Artists | CreativeSonoma.org

Simmon Factor Mixed, Painting, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts

Poetic narrative art in mixed media, featuring surreal and playful juxtapositions, patterns-painted and collaged, strong forms and colors.

Art studies and degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University. Successful career in graphic arts and design. In 1993, he started Village Art Supply in Santa Rosa, California, a rich resource to the Sonoma County artist community and thousands of students, artists, and crafters.

After selling Village Art in 2012, Simmon continues to create, exhibit and teach at Chroma Gallery which he and Robin Factor founded in 2014. Most of these works are available for sale or as Giclee prints.

Manzanita Falls Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Manzanita Falls has been perfecting their blend of dramatic indie rock for the better part of this decade. With their newest album out “Abilene,” Manzanita Falls is excited to be bringing these songs to new and expanding audiences. Written after a near-fatal rollover accident the band suffered while on tour, and honed for the better part of three years, these songs explore the tenuis balance between life and death; love and loss. Manzanita Falls is ready to be out of their Northern California studio and back on the road this spring and summer.

Jesse Fichman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal "While AJ Lee is only 19 years old, she’s been the new face of bluegrass for more than a decade.” -The San Francisco Chronicle Blue Summit combines accomplished instrumental work with powerful vocals and a lose interpretation of traditional bluegrass. Taking in elements from western swing, soul, folk, rock, and old time music, this band of friends puts their heart into their music, and has honorably been recognized as 2018 NCBS Band of the Year. At the head of the group is AJ Lee, eight-time winning NCBS Female Vocalist of the Year, and 2018 Mandolin Player of the Year. The rest of Blue Summit’s accomplishments can be accredited to the dedication, persistence, and passion of founding member Isaac Cornelius (bass), Jesse Fichman (guitar), and two-time Guitar Player of the Year, Sullivan Tuttle. Blue Summit has played at festivals all around California, including the CBA Father’s Day Festival, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, and the Kate Wolf Music Festival. They have recently released their first album, “Sweet Company”.

Matt Fields Composition, Crew, Design, Film, Film Office, General Services, Graphic Design, Media, Multimedia, Music, Photography, Production, Video, Visual Arts

Matt Fields is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and designer currently based in the Bay Area. His work blends physical and digital spaces with a textured, minimalist approach in order to focus ideas into striking and evocative artwork. With a skillset spanning multiple mediums, Matt is well-versed in all forms of photography, videography, film production, editing, composing, motion design, and graphic design.

Examples of his work can be found at https://matthewsfields.myportfolio.com/work

Brian Fies Recovery Fund Grantee, Visual Arts Brian is the creator of "Mom's Cancer" and "Whatever Happened to the World of Tomorrow," both published by Abrams. Also the web comics "The Last Mechanical Monster" and "A Fire Story." His work has won numerous awards, including an Eisner and a Harvey award.

Mara Finerty Acting, Audio, Film Office, Media, Music, Other, Talent, Theatre, Vocal I truly love voice work - I consider it to be the purest form of acting: shaping sound and words to convey ideas, emotions and images. I believe the voice goes straight to a person’s heart and soul. A San Francisco native, I now live in the Sonoma Valley with my rescue husky mix, Scout, and work out of my broadcast-quality recording studio in the small town of Kenwood. I enjoy the challenge of bringing voiceover scripts to life with creativity, confidence and professionalism. I’m quick, make strong acting choices, take direction exceptionally well and improvise with ease. My work includes narration on Bloomberg – Weekend Edition, audio tours (the CDC Museum in Atlanta) and corporate narration for clients in the U.S. and Europe. I began my career as a singer, studied opera and classical voice and added theater and film acting while in my very early teens. After twenty years performing in the SF Bay Area, at the Edinburgh Fringe, and appearing in two companies of Les Miserables, I transitioned to the business world, as an HR executive, employment attorney and executive coach in the financial services, biotech, tech and non-profit sectors. My business experience, combined with my acting and singing training, has given me a keen ability to bring intelligence, clarity and empathy to a wide variety of scripts and projects. I would love to work with you on your next project. Drop me a line at mara@marafinertyvoices.com to discuss your project!

Kerstin Fletcher Children's, Illustration, Instrumental, Literature, Mixed, Music, Other, Painting, Photography, Recovery Fund Grantee, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts I LOVE drawing and painting with all mediums. From pencil to watercolor, acrylic, or oil, I thrive on capturing light and life. Always looking for new challenges and beauty to capture, I can be found outside at sunrise painting in “plein air” or combining illustrations for a new story for my children. My faith fuels me to seek to paint light and life. I want to truly see, and communicate what I see to others. Raised in a bilingual household with strong ties to Europe, I am mostly self-taught. My life has brought me to delight in traveling, be an avid reader, mother of four, pastor's wife, violist, gardener, and extremely motivated to squeeze every moment out of every day.

