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Friday, May 1, 2026 from 9:00 am to Sunday, May 24, 2026 from 8:00 pm
Etched in Sonoma:
A Living Legacy
Curated by Simon Blattner and Barbara Wells
Exhibition Details
curated exhibition
About This Exhibition
This exhibition celebrates the art of etching and the vibrant community of printmakers it continues to inspire. Rooted in a tradition that values both technical precision and creative experimentation, etching has long offered artists a powerful and expressive means of working in ink and paper.
At the heart of this exhibition is the Print Studio at the Sonoma Community Center—a space where artists of all levels come together to learn, create, and share in the collaborative spirit of printmaking. Here, the exchange of knowledge, process, and ideas keeps the medium alive and evolving. This ongoing work is supported in part by a Griffin etching press, donated by Eastside Editions in 2008, helping to carry forward a tradition of fine art printmaking in Sonoma.
The works on view reflect both the history and ongoing vitality of etching in Sonoma. They bring together prints created by artists connected to Eastside Editions alongside those produced more recently by artists connected to the Community Center’s Print Studio. While varied in style and approach, these works are united by a shared engagement with the etching process and its unique visual language.
Together, they speak to a living legacy—one shaped not only by the artists who make the work, but by the community that sustains it. This exhibition honors etching as an enduring art form and the Sonoma Community Center as a place where that tradition continues to grow, inspire, and connect generations of artists.
opening reception
Friday, May 1 · 5 – 7 PM
Opening reception highlights include a talk by the curators, light refreshments, and will feature entertainment from duo Tim Curley and Gary Halter. Open to the public, free to attend.
gallery preview
Works on View
A selection of works from the exhibition. More coming soon.
Special event
Collecting Prints: The Inside Story
An evening conversation on prints, collecting, and supporting artists.
Details
As part of the exhibition Etched in Sonoma: A Living Legacy, join co-curator Simon Blattner for a lively conversation with David Keaton, owner of Modern Art West, and Sonoma acclaimed artist Chester Arnold.
Together they’ll pull back the curtain on the world of art collecting—how collectors discover artists, why prints have long been a favorite entry point for new collectors, and how buying art directly supports the creative lives of artists.
The discussion will also explore the different types of fine art prints, what makes an original print special, and why printmaking has played such an important role in making art more accessible. Along the way, the panel will share stories from the gallery, the studio, and the collecting world—offering insights for both seasoned collectors and those just beginning their journey.
If you’ve ever wondered how people start collecting art, why prints are often the perfect first step, or simply want to learn more about the fascinating world behind the frame, this conversation is for you.
This program event is held in conjunction with Etched in Sonoma: A Living Legacy.
participating artists
The Featured Artists
Click the links below to learn more about the featured artists.
more programming
“Print Day in May” Printmaking Symposium
$50
early bird pricing through April 24
Join our Sonoma Printmaking Symposium for Print Day in May! See live demos by 4 Bay Area artists and celebrate the art of printmaking.
Step into the exciting world of printmaking with a full day of print-focused live art demonstrations led by four talented local Bay Area artists. Each artist will demo twice over the course of the day so that participants will have a chance to experience a session with each visiting artist, learn about and engage in a variety of modern printmaking techniques, including surface design, and Japanese papermaking.
more programming
Live Print Demonstration with Art Hazelwood
Free RSVP
Join us for the art of PRINTMAKING! Experience a special behind-the-scenes look at the art of etching as artist Art Hazelwood returns to print at the Sonoma Community Center.
Hazelwood is a nationally recognized artist and printmaker whose work often explores themes of social justice, labor, and community. A longtime advocate for the accessibility of printmaking, he was among the artists who printed at Sonoma print studio Eastside Editions, which was owned by Simon Blattner.