'Art from the Heart’ auction at SSU Art Gallery moved to April 5
Sonoma State University Art Gallery’s annual “Art from the Heart” benefit auction of works donated by Bay Area and other artists has moved from its traditional February – and Valentine’s Day – roots to Saturday, April 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the University Art Gallery on the SSU campus.
Gallery Director of Operations Claudia Molloy said a spring date, and warmer weather, will allow expansion into the gallery courtyard to accommodate the large crowd the event attracts.
“We’re bringing the party outdoors, where we can add a photo booth, a printmaking activity, and have more room for dancing,” she said, adding that DJ Gabe Dez of Rain Dog Records will be spinning a vinyl set this year.
“Art from the Heart has become a must for both novice and seasoned collectors,” said Michael Schwager, SSU Emeritus Gallery Director and professor of art history. “You can enjoy a fun evening; support the gallery, students, and talented artists; and go home with an original work of art.”
More than 130 artists contributed to this year’s auction, including retired faculty with longstanding ties to the SSU art program and gallery. Among them: SSU Emeritus Studio Art Professors Mark Perlman, known for his encaustic paintings, and Shane Weare, a legendary printmaker and renowned painter; Professor Emerita of Art History Susan Moulton, who spearheaded the construction of the art gallery, classrooms, and studios; and former faculty member Inez Storer, who organized the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, which opened on April 7, 1978.
Award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker Erik Castro has donated a large photograph, “Sylvia Elizza," from his "Harvester Series." In this series, each image is a portrait of a Sonoma County grape harvest worker who has agreed to be photographed out in the field, in the moments after they complete a day's shift.
This year a number of artists donated as pairs, including first-time contributors BFA alumni Zoe Brester Pennings ‘18 and Cullen Houser ‘18, Molloy said. Both Healdsburg natives, the two said they were able to blossom and shine as part of the intimate, supportive arts community at Sonoma State.
“The faculty encouraged us to think critically, take art seriously, and dream bigger,” Brester Pennings said.
“It was a transformative experience that’s helped us so much in our careers,” Houser said. “We are giving so other students can continue to grow and thrive in their art.”
Other pairs donating to Art from the Heart include:
- Artist couples Brett Grunig ‘04 & Emily Martin ‘06, who also met at SSU while earning their BFAs in printmaking; former SSU arts faculty members Anna Simson and Chris Finley; SSU Creative Writing Professor Stefan Kiesbye and Sanaz Kiesbye, Program Director at ArtStart in Santa Rosa; and John Watrous and Greer Upton.
- Father and son duo Christopher Silva Broussard and Ralph Broussard and Kathleen Thompson and future daughter-in-law Taylor Baird.
Catherine Daley ‘13, Adrian Mendoza, and Bambi Waterman, artists in the gallery’s current “Land, Sky, and Sea” exhibition, will each donate a piece for the auction.
Funds raised at Art from the Heart support gallery exhibitions, lectures, and other events throughout the year that are free and open to the public.
Event details
Art from the Heart
Preview Exhibition and presale bids: Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4, 2025, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
2025 Benefit Auction and Party: Saturday, April 5, 5-8 p.m. (SSU University Gallery)
Sonoma State University Gallery
1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA
Contact the event page to purchase tickets for the Benefit Auction and Party.
Suggested donation is $40; Student tickets are $20 (with valid school ID); no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
Pre-sale tickets, available beginning March 14, will be $30 for two or more or $35 per single ticket until March 28.