The SVMA facade with Mix party guests. Photo by Ryan Lely.
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art will host one of its popular “Mix” events on Saturday, Feb. 21 in an effort to get younger adults interested in art and to boost membership. This week’s “Mix” will celebrate the museum’s current exhibition, “Gord Peteran: Furniture Meets Its Maker,” by having attendees collaborate on a large-scale art project made from pieces of wood.
Local artisan Jonathon Lowell, who is also known as “Wisdom Keeper,” and museum volunteers doubling as artist helpers will work with the 200 expected guests in the creation of a piece of art modeled after Peteran’s “Table Made of Wood.” The artist’s work addresses the traditional role of furniture while at the same time subverting it. The exhibit includes tables and chairs that do not function as one would expect.
“The first ‘Mix’ event took place in May of 2007 during the museum’s Goya exhibit,” said Jessica Rege, the museum’s Development and Marketing Manager, “and past ‘Mix’ events have included ceramics by Pablo Picasso and pieces by Jasper Johns and Linda Fleming. The last event drew up to 400 attendees who filled 2 large canvases of collage modeled after signature pieces by Robert Rauschenberg then on display at the museum.”
This weekend’s “Mix” will feature world beats by a live deejay, complimentary Japanese cuisine served up by Sonoma restaurant Shiso, and wine tasting provided by The Exclusive Fine Wines Family, including Atmosphere, Curveball, Headbanger, and 401K. Bartender “Captain Lou” has designed a cocktail menu, which will feature drinks made with varieties of alcohol from the event’s sponsors, Joto Sake and Tyku Vodka.
“‘Mix’ events are open to museum members, so those who are not members can sign up at the door for a discounted rate of $25 and receive their first drink for free, admission to the after-party at Shiso, and free admission to all future events, openings, and all the other benefits included with a one-year membership,” Rege added. “The museum hosts many events for members, including lectures by artists and an art history course.”
Since its start in 1998, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art has grown to become the largest visual arts organization in the North Bay. The museum has attracted more than 100,000 visitors to the 52 exhibits it has staged. The non-profit organization that operates the museum strives to promote the creation, exhibition, and collection of fine arts from around the world.
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway, Sonoma; 707.939.7862. Web site: www.svma.org. Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesdays–Sundays. Admission is $5 for individuals, $8 for families, free to SVMA members, and free to the public on Sundays.
