether they’re gathered around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter or embarking on outdoor escapades together, the bond they share is unbreakable. He believes that family is the cornerstone of happiness and finds true joy in nurturing those relationships through shared experiences and cherished moments.

Questions and Answers

What skill level is right for me?

• All Levels
• Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
• Beginning
• Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
• Intermediate
• Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
• Advanced
• Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

Is there a building map so I can find my room ahead of time?

You can click on the images below to expand them.

What is the process for cancelling my registration?

We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class. 

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee, or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

Do you pro-rate late additions to classes?

Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.

I am interested in teaching, where can I find more information?

We are always looking for new instructors. You can find more information about the process here, or fill out the form directly here.

Where can I find your full class policies and guidelines?

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.