Sonoma gallery a welcoming space for artists

Sonoma’s newest art gallery welcomes the inner artist in everyone, from art lovers and professional artists to those who haven’t picked up a paintbrush since their grade-school days.

Studio 35 is both a fine arts gallery and a community gathering place for classes, workshops, opening receptions and special events that encompass all things artistic.

“First and foremost, what we’re trying to be is a gallery where you always see something new no matter when you come in,” said Scott Palmer, a 52-year-old “budding” artist who opened Studio 35 last summer with artist Robert Coury and co-founder Jude Cameron.

They turned a former residence a block from the Sonoma Plaza into a bright, open studio filled with natural light. It showcases the talents of Bay Area artists, the majority from Sonoma Valley.

“We constantly hear that it just feels so good,” said Coury, 33. “The energy, the vibe, whatever you want to call it, it’s got great energy.”

Visitors will find diverse exhibits that include paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography, textiles and art from recycled materials.

Rotating exhibits of up to 30 artists are featured throughout the spacious five-room gallery, where even the large fireplace mantle showcases artwork. Photographer Don Strimbu’s work was on display recently in the restroom, also an exhibit space.

While the studio features gallery space for professional artists, the owners want beginning artists and those just curious about art to feel equally welcome.

Coury and Palmer, the gallery owners, host Friday night gatherings that include “Community Canvas” events, where everyone is invited to paint a collective work of art. Friday night offerings include artist receptions, poetry readings, live music, storytelling, parties, art salons, lectures and art demonstrations.

“What we hear is, ‘You’re not a normal gallery.’ We don’t take that as an insult. We take pride in that,” Palmer said.

A lush garden and patio provide space for social gatherings and events. A large workspace called The Zone is used for workshops and classes, with a covered outdoor space available for pottery, welding and glass bead making.

“Artists have told us there aren’t enough gallery spaces (in Sonoma Valley),” Palmer said. “We lost some galleries in the economic downturn. We felt there was a need for another gallery, and we wanted this to be as welcoming as possible.”

He and Coury, along with artistic administrator Gina Roman, schedule programming to reach all tastes and talents. Those who love landscapes will find a class or exhibit as readily as those who prefer abstracts.

“Artists can jury their own shows. The rather unique thing is the ability to have pop-up art shows effectively,” Coury said. “We have been very blessed. Artists have been coming to us.”

Recent classes and workshops have covered calligraphy, watercolor, silk scarf painting, collage, mixed media and sketchbook journaling, with several selling out.

“We want to get people creating,” Coury said. “It’s inspirational, honestly, to give people an opportunity to express themselves. It’s mind blowing. We want to cultivate that.”

Studio 35 owners credit the nearby Arts Guild of Sonoma with supporting their efforts. The guild, the oldest arts cooperative in California, “sort of helped us to grow legs,” Palmer said.

Barbara Jacobsen, the Sonoma Treasure Artist of 2012, is among those who have supported Studio 35. Her work has been on exhibit at the gallery, as well as the art of her late husband Ray Jacobsen, one of the guild’s founding members.

Several of his works are featured within the studio entrance, including a large, never-before-displayed oil on canvas of an oyster titled “Gift from the Sea.”

The studio has partnered on programs with the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and will host an upcoming mixer for the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce. The chamber event also will serve as the opening reception for an exhibit of artwork by clients from Becoming Independent, a community-based organization for adults with developmental disabilities.

Palmer and Coury say Studio 35 is an extension of the creative opportunities in Sonoma Valley and a unique destination for tourists.

“It does feel like the more art we have, everyone does well and is happy,” Palmer said.

Studio 35 is open at 35 Patten St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday, with extended hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. For a schedule of upcoming classes and events, visit studio35sonoma.com or call 934-8145.

The Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer and opening reception for Becoming Independent artists from 6 to 9 p.m. May 8.