About Sonoma Plein Air Foundation
Sonoma Plein Air was launched in 2002 by artist Keith Wicks and Judy Vadasz to meet pressing needs for funding to sustain K-12 arts education for Sonoma Valley youth. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer Foundation.
Meet the Team
Judy Vadasz
Co-Founder and Director Emeritus
Soon after arriving in Sonoma in 1998, Judy met local artist Keith Wicks. Keith saw close-up the impact of art cuts in school, when his daughter came home from school one day and said, "Dad, there's no more art." Keith, having experience with Plein Air events across the country, sparked an idea to bring fine artists right here to Sonoma to paint our scenic area, and sell their work to the public for the benefit of art education, initially for the 4th and 5th grades. Proceeds would provide much needed funds to sustain and build art education in our public schools.
Through the Vadasz Family Foundation, Judy provided financial support to help create the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation and has served on the SPAF Board since its inception in 2002 through 2015. A project oriented person, Judy has volunteered for KQED, Interplast, and various other groups. She spent many years working with at-risk freshmen in the counseling department at Mountain View High School, and helped form a parent-teacher preschool in Sunnyvale when her sons were small. Judy came to California from her home in Nebraska via Boston where she met her husband Les. Currently living in Sonoma, Judy and Les have been in the Bay Area since 1962.
Co-Founder and Director Emeritus
Soon after arriving in Sonoma in 1998, Judy met local artist Keith Wicks. Keith saw close-up the impact of art cuts in school, when his daughter came home from school one day and said, "Dad, there's no more art." Keith, having experience with Plein Air events across the country, sparked an idea to bring fine artists right here to Sonoma to paint our scenic area, and sell their work to the public for the benefit of art education, initially for the 4th and 5th grades. Proceeds would provide much needed funds to sustain and build art education in our public schools.
Through the Vadasz Family Foundation, Judy provided financial support to help create the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation and has served on the SPAF Board since its inception in 2002 through 2015. A project oriented person, Judy has volunteered for KQED, Interplast, and various other groups. She spent many years working with at-risk freshmen in the counseling department at Mountain View High School, and helped form a parent-teacher preschool in Sunnyvale when her sons were small. Judy came to California from her home in Nebraska via Boston where she met her husband Les. Currently living in Sonoma, Judy and Les have been in the Bay Area since 1962.
Keith Wicks
Co-Founder
With over thirty years experience as a full time professional artist, Keith has devoted considerable time to teaching at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and to various charities that promote art education in public schools. Keith also donates his paintings and time to various causes, including the Ronnie Lott Foundation’s “All Stars Helping Kids” and the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, where his works are auctioned for charity.
Keith began painting at the age of 11, winning his first city-sponsored art award in the sixth grade. A graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena Ca, Keith is a signature member of the California Art Club, and exhibits his work around the country. Keith and his wife Terri raised their family in Sonoma and have just recently moved to France where he will continue to teach and paint.
Co-Founder
With over thirty years experience as a full time professional artist, Keith has devoted considerable time to teaching at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and to various charities that promote art education in public schools. Keith also donates his paintings and time to various causes, including the Ronnie Lott Foundation’s “All Stars Helping Kids” and the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, where his works are auctioned for charity.
Keith began painting at the age of 11, winning his first city-sponsored art award in the sixth grade. A graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena Ca, Keith is a signature member of the California Art Club, and exhibits his work around the country. Keith and his wife Terri raised their family in Sonoma and have just recently moved to France where he will continue to teach and paint.
Our Volunteer Board of Directors
Cheryl Shimek
President
Cheryl spent most of her career in the healthcare industry initially working as a critical care nurse and then moving into the medical device marketplace in marketing & communications roles. For over 10 years while living in Oakland, Cheryl was involved with Girls Incorporated of Alameda County as Chairperson or Committee Leader for their annual fundraising event, ‘Women of Taste’. She has had a lifelong interest in the arts stemming from educational experiences and friendships with artists. In addition to involvement with Sonoma Plein Air, she is also a mentor with the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance and a member of Impact100 Sonoma. Cheryl lives in Sonoma.
