Sonoma Collage Studio celebrates 25 years

By Jackie Lee | Sun Arts

Collage art has come a long way since our childhood days when we cut out paper outfits for cardboard dolls. Back then, our fashion creations were often cringe-worthy.

The craft has evolved into an art form of deeply emotional transference from heart and soul to hand. Collage artists will tell you the process can be painful, thrilling, frustrating, exhilarating, sad, and happy. It’s the artists’ version of self-analysis, laying bare their souls in the pieces we are privileged to see. Some are too precious and intimate to make public, resting instead on an altar or hung on a prominent wall at home. The finished artwork tells volumes about its creator if you know how to experience it, though every viewer has a different personal reaction.

In 1994, Audrey von Hawley and Barbara Jacobsen established Sonoma Collage Studio, a congenial, safe space for artists to drop by, take a class or two, and wade through mounds of materials to find something meaningful to them. After cutting and combining, sifting and discarding, their artworks develop into deeply personal treasures. Today, many of those artists are still with them, even those who went on to commercial success. All of them praise Audrey and Barbara for their gentle teaching and positive guidance.

The studio, tucked into a mini-jungle of lovingly tended plants, exudes promise of surprises. It’s small, full of books, papers, artworks, sculptures and quirky objects – fun, like Audrey and Barbara. Students gather to work together in harmony at the oversized table in the middle of the room. Most of them have been coming for many years, while new students are welcomed with open arms and immediately feel nurtured.

Sonoma author and publisher Lindsay Whiting’s book about the group, Living Into Art, Journeys Through Collage, features intimate stories of the artists and showcases their creations. Reached for comment, Lindsay said, “Audrey’s and Barbara’s dedication to the Studio, and to the artists who practice there, is unconditional. They’ve nurtured a culture in which students are encouraged to explore and create – not to criticize – and that raises the level of the whole group. Together, they have managed to hold their vision, foster community, and provide sustenance and support to artists for 25 years. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”

Audrey’s and Barbara’s art is included in the current “Sonoma Modern/Contemporary” exhibition at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. They will conduct a workshop on collage technique at SVMA on June 15 at 1 p.m. Almost 40 of the collective collage artists’ works will be on display at Bump Cellars, 521 Broadway in Sonoma, from June 1 through June 30, with receptions on Saturday June 1 (6-8 p.m.) and Sunday June 2 (2-5 p.m.). Audrey, Barbara, and several artists will be on hand to welcome visitors.

Sonoma Collage Studio welcomes new students to drop-in classes held every Monday and two Tuesdays per month. Call for more information: 707.480.6973.

Jackie Lee is an artist and writer in Sonoma. A supporter of the local visual arts scene in all its forms, her focus is on showcasing individual events and artists as well as those represented by established galleries.She may be reached at [email protected].