Kate Foley-Beining Improvisation, Instrumental, Mixed, Music, Painting, Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal I am a musician, artist, and professor of German Language and Literature. Music: I am a singer, performing the works of Joni Mitchell, backed by a jazz trio. I have developed music enrichment programs for elementary schools in Healdsburg and Geyserville where I have taught vocal music for over 10 years. Working with children in music is its own reward and I am aware of the rare good fortune I have to also be paid to do it. I am a classically-trained pianist, currently pursuing challenging selections from the repertoire of Schubert, Chopin, Liszt, and Bach. Art: Sight-size realism is the method I use in painting my oil still lives. I would call my work domestic realism since my favorite subject matter is my 1940s era chrome coffeepot in which my domestic surroundings are reflected around me as I paint. Decay, in the form of rusted objects and old leather books, is set against the sharp convex images reflected in the chrome globe, offering a visual irony that I find endlessly intriguing. I have shown and sold my pieces in juried shows. Language and Literature: I am an adjunct professor of German with an emphasis on women writers in German literary history. My doctoral research, using a feminist literary perspective, was published in my book The Body and Eucharistic Devotion in Catharina Regina von Greiffenberg's Meditations. Teaching German brings me joy and of course my college students are constantly engaged in music, art, and theater as they become speakers of German

Sierra Fontana Design, Graphic Design I'm a freelance web designer specializing in Squarespace and Shopify websites, branding, and general graphic design for creatives, online retail, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Lauren Forcella Painting, Visual Arts Shop my website for museum-quality fine art originals and giclee prints by Lauren Forcella. Oil paintings in contemporary impressionism. Thank you for signing up for my newsletter and being the first to see new work and hear about seasonal sales and giveaways. I love adding beauty to your world! email: lauren@laurenforcella.com website: https://laurenforcella.com/ (707) 622-6821

ARTIST'S STATEMENT I strive to translate onto canvas the essence and wildness of this beautiful planet. I am a contemporary impressionistic oil painter using generous paint and vivid brushwork in a style called “first coup” (from the French, “au premier coup”). This is a one-layer painting technique where the painting (or each section of a large painting) is completed in one sitting while the paint is still wet – in other words, after the first pass. For me, this is the best way to impart the aliveness and emotional intensity of Nature. BIOGRAPHY I have been painting for 25 years. In a life-changing event, with no warning whatsoever, painting dropped into my life while I was in the flow of raising four fantastic kids. Though my technique has improved with use, this gift arrived as an already-developed skill that continues to astonish. I grew up extremely close to Nature and have been a tree hugger since my earliest memories, climbing them barefooted at every opportunity. Trees are incredibly special to me and I give them credit for keeping me healthy and connected. To give back, I first became a hydrogeologist. I was going to save the planet. This proved rotten with politics, so I retooled in the human potential movement, eventually writing a critically-acclaimed syndicated advice column, Straight Talk Advice, with contributions from youth panelists around the nation [2004-2016] [including the Santa Rosa Press Democrat]. It was important work, but I wasn’t happy. In 2017, I thought why not take this gift of painting – which I love most of all -- and contribute by sharing the beauty of Earth? Best decision EVER. Painting every day is like being in love and my paintings are essentially love letters to this amazing planet. The vivid contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings of my current period are a return to my painting roots which were dominated by this style. The generous paint, vivid brushstrokes and loose compositional style reflects the heart opening I feel out-of-doors. While hiking and backpacking, I drink in the scenery, take multiple reference photos, and often walk barefooted and sleep on the earth to further soak in the energy. Returning to the studio, I strive to translate onto canvas the peace, aliveness, and utter beauty I experienced. My paintings are in private collections throughout the United States and abroad. From my website, you can purchase originals as well as artist-quality giclee prints on canvas that arrive ready to hang. Please contact me for sales, commissions, and showings. —Lauren Forcella email: lauren@laurenforcella.com website: https://laurenforcella.com/ (707) 622-6821