President
Cheryl spent most of her career in the healthcare industry initially working as a critical care nurse and then moving into the medical device marketplace in marketing & communications roles. For over 10 years while living in Oakland, Cheryl was involved with Girls Incorporated of Alameda County as Chairperson or Committee Leader for their annual fundraising event, ‘Women of Taste’. She has had a lifelong interest in the arts stemming from educational experiences and friendships with artists. In addition to involvement with Sonoma Plein Air, she is also a mentor with the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance and a member of Impact100 Sonoma. Cheryl lives in Sonoma.
Barbara Wells
Treasurer
Barbara moved to Sonoma in 2008 and began her local career working for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. Since then she has been involved with many nonprofits including La Luz Center, Sonoma Valley Rotary Foundation, Sonoma Valley Fund, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund. Barbara graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Global Studies.
Treasurer
Barbara moved to Sonoma in 2008 and began her local career working for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. Since then she has been involved with many nonprofits including La Luz Center, Sonoma Valley Rotary Foundation, Sonoma Valley Fund, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund. Barbara graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Global Studies.
Pat Meier-Johnson
Secretary
A native Californian and happy Sonoman since 2011, Pat is an honors graduate from San Francisco State University and began her career as a graphic artist for KQED Newsroom and on-and off-air for Bay Area radio stations. Her first job in public relations was to explain how Ella Fitzgerald broke the wine glass in the famed Memorex commercials. With a knack for tech, she hosted a TV show featuring tech leaders and founded one of the first woman-owned tech PR agencies serving clients around the world for more than 20 years.
Pat married writer/photographer/filmmaker Russ Johnson in 1998 and they collaborate on communications projects supporting tourism, technology, and Sonoma Valley non-profits. Pat has a passion for art. Her paintings, primarily California landscapes, are in collections and exhibited in the US and Asia. Her still life was the 2015 award-winning image for the Sonoma Olive Festival.
Secretary
A native Californian and happy Sonoman since 2011, Pat is an honors graduate from San Francisco State University and began her career as a graphic artist for KQED Newsroom and on-and off-air for Bay Area radio stations. Her first job in public relations was to explain how Ella Fitzgerald broke the wine glass in the famed Memorex commercials. With a knack for tech, she hosted a TV show featuring tech leaders and founded one of the first woman-owned tech PR agencies serving clients around the world for more than 20 years.
Pat married writer/photographer/filmmaker Russ Johnson in 1998 and they collaborate on communications projects supporting tourism, technology, and Sonoma Valley non-profits. Pat has a passion for art. Her paintings, primarily California landscapes, are in collections and exhibited in the US and Asia. Her still life was the 2015 award-winning image for the Sonoma Olive Festival.
Judith Alex
A native Southern Californian, Judith started her legal career in 1989 in the Bay Area. She married Peter Vestal (a San Francisco native) and raised their 2 daughters in San Francisco. She volunteered at her girls' schools for many years and has enjoyed visiting museums locally or while traveling. Judith has a long passion for the arts that stretches from learning piano, throwing clay and being surrounded by artistic friends. She moved to Sonoma in 2019. For the past few years, she has volunteered at FISH, Impact100 Sonoma, S.O.S. and the Sonoma Stompers. She is thrilled to be part of the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation board and the wonderful work they accomplish.
A native Southern Californian, Judith started her legal career in 1989 in the Bay Area. She married Peter Vestal (a San Francisco native) and raised their 2 daughters in San Francisco. She volunteered at her girls' schools for many years and has enjoyed visiting museums locally or while traveling. Judith has a long passion for the arts that stretches from learning piano, throwing clay and being surrounded by artistic friends. She moved to Sonoma in 2019. For the past few years, she has volunteered at FISH, Impact100 Sonoma, S.O.S. and the Sonoma Stompers. She is thrilled to be part of the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation board and the wonderful work they accomplish.
Cheryl Coldiron
Cheryl was born on a small ranch in Sonoma County and currently resides in Petaluma. From her earliest memories, she spent her time drawing, painting, designing clothing, dancing, and gardening. From somewhere came a desire to study dance, learn French, and create art s0 she saved her money and while a teenager moved to France to study French, art, and international business at the Université de Provence. She returned to California to marry her college sweetheart, finish her MBA, and went to work in the tech industry.
