Sonoma Plein Air Festival

A favorite of artists and visitors alike, the annual Sonoma Plein Air Festival is held every September in Sonoma, CA.

We showcase the fresh work of nationally-acclaimed artists painting the outdoor views of this beautiful region over the week (termed painting "en plein air"). Their works are then on display available for purchase at our Friday Gala and Saturday Art Show of festival week.

A FESTIVAL WITH A MISSION:

Proceeds are not-for-profit, but directly fund art education grants and scholarships for Sonoma Valley's K-12 students. We've been supporting Sonoma Valley's art education for almost 25 years! Scroll down to learn about the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation.

We sincerely thank all of our Artists, Attendees, Art Buyers, Donors, Patrons and Volunteers for making our 2025 Festival a great success.

SEE OUR LATEST VIDEO

The Art Detectives - 2025


Video Production by the generous hands of
Russell Johnson and Pat Meier-Johnson, Thank You!

SONOMA PLEIN AIR FOUNDATION

The arts help our students with expression, self-discovery, self-esteem, and stress relief. The arts build thinking and problem-solving skills, and engagement in learning. They enhance lives and the community itself, binding us together, feeding our curiosity and growing joy.

Sonoma Plein Air Foundation is a non-profit organization in Sonoma Valley, CA. We are the primary funder of K-12 visual arts education for our local public schools and non-profits.

Since our founding in 2002, we've granted over $2.4 Million for art programs, scholarships, equipment, supplies and activities for Sonoma Valley's children and youth.

Funding for our grants comes directly from donations and proceeds from our Sonoma Plein Air Festival, held each September and regarded as one of the best Plein Air events in the nation. Our board is all-volunteer, and scores of community volunteers help us produce the Festival each year.

The numbers above reflect the most current school-year grant requests, granted.
Our grants support local K-12 art education by funding supplies for: classes in art / film / photography, ceramic kilns, a 3D printer, murals and mosaics, maker rooms, after school and summer art programs, museum visits, student art shows and much more.

We are able to do this each year thanks to the generosity of each professional artist taking part in our Sonoma Plein Air Festival, our patrons, donors, volunteers and art buyers!

Learn more about Sonoma Plein Air and consider getting involved!

Volunteer with us!

Sonoma Plein Air Foundation is busy planning the 2024 festival week held this September, with the help of our amazing community volunteers. Join a committee or volunteer for the 9/14 Saturday Art Show & Sale.

Have fun getting in on the act while supporting art education for the kids of Sonoma Valley!