Nominations open for Sonoma's 2027 Treasure Artist of the Year
The Cultural and Fine Arts Commission is accepting nominations through November 5; the honor has recognized Sonoma Valley artists since 1983.
SONOMA: The City of Sonoma's Cultural and Fine Arts Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Treasure Artist of the Year Award, the city announced October 1. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Established in 1983, the award recognizes outstanding artists in the performing, visual and literary arts who demonstrate excellence in their craft and make meaningful contributions to the Sonoma Valley community.
Eligible artists live within the Sonoma Valley Unified School District boundaries, which include Schellville, Vineburg, the City of Sonoma, El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs, Agua Caliente, Eldridge and Glen Ellen.
How to nominate
Nominations can be submitted through the online nomination form on the city's website, or in person or by mail: send written nominations to the Parks and Recreation Department, RE: Treasure Artist Nomination, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Each nomination should include a description of the artist's work and achievements; photos, a portfolio or a link to their work; how they have contributed to the Sonoma Valley community; and why they should be honored as the 2027 Treasure Artist of the Year.
The city notes that multiple nominations for the same artist are welcome but do not necessarily increase the artist's likelihood of selection, and that letters of support or submissions that duplicate or substantially repeat another nomination will not be considered as separate nominations.
What the honor brings
Treasure Artists are celebrated throughout their year of recognition, including at a public reception hosted by the commission, where they receive the Key to the City. Honorees also have opportunities to exhibit their work in City Council Chambers and to participate in the Sonoma Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade.
The 2026 honor went to Ada Limón, selected by the commission last November from a field of six nominees. The 2026 nomination window ran September 9 through October 31, 2025, according to the commission's agenda.
Selecting a Treasure Artist is never easy because Sonoma Valley is home to so many remarkable artists who give generously of themselves. This year's nominations were especially thoughtful and heartfelt, which speaks to the creative strength of our community. Even with such an extraordinary group of nominees, Ada Limón stood out. Her achievements reach across the nation and the world, yet her work remains deeply rooted in Sonoma and resonates with the places and people who shaped her. With her recent return to the Valley, this recognition feels both timely and incredibly meaningful.Connie Schlelein, Cultural and Fine Arts Commission chair
I am beyond humbled to receive this honor. I know well that Sonoma Valley is full of incredible artists and many of those artists have mentored me, raised me, and continue to inspire me to this day. This is a beautiful recognition that I will hold dear.Ada Limón, 2026 Treasure Artist
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