Arts and Culture
Local Artists
Fine art galleries are scattered throughout the town and
feature local artists. Intricate glassware, singular
pieces of jewelry, paintings and photographs all reflect
the California and Sonoma County lifestyle. Year-round
shows and special events keep the creative juices flowing.
Healdsburg Arts Council
Art on the Move, held each May, is sponsored by the Healdsburg
Arts Council. This movable feast for the eyes allows
art aficionados to view art in different settings. The
Wineries are also active art patrons, using their exquisite
settings to promote local artists and photographers.
The Arts Council also sponsors a number of visual and
performing arts events throughout the year. Many are
held in the award-winning Raven Theater or its neighbor,
the Raven Film Center.
Performing Arts Groups
The historic 500-seat Raven
Theater hosts musical artists, comedy troupes, performance
artists, and a myriad of other performers ranging from
internationally renowned artists to community groups. The
theater is home to the Raven Players acting troupe and
the Imagination Foundation, a theater arts program for
youth.
Plaza
Arts Center
Plaza Arts Center is a non-profit, community gallery and
arts center dedicated to enriching the artistic life of the
community through art classes for youth and adults, gallery
shows and social events, and support of local school art
programs. Not only do they showcase local artists (nearly
100 artists exhibited in the past year), but also provide
financial, facilities and volunteer support to the area schools.
Plaza Arts Center is much more than a gallery. Their support
extends to music, drama and literary arts as well as to visual
arts education programs. They now have four well-established
annual fundraising events, each of which provides direct
financial support to the local schools. Apart from their
financial goals, they seek to present unique events to enhance
the artistic life of the community. A great example is Opera
in the Garden. They are proud to have been able to attract
professional opera singers this far north of the city. In
addition to having established a strong financial base, they
are proud of having developed an all-volunteer organization
with nearly 60 dedicated volunteers. The Board feels a strong
sense of responsibility to their supporters for effective
financial stewardship. For this reason, they publish an annual
financial report, which is available to all who would like
a copy. plazaartsoffice@aol.com
Downtown Plaza
Our
historic downtown Plaza has always been enjoyed and used
as an event and performance site. Families pack a picnic
and attend the Tuesdays in the Plaza, Farmer's
Market, 4-6:30pm and Music & Town Picnic, 6-8pm throughout
the balmy summer. There's something for every musical
taste: Latin, Jazz, Big Band sounds, Rhythm and Blues,
and Cajun. Summer antique fairs in the Plaza feature
everything from 1920's kitchen gadgets to French armoires.
The holiday season begins with a grand tree-lighting
ceremony in the Plaza.
Healdsburg
Museum
Founded in 1976, The
Healdsburg Museum is housed in the refurbished former
Healdsburg Carnegie Library building. This beloved local
landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Just a short walk from the Plaza, the Museum houses an impressive
range of artifacts and documents related to northern Sonoma
County history. Some outstanding examples include Pomo Indian
basketry, nineteenth century weapons, tools, textiles and
crafts. An extensive archival library includes 8000 original
photographs. Special exhibits change about three times a
year. The ever-popular annual toy and doll exhibit during
the Christmas season is designed to delight children and
the young-at-heart.
Music and Dance
Town pride is also reflected by the Healdsburg Community
Band and Healdsburg
Community Chorus. Local performances are well attended
and enthusiastically supported.
The Russian River Chamber Music Society presents nationally and internationally known artists throughout the year. This music series offers world class performances that are comparable to those offered in cities like New York and San Francisco.
Healdsburg is home to professional and established ballet, ethnic and jazz-tap dance troupes, such as Healdsburg Ballet, and Aire Flamenco.
