Feeding the creative fire

Sculptor Albert Paley works big. The Philadelphia-born artist has created some 60 permanent large-scale works including a huge gateway at the St. Louis Zoo, a gate at the National Cathedral in Washington and one that towers over a Mexico City highway. He’s also the creator of outdoor works temporarily placed on Sonoma Plaza and in Depot Park.

“Albert Paley: Thresholds” is Sonoma’s largest-ever public art installation, and includes gallery elements within the Sonoma Valley Muesum of Art.

“You heat a piece of metal up, you hit it, it forms, it develops a line in space that has continuity,” Paley says of forging his works. “When I’m working on it, I’m experiencing movement. It’s almost like if this were heated up again, it would continue to move.”

The gallery exhibition, open through October 1, features sculptures, drawings, and maquettes. 551 Broadway, Sonoma. Wednesday through Sunday. 5 for adults. Children k–12 are admitted free, as are SVMA members. Svma.org