As her children grew, she earned her teaching and administrative credentials. Seventeen years ago, she came to Sonoma to teach art at both Middle Schools and continues to do so today. Cheryl serves on the VAPA (visual and performing arts) committee with Creative Sonoma; is an appointed member of the Public Art Committee; has served on the Budget Committee for SVUSD, Leadership Team, and as the Electives Chair at Adele Harrison Middle School; and is now on the Board of the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation. Her personal goal is quite simple: bring more arts education in an equitable manner to all the students of Sonoma Valley.
Cheryl was born on a small ranch in Sonoma County and currently resides in Petaluma. From her earliest memories, she spent her time drawing, painting, designing clothing, dancing, and gardening. From somewhere came a desire to study dance, learn French, and create art s0 she saved her money and while a teenager moved to France to study French, art, and international business at the Université de Provence. She returned to California to marry her college sweetheart, finish her MBA, and went to work in the tech industry.
As her children grew, she earned her teaching and administrative credentials. Seventeen years ago, she came to Sonoma to teach art at both Middle Schools and continues to do so today. Cheryl serves on the VAPA (visual and performing arts) committee with Creative Sonoma; is an appointed member of the Public Art Committee; has served on the Budget Committee for SVUSD, Leadership Team, and as the Electives Chair at Adele Harrison Middle School; and is now on the Board of the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation. Her personal goal is quite simple: bring more arts education in an equitable manner to all the students of Sonoma Valley.
Cathy Good
A native Californian, Cathy has been involved with SPAF since 2007. Prior to moving from Oregon to Sonoma in 2004, Cathy’s long-time volunteer activities include active involvement at her kids’ schools, Christ Episcopal Church, and Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. A graduate of Mills College with a BA in English, Cathy fondly remembers her grade school art teacher whom she credits with her enduring appreciation for art. Cathy and her husband David live in Sonoma where David’s family’s roots trace back to the early 1970s.
Sara Green
A native of Indiana, Sara moved to San Francisco in 1978 where she lived for almost 40 years, moving to Sonoma in 2016 post-retirement. Most of her career was spent in an administrative capacity for a large international law firm, including stints in the London office. Weekends were often devoted to attending exhibitions at the major San Francisco museums, visiting galleries and enjoying open studios. Following retirement, Sara has focused on the art world, serving as a volunteer at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. She also worked in an art gallery in Palm Desert and at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco. Before joining the Board, she volunteered in various roles at prior Plein Air festivals.
A native Californian, Cathy has been involved with SPAF since 2007. Prior to moving from Oregon to Sonoma in 2004, Cathy’s long-time volunteer activities include active involvement at her kids’ schools, Christ Episcopal Church, and Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. A graduate of Mills College with a BA in English, Cathy fondly remembers her grade school art teacher whom she credits with her enduring appreciation for art. Cathy and her husband David live in Sonoma where David’s family’s roots trace back to the early 1970s.
Sara Green
A native of Indiana, Sara moved to San Francisco in 1978 where she lived for almost 40 years, moving to Sonoma in 2016 post-retirement. Most of her career was spent in an administrative capacity for a large international law firm, including stints in the London office. Weekends were often devoted to attending exhibitions at the major San Francisco museums, visiting galleries and enjoying open studios. Following retirement, Sara has focused on the art world, serving as a volunteer at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. She also worked in an art gallery in Palm Desert and at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco. Before joining the Board, she volunteered in various roles at prior Plein Air festivals.
Mary Clark Janis
Mary Clark holds a Master of Education degree. During her teaching career she specialized in elementary and gifted and talented programs in Virginia. She then went on to establish a successful event planning business for corporate and private clients.
After moving to Sonoma, she and her partners designed and built her present home, as well as several other custom homes in Sonoma and Virginia. Mary Clark has been involved with several non-profit organizations including Horizons Hampton Roads, Teen Services Sonoma, Jack London Historic State Park and Impact 100 Sonoma. She and her family continue to support a variety of non-profits in the Sonoma area and Virginia as they follow the adage “Think Globally, Act Locally.“
Mary Clark holds a Master of Education degree. During her teaching career she specialized in elementary and gifted and talented programs in Virginia. She then went on to establish a successful event planning business for corporate and private clients.
