Wild About Art

Petaluma sets the stage for creativity and inspiration, breathing life and energy everywhere you look. Here’s how to experience it.

By Olivia Olsen

GALLERY MODE

Located next door to the Petaluma Visitors Center, the Petaluma Arts Center hosts rotating exhibitions and events, like Youth Open Studios, as well as pottery and live drawing classes, to encourage art appreciation and expression. Be sure to peruse the boutique and its “art to-go” wall to pick out pieces from local artists. Public murals and painted utility boxes abound outside, while contemporary art flourishes inside in downtown Petaluma. The family-operated Gallery One is the longest-running fine art gallery in Petaluma. Since 1988, this space features local and international artists in a variety of mediums, including glass, sculpture, painting, and photography.

The aptly-named RiverFront Art Gallery also sells a variety of works (jewelry, sculpture, paintings) from local and international creators in a bright, airy spot overlooking the Petaluma River. Discover art without labels at the

Alchemia Gallery which displays creations from artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Born out of a spontaneous conversation in the kitchen, the woman-owned VIBE Gallery feels like it could be in a major metropolitan area, but is perfectly suited for its downtown locale. The chic space showcases established and emerging artists, and hosts author readings, live music, artist receptions, and other events.

On Stage

A community staple for 50 years, the jewel box Cinnabar Theater presents an eclectic mix of live performances like musicals, comedies, dramas, and even opera. For a more intimate setting, 100-seat The Polly Klaas Community Theater, which recently received a loving refresh, features a diverse range of programs, including artistic performances, poetry and book readings, lectures, and educational presentations.

Once a venue for vaudeville entertainment, today the Mystic Theatre is now a premier Bay Area music venue hosting everything from local cover bands to touring artists. Grab a bite and sip a beer next door at McNear’s Saloon & Dining House before rocking out.

The Phoenix Theater was an opera house when it opened in 1904; today, this live music venue hosts renowned musicians and a variety of community events from theatrical performances to visual arts showcases. Enjoy dinner and a show at The Big Easy with live performances from local musicians playing everything from jazz to folk. Tip: Don’t miss the flamenco dance performances every second Saturday. •

JE SUIS UN ARTISTE!

FEELING INSPIRED? HERE’S WHERE TO MAKE YOUR OWN WORK OF ART.

FIBER CIRCLE STUDIO: Learn to knit and purl at this fiber art workshop and studio, which offers classes and equipment for weaving, knitting, crocheting, dyeing, spinning, embroidery, and felting.

PETALUMA POTTERY: Throw a pot and become a student of clay at Petaluma Pottery. Offering adult and youth classes and workshops, get your hands dirty and learn to create something wonderful.

Rock Out

CREATE YOUR OWN TUNE.

Music lovers shouldn’t miss Tall Toad Music and its huge selection of instruments. And even if you’re not in the market for a new axe, this musician-owned and -operated downtown shop has an impressive guitar offering that is just fun to look at.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

Experience the historical heart of Petaluma. Marvel at the neoclassical architecture and stained-glass dome, attend concerts, lectures, and tours, view artifacts and exhibits, and explore the gift shop. Admission is always free.

petalumamuseum.com

G e @petalumamuseum

FAMILY TREE POTTERY: Enjoy “clay therapy” during weekly individual or group studio sessions, where class members throw, sculpt, and paint their own pieces.

ARTALUMA: This creative center organizes a variety of classes ranging from watercolor painting and calligraphy to performing art and dance classes.

West Side Stories

The Bay Area’s longest running StorySlam takes place right in the heart of Petaluma. Now in its fifteenth year, the monthly StorySlam (every second Wednesday) is hosted at the Polly Klaas Community Theater and the GrandSlam at The Mystic Theater.

davepokornypresents.com | e @westsidestoriespetaluma

Let Them Eat Cake

FROM TRADITIONAL TIERS TO OUTSIDE-THE-BOX CONFECTIONS, HERE’S WHERE TO FIND SWEET TREATS FOR YOUR BIG DAY.

SOMETHING CUSTOM:

Stellina Pronto

Best known for sweet and savory Italian pastries, Stellina Pronto stacks up beautiful custom cakes, like vanilla sponge layered with whipped cream and strawberries coated in strawberry buttercream.

SOMETHING VEGAN:

Magdelena’s Savories & Sweets

This vegan comfort-food cafe turns out scrumptious specialty cake orders, too. While the bakery doesn’t offer tiered cake, it can accommodate gluten-, egg-, and dairy-free baked goods.

SOMETHING UNUSUAL:

Petaluma Pie Company

Defy convention and surprise your guests with a slice of pie. Go classic with fruit, custard, or cream pies; or, celebrate your “hunka hunka burning love” with a slice of Elvis (peanut butter pie filling, bananas, and chocolate cream).

SOMETHING CAKE-LIKE:

JM Rosen’s Cheesecake

A cheesecake from JM Rosen’s is one heck of a showstopper. From chocolate fantasy to New York original to candy bar-loaded cheesecakes, guests will be asking for seconds.

Love The Location

Petaluma’s proximity to major cities and attractions (p. 17) is an added bonus when guests RSVP “yes.” Bonus: The pastoral setting feels like the European countryside.

Ask the Expert

AMBER BALSHAW SHARES HER INSIDER KNOWLEDGE ON SOME OF PETALUMA’S MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES AND VENUES. YOUR STORYBOOK WEDDING AWAITS!

Q: When it comes to weddings, what sets Petaluma apart from other places in California?

Amber Balshaw: Petaluma is a darling place with an upscale feel and peaceful energy. The vineyards, redwoods, farmlands, hiking trails, and orchards are stunning—the land is rich with the biodiversity of a classic, small town. Petaluma’s a top wine destination as well. Our distinct climate and soil earned the region its own designation as the Petaluma Gap AVA. People also love our beer. Lagunitas Brewing Company has its flagship brewery here!

Historic downtown Petaluma is just as lovely as the surrounding countryside, with one of the most impressive blocks of iron-front architecture west of the Mississippi.

Q: Petaluma is a farm-to-table town. Does Preferred Sonoma Caterers source locally grown foods for events?

A.B.: Yes! One thing love most about living in Petaluma is the access to locally sourced foods and the community’s commitment to agricultural integrity.

F.E.E.D. is one of the organizations that love working with on a regular basis. Stewards of the land, they provide us with lists of what’s being grown in the county so we can create delicious menus that support our farms and their seasonal harvests—staying true to our company slogan, “Good food, done well.”

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE VENUES IN PETALUMA?

Setting The Scene

WHETHER IT’S A RUSTIC RECEPTION OR A TRADITIONAL CEREMONY, THERE ARE MANY BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO TIE THE KNOT IN PETALUMA.

Flying Cloud flyingcloudfarm.com

Chileno Valley Ranch mikeandsallygale beefranch.com

Rosewood Events rosewoodevent.com

Glenn Ranch G Glenn Ranch

Olympia’s Valley Estate olympiasvalley.com

Petaluma Masonic Hall & Lodge masons180.org

Petaluma Woman’s Club petalumawomans club.com

Hotel Petaluma hotelpetaluma.com

Garden Valley Ranch gardenvalley.com

Reis River Ranch reisranch.com

McEvoy Ranch mcevoyranch.com

Gambonini Family Ranch gamboninifamily ranch.com