Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Ready for the Gala
Where do I park?
Parking is available outside the main gate of Buena Vista Winery, at 18000 Old Winery Road in Sonoma. As you walk along the path to the winery, and the opening reception, you can enjoy a display of children's art.
Will there be a shuttle?
Shuttle rides will be provided for those who wish to ride in the Van Golf Cart from the parking area to the winery entrance. Shuttles will also be available at the end of the evening's festivities.
What are the activities during the Opening Reception?
To celebrate the 15th Year Anniversary of Sonoma Plein Air, we will start the evening at 5:30 pm with appetizers and a selection of Buena Vista's finest Wines and Bubbles. You may walk around the winery, including the Historic Wine Museum, and look at the artists' best work of Sonoma Plein Air week and more.
Will there be a Silent Auction?
During the Opening Reception, we will continue our traditional Silent Auction, where each artist shows their best painting of the week, including the Artists' Choice Award winning painting, New this year - artists will bring a Studio Painting to the Gala and several artists will be offering a Blank Canvas in an expanded silent auction.
How does Blank Canvas work?
During the silent auction, you can commission an artist to create a 18" x 24"painting - you work together to determine the subject matter. The artist creates it within the year and you arrange for shipping and framing. You can make a bid or "buy it now," with 60% of the purchase price going to the artist and 40% as your donation to Sonoma Plein Air. Individual artists determine the pricing. Prices and full details will be posted at the silent auction.
Please visit the Artists Page to learn who will be offering a Blank Canvas and click their name to visit their website, where you can see a range of their work.
What time is Dinner...and who's preparing it?
Seating will begin at 7:oo pm, Dinner will be served by 7:30 pm. and the program will begin around 8:00 pm.We are delighted that Park Avenue Catering will be serving dinner, paired with a special selection of wines from Buena Vista.
What should I wear?
Cocktail chic!
What's the best way to show my support for art education?
This is a special year - we are celebrating our 15th Anniversary as the major funder of art education in the Sonoma Valley public schools! If you see a painting you love, buy it! 40% of the purchase price of art goes to funding art programs. Raise your paddle during Fund-a-Need and 100% of your donation goes directly into the art programs for Sonoma Valley youth.
How do I avoid long checkout lines?
The best way to avoid long lines at checkout is to register with your credit card upon arrival. All your credit information is secure. We will link your bid number with your credit card, so you can bid on silent auction art work and Fund-a-Need, purchase Studio Art or Blank Canvas. Check out will be a breeze - we simply verify your number.
Do you have an unanswered question?
Please send us an email and one of our volunteers will get back to you with an answer!
Parking is available outside the main gate of Buena Vista Winery, at 18000 Old Winery Road in Sonoma. As you walk along the path to the winery, and the opening reception, you can enjoy a display of children's art.
Will there be a shuttle?
Shuttle rides will be provided for those who wish to ride in the Van Golf Cart from the parking area to the winery entrance. Shuttles will also be available at the end of the evening's festivities.
What are the activities during the Opening Reception?
To celebrate the 15th Year Anniversary of Sonoma Plein Air, we will start the evening at 5:30 pm with appetizers and a selection of Buena Vista's finest Wines and Bubbles. You may walk around the winery, including the Historic Wine Museum, and look at the artists' best work of Sonoma Plein Air week and more.
Will there be a Silent Auction?
During the Opening Reception, we will continue our traditional Silent Auction, where each artist shows their best painting of the week, including the Artists' Choice Award winning painting, New this year - artists will bring a Studio Painting to the Gala and several artists will be offering a Blank Canvas in an expanded silent auction.
How does Blank Canvas work?
During the silent auction, you can commission an artist to create a 18" x 24"painting - you work together to determine the subject matter. The artist creates it within the year and you arrange for shipping and framing. You can make a bid or "buy it now," with 60% of the purchase price going to the artist and 40% as your donation to Sonoma Plein Air. Individual artists determine the pricing. Prices and full details will be posted at the silent auction.
Please visit the Artists Page to learn who will be offering a Blank Canvas and click their name to visit their website, where you can see a range of their work.
What time is Dinner...and who's preparing it?
Seating will begin at 7:oo pm, Dinner will be served by 7:30 pm. and the program will begin around 8:00 pm.We are delighted that Park Avenue Catering will be serving dinner, paired with a special selection of wines from Buena Vista.
What should I wear?
Cocktail chic!
What's the best way to show my support for art education?
This is a special year - we are celebrating our 15th Anniversary as the major funder of art education in the Sonoma Valley public schools! If you see a painting you love, buy it! 40% of the purchase price of art goes to funding art programs. Raise your paddle during Fund-a-Need and 100% of your donation goes directly into the art programs for Sonoma Valley youth.
How do I avoid long checkout lines?
The best way to avoid long lines at checkout is to register with your credit card upon arrival. All your credit information is secure. We will link your bid number with your credit card, so you can bid on silent auction art work and Fund-a-Need, purchase Studio Art or Blank Canvas. Check out will be a breeze - we simply verify your number.
Do you have an unanswered question?
Please send us an email and one of our volunteers will get back to you with an answer!