After moving to Sonoma, she and her partners designed and built her present home, as well as several other custom homes in Sonoma and Virginia. Mary Clark has been involved with several non-profit organizations including Horizons Hampton Roads, Teen Services Sonoma, Jack London Historic State Park and Impact 100 Sonoma. She and her family continue to support a variety of non-profits in the Sonoma area and Virginia as they follow the adage “Think Globally, Act Locally.“
Nancy Evers Kirwan
Nancy Evers Kirwan grew up in San Francisco coming to Sonoma for her summers since the 1950's. She now resides in her family's renovated summer home after living for 35 years in Los Angeles with her husband, Kyle. Nancy attended UC Santa Cruz followed by UC Hastings College of Law. After practicing law in San Francisco for 10 years she moved to Los Angeles and attended UCLA earning a landscape architecture degree. While there, she actively supported her children's schools, Children's Hospital LA and the at-risk youth of Neighborhood Youth Association, while working with her landscape design clients.
After returning to Sonoma full time in 2016 she has joined the board of Sonoma Plein Air, Sonoma Mountain Preservation, worked with the Sonoma Ecology Center on post fire watershed protection, and pitched in with various other environmental and community non-profits.
Nancy Evers Kirwan grew up in San Francisco coming to Sonoma for her summers since the 1950's. She now resides in her family's renovated summer home after living for 35 years in Los Angeles with her husband, Kyle. Nancy attended UC Santa Cruz followed by UC Hastings College of Law. After practicing law in San Francisco for 10 years she moved to Los Angeles and attended UCLA earning a landscape architecture degree. While there, she actively supported her children's schools, Children's Hospital LA and the at-risk youth of Neighborhood Youth Association, while working with her landscape design clients.
After returning to Sonoma full time in 2016 she has joined the board of Sonoma Plein Air, Sonoma Mountain Preservation, worked with the Sonoma Ecology Center on post fire watershed protection, and pitched in with various other environmental and community non-profits.
Lori Winter
Lori has been a Sonoma resident and parent since moving to Sonoma from from Mill Valley in 2003, as her daughter was about to be born. Lori has a local graphic design business and her primary talent is helping clients strengthen their branding, marketing materials and web design, and shape their messaging. Sonoma Plein Air has been a favorite, ongoing client since 2013. From postcards to Gala invitation sets to advertising, Lori has been designing each year's Festival campaign and serves on the Marketing Committee as board member.
Lori joined the Sonoma Plein Air Board in 2022, a huge personal honor. Having an even closer view behind the scenes—the board, volunteers and supporters in action to make an incredible festival happen each year—is deeply satisfying and informs the design work even further. Full time access to art education in high school led directly to Lori's graphic design degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and following career as a designer. Supporting Sonoma Plein Air's mission for K-12 art education is a definite passion.
Lori has been a Sonoma resident and parent since moving to Sonoma from from Mill Valley in 2003, as her daughter was about to be born. Lori has a local graphic design business and her primary talent is helping clients strengthen their branding, marketing materials and web design, and shape their messaging. Sonoma Plein Air has been a favorite, ongoing client since 2013. From postcards to Gala invitation sets to advertising, Lori has been designing each year's Festival campaign and serves on the Marketing Committee as board member.
Lori joined the Sonoma Plein Air Board in 2022, a huge personal honor. Having an even closer view behind the scenes—the board, volunteers and supporters in action to make an incredible festival happen each year—is deeply satisfying and informs the design work even further. Full time access to art education in high school led directly to Lori's graphic design degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and following career as a designer. Supporting Sonoma Plein Air's mission for K-12 art education is a definite passion.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
Adopted by the Board of Directors on August 23, 2021
Sonoma Plein Air Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of artists, volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of staff, artists, volunteers, art purchasers, subcontractors and vendors.
Adopted by the Board of Directors on August 23, 2021
Sonoma Plein Air Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of artists, volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of staff, artists, volunteers, art purchasers, subcontractors and vendors.
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Video footage courtesy of Russell Johnson and Pat Meier Johnson Site design: Linda Rosso. |