Treasure Artist
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.
How to Submit a Nomination for Treasure Artist
Each year, the City of Sonoma celebrates local creativity and cultural contributions by honoring a Treasure Artist. Nominations are welcomed from the community, providing an opportunity to recognize individuals who have significantly enriched our local arts scene.
When to Nominate
A public call for nominations is issued in early September, kicking off the process. Nominations must be submitted by the specified deadline, which will be announced along with the call and can be submitted online, by mail or in person.
Stay Connected
Check the City of Sonoma's website and social media channels for updates and details about the nomination process and deadlines.
Award Recipients
| Year | Name | Medium | |
| 2025 | Margaret Hatcher | Costume Design | |
| 2024 | Victor Ferrer | Dancer, Founder and Executive Director of Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén | |
| 2023 | Jaime Love | Theater, Founder of Sonoma Arts Live | |
| 2022 | Pat Meier-Johnson | Painter | |
| 2021 & 2020 | Betty Ann Ka’ihilani Bruno | Dancer, Performer | |
| 2019 | Cynthia Tarr | Music Director, Performer | |
| 2018 | Barbara McElroy | Musician, Conductor, Teacher | |
| 2017 | Peter Hansen | Filmmaker | |
| 2016 | Dick Cole | Watercolor Artist, Illustrator | |
| 2015 | Barbara White Perry | Artist, Author | |
| 2014 | Thena Trygstad | Artist, Teacher | |
| 2013 | David Aguilar | Musician | |
| 2012 | Barbara Jacobsen | Visual Artist and Teacher | |
| 2011 | Dennis Ziemienski | Teacher, Painter, Muralist | |
| 2010 | Gayle Manfre | Teacher, Artist, Muralist | |
| 2009 | Lin Lipetz | Painter, Ceramicist, Instructor | |
| 2008 | Linda Rawls | Costume Designer | |
| 2007 | Richard Schneider | Musician, Founder of the Hometown Band | |
| 2006 | Janis Kobe | Illustrative Artist, Teacher | |
| 2005 | Keith Wicks | Painter | |
| 2004 | Roger & Diana Rhoten | Theater, Teachers | |
| 2003 | Chester Arnold | Artist, Teacher | |
| 2002 | Cynthia Hipkiss | Ceramicist | |
| 2001 | Beth Marie Deenihan | Dance | |
| 2000 | Jim Callahan | Sculptor | |
| 1999 | Kate Kennedy | Actress, Director, Teacher | |
| 1998 | Beverly Prevost | Ceramicist | |
| 1997 | Ray Jocobsen | Painter | |
| 1996 | Antoinette Kuhry | Founder Sonoma City Opera | |
| 1995 | Jo Anne Connor-Metzger | Musician | |
| 1994 | Stanley Mouse | Painter | |
| 1994 | Fred Parker | Painter | |
| 1993 | James Griewe | Choral Conductor | |
| 1992 | Norton Buffalo | Musician | |
| 1991 | Linus Maurer | Cartoonist | |
| 1990 | Otto Hitzberger | Sculptor | |
| 1989 | Helene Minelli | Painter | |
| 1988 | C. Carl Jennings | Metalsmith | |
| 1987 | Irma Wallem | Writer | |
| 1986 | Dan Ruggles | Musician | |
| 1985 | Anthony Stellon | Sculptor | |
| 1984 | M.F.K. Fisher | Writer | |
| 1984 | James Vanderbilt | Painter | |
| 1983 | Marian Brackenridge | Sculptor | |
| 1983 | Ted Christensen | Painter |