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Sonoma, CA – September 8, 2023 – The City of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (CFAC) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the nomination process for the 2024 Sonoma Treasure Artist of the Year Award. Established in 1983, this distinguished award celebrates exceptional achievements in various artistic disciplines, including the performing, visual, or literary arts. Additionally, the award recognizes the recipient’s significant contributions and involvement within the Sonoma Valley community.
Sonoma Treasure Artist Award recipients are celebrated with a series of special tributes throughout the year that underscore the significance of their contributions. A public reception hosted by the CFAC is held in their honor where they are bestowed with the coveted “Key to the City.” This symbolic gesture represents their unique status as ambassadors of creativity within the Sonoma community. Furthermore, the honorees are given the opportunity to showcase their artwork in the City Council Chambers as part of the Revolving Temporary Art Program. In addition, Treasure Artists are also invited to take part in the much-beloved Sonoma Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade, where they ride as esteemed guests.
Sonoma Mayor Sandra Lowe, who has designated her 2023 mayoral tenure as “The Year of the Arts” and spearheaded the Council Chamber Art Exhibits this year, expressed her enthusiasm for the annual award. Mayor Lowe stated, “I am delighted for the launch of the nomination process for the 2024 Sonoma Treasure Artist of the Year, celebrating the legacy of artistic excellence in our community. This award honors those who have made an impact through their artistry and their participation in our community. I encourage all residents to submit nominations. It’s an honor to be nominated.”
Members of the public are cordially invited to nominate outstanding artists who reside within the Sonoma Valley Unified School District boundaries, encompassing Schellville, Vineburg, the City of Sonoma, El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs, Agua Caliente, Eldridge, and Glen Ellen.
To submit a nomination, you have two convenient options:
- Online Submission: Visit sonomacity.org/documents/treasure-artist-nomination-form/ to fill out the nomination form.
- In-Person or By Mail: Written nominations can be submitted to the City Clerk’s office at No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476 (City Hall) or email stracy@sonomacity.org.
Nomination letters should include the following key elements:
- Description of the Artist’s Work: Provide an overview of the nominee’s artistic style and achievements.
- Photos or Portfolio: Include photographs or a link to the artist’s work.
- Contributions to the Community: Describe how the nominee has made an impact within the Sonoma Valley community through their artistry and community involvement.
- Rationale for Nomination: Share your compelling reasons for why this individual should be honored as the Treasure Artist of the Year.
“Art is essential to life, whether through creation or appreciation,” says Steve Hagstrom, Chair of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission. “The City of Sonoma is committed to supporting and celebrating the arts. The Sonoma Treasure Artist of the Year selection starts with a call for nominations from the community. Sonoma is home to a vast array of beautiful people making beautiful art. Each nomination is reviewed, the artist’s body of work is studied, and their trajectory is imagined. I look for nominations that are supported by the artist’s mastery, originality, and contributions of their art. Critical to the process is receiving nominations of a diverse group of artists. I take great pride in being a member of the Commission entrusted with the selection of the Sonoma Treasure Artist of the Year Award. Art makes Sonoma a better place to live, learn, work and play. I look forward to reviewing your nominations of the many outstanding artists who reside within the Sonoma Valley.”
The submission deadline for nominations is October 31, 2023, providing ample time for the Commission to carefully review and consider each candidate. Following the nomination period, the Commission will convene to select the Treasure Artist of the Year at their November 9, 2023, meeting.
Find a list of past Treasure Artist Award recipients on the City’s website at www.sonomacity.org/treature-artist/.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Tracy, PIO
stracy@sonomacity.org
(707) 338-3759
About the City of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission: The City of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission is dedicated to promoting and preserving the vibrant arts and cultural heritage of Sonoma. Through various programs, initiatives, and awards, the Commission aims to foster artistic expression and community engagement in the arts. The Treasure Artist of the Year Award is one of the Commission’s most prestigious honors, recognizing outstanding artists who contribute significantly to Sonoma Valley.