EXHIBITIONS Solo shows throughout 2022! See website at https://laurenforcella.com/ for dates and locations. Sonoma County: Fulton Crossroads Gallery, premier featured artist: Nov 1, 2022 - Jan 31, 2023 PRESS Vogue, GQ, World of Interiors, House of Coco, Conde Nast Traveler, London Life, English Garden, and many more. See website at https://laurenforcella.com/ for media list and interviews. A few past shows: 2022: March: 2nd place, juried exhibition, Carter House Gallery, Redding, CA 2020: April-June JCO's Art Haus, Los Gatos, CA 2020: July: Mosiac, solo art show, Sundial Bridge, Redding, CA 2019: Solo art show, Elle Lui, Santa Rosa CA, April 4 - March 4, 2019 2017: Solo art show, Elle Lui, Santa Rosa CA, Dec-March 18, 2017 2012: Solo art show, Gold River, CA 2011: Solo art show, Bukovina, Auburn, CA 2004: Selected Artist, Art in Print Calendar 2004: Featured Artist, Auburn Printers & No Cal Artists, Auburn, CA 2009: Solo art show, Bella Fiore, Fair Oaks, CA 2008: Solo art show, Sacramento Art Complex, Sacramento, CA 2007: Group art show, Art de Soul opening, Irvine, CA 2004: Group art show, Auburn Center for the Arts, Auburn, CA 2001: Solo art show, Latitudes, Auburn, CA 2000: Solo art show, Renaissance Room, Peterborough, NH 1999: Solo art show, Expressions Gallery, Milford, NH

Lee Foster Audio, Design, Film, Graphic Design, Media, Video I use media to support the creation of a new paradigm whereby culture supports sustainable, life-affirming practices that respect the history and lineages that brought us here. With an educational background in International Relations and Cultural Anthropology, I began my work as a darkroom photographer over 20 years ago after recognizing how powerful imagery could be utilized as a tool for activism. Through my photographic exhibits, I’ve raised funds, built audiences, and brought awareness to projects doing vital work in their communities. Over the years I've had the opportunity to grow my unique and strong skillset in professional interviewing, video production and editing. My desire to listen, support and represent voices of the clients and projects I have come to know has been one of my greatest life gifts. I work with individuals, businesses and organizations that value and honor reciprocal relationships with nature, one another and the world-wide community.

Stephanie Foti-Molinari Mixed, Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts Stephanie Foti-Molinari is a multi-disciplinary teaching artist with experience working with students of all ages in classroom and studio environments. A passion for the sciences and natural world is the backbone for both her personal work as well as her teaching. Stephanie’s most current work explores the use of photographs and found materials to create mono-print collage pieces that document the environment and animals around us. Her background in the more tactile studio arts as well as graphic design and immersive multimedia environments, drives her passion for guiding students through the creative process and design thinking strategies. Stephanie brings to the classroom a cross-curricular approach that combines foundational art history and practices, with inquiry-based learning, to cultivate in her students a love of life-long learning.

Cathleen Francisco Children's, Literature, Photography, Visual Arts What I love about photography is the wide range of expression it allows. I enjoy the power of Photoshop to create my own visions, altered cameras for a change in perspective and alternative processes to explore and push past boundaries. Beyond the imagery I create, photography is a mediation for me, a quiet, restorative place that is as much about creativity as it is mindfulness.

Luke Fraser Design, Fashion Design, Recovery Fund Grantee Here at Bart Bridge, we know that different fans have different styles so we are dedicated to promoting local makers who put creative twists on their favorite teams. We have been promoting these local makers since 2010. By using hyper-local allusions, creative word-play, imaginative illustrations, and repurposed merchandise, we aim to promote apparel for the fans, by the fans. Our hats, t-shirts, pants and jackets make great gifts and are a creative way to support your favorite team and local makers! Except in the case of repurposed material, such as patches and shirts, none of these products are made by the teams. These are not licensed products.

James Frederick Crew, Film Office Gaffer and Key Grip. Over thirty years of experience. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0292759/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_james%2520r%2520frederick

Ross Friedman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Vocal Ross Friedman is a songwriter, recording engineer and music instructor based in Petaluma, California.

Ross' songwriting covers many genres including: singer/songwriter, jazzy ballads, blues, rock and country rock. Instrumentals of various styles (acoustic, jazzy, blues and rock are also part of Ross' repertoire.

Ross has a ProTools recording setup and can help songwriters and other musicians record their music.

Ross provides individualized instruction on guitar and bass, taking into account the students taste in music. Instruction is provided for all levels - beginning, intermediate and advanced. Ross has many years of experience in music instruction and has been teaching in California since 1979.

Ross has performed in bands and as a solo act since the age of 12. Although a professional for many years, he says "I remember what it's like to be a beginner and know that people starting out appreciate patience and encouragement."

With this in mind, he has developed teaching techniques to simplify and explain the workings of music to all ages and levels of ability.

Anna Friesen Mixed, Painting, Photography, Visual Arts I imagine observe photograph collect then follow intuitive leads to usual and unique materials to express my feeling responses to the natural world

Christopher Frost Recovery Fund Grantee, Visual Arts I like physics, philosophy, abstraction, talk about the universe, art about these subjects, art about art, random conversation with strangers, puzzles, pattern. I'd like to open a "student studio" some day.

CREATIVES