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Sonoma, CA — November 22, 2024 — The City of Sonoma is proud to announce Margaret Hatcher’s selection as the 2025 Sonoma Treasure Artist Award recipient. Established in 1983 by the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (CFAC), the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture of Sonoma Valley.
Margaret Hatcher is a renowned artist and costume designer whose creative genius has been recognized by the community through 20 nominations for the Treasure Artist Award. Her work spans over 25 years and is characterized by intricate, imaginative designs that have captivated audiences in various artistic and public settings. A leader in the arts community, Hatcher is perhaps best known as the founder of Trashion Fashion Sonoma, an event that combines fashion with sustainability by transforming recycled materials into high-fashion creations.
Throughout her career, Hatcher has made notable contributions to the performing arts, both in Sonoma Valley and beyond. She has collaborated with the San Francisco Opera, ShadowLight Productions, and numerous theater companies, and her work has been featured in public art installations, fashion shows, and exhibitions. Hatcher’s creations have often been described as both fantastical and meticulously crafted, earning her admiration for her ability to turn the every day into the extraordinary.
In addition to her extensive work in the arts, Hatcher has played a central role in creating lasting community traditions. Her costumes have graced the Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza, Art Walks, Harvest Festivals, and local theater and dance productions. She has contributed to the Sonoma Community Center’s MUSE gala and annual Día de Muertos celebrations, and her work is integral to the success of Trashion Fashion Sonoma. Beyond her artistic achievements, Hatcher has dedicated herself to teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists. She has worked with children through the ARTS program at SVMA, the Mentoring Alliance, and the Sonoma Community Center, helping foster creativity in young minds across the community.
“Margaret Hatcher’s incredible talent, innovative spirit, and dedication to the arts make her a perfect choice for the 2025 Treasure Artist Award,” said Mayor John Gurney. “Her vision and creativity have enriched our community, and we are honored to celebrate her contributions to Sonoma’s arts scene.”
The Cultural and Fine Arts Commission unanimously selected Margaret Hatcher at their meeting on November 19, 2024, following an outpouring of support for her nomination. Individuals submitted heartfelt endorsements, emphasizing her significant influence on the cultural fabric of Sonoma Valley. These nominations highlight her role as a mentor and educator, as well as her dedication to sustainability through the creation of Trashion Fashion Sonoma.
“I felt palpable joy buzzing from my fellow Cultural and Fine Arts Commissioners when we unanimously selected Margaret Hatcher as the 2025 Treasure Artist of the Year,” said Connie Schlelein, Chair of the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission. “Her work speaks for itself: 20 glowing nominations from community members admiring her mastery, creativity, persistence, and generosity. Margaret’s ideas now thrive in our community, from Trashion Fashion Sonoma to costumes for local events and teaching art to children. She’s a true Ambassador of Art—iconic.”
Hatcher will be celebrated at a public reception in 2025, date and location to be announced, where she will receive the coveted “Key to the City” in recognition of her artistic achievements. The reception will offer the community an opportunity to gather and celebrate her contributions.
For more information about Trashion Fashion Sonoma, please visit sonomacommunitycenter.org/trashion-fashion/. For more information about the Sonoma Treasure Artist Award, please visit the City of Sonoma’s official website at www.sonomacity.org/treasure-artist/.
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About the Award
The City of Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission‘s (CFAC) Treasure Artist Award Program was established in 1983. This distinguished award celebrates exceptional achievements in various artistic disciplines, including the performing, visual, or literary arts. Additionally, the award recognizes the recipient’s significant contributions and involvement within the Sonoma Valley community.
Sonoma Treasure Artist Award recipients are celebrated with a series of special tributes throughout the year that underscore the significance of their contributions. A public reception hosted by the CFAC is held in their honor where they are bestowed with the coveted “Key to the City.” This symbolic gesture represents their unique status as ambassadors of creativity within the Sonoma community. Furthermore, the honorees are given the opportunity to showcase their artwork in the City Council Chambers as part of the Revolving Temporary Art Program. In addition, Treasure Artists are also invited to take part in the much-beloved Sonoma Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade, where they ride as esteemed guests.
Photos of Costume Designs by Margaret Hatcher, click to view and download
