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Have you heard about the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation? It started fifteen years ago as a way to help fund art programs in Sonoma Valley. They have an annual “Plein Air” festival in Sonoma every September, to raise money for local schools and organizations to help keep fine art programs alive. Going on this week from September 11th-16th, painters from all over the country are creating works of art outdoors, or as the French say “en plein air”. Thirty-five artists participate, many of them nationally renowned – given less than two hours to do a painting. Each artist will create eight to twelve new paintings during the week. And on Saturday there will be a free exhibition and sale on the Sonoma plaza from 10 a.m to 4 p.m, with live music, hands-on activities and artist demonstrations. Everything that will be exhibited will be something that was created this week. “If it’s overcast, if there’s huge clouds one day, that’s the weather you’ll see in the paintings,” said one of the artists participating. A gala dinner and auction for patrons, artists and guests will be held the night before at the Buena Vista Winery. More than $1.2 million has been raised since the organization started, now celebrating it’s fifteenth year. Giving money to youth arts education in schools and community programs in Sonoma, the foundation grants money to the Sonoma Community Center, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, the Arts Guild and Art Escape. Come out and show support for this organization that is helping to keep fine arts in Sonoma alive. Contact me for more information.