Absolutely Art!

19th Annual Benefit Art Auction
Saturday, May 3, 6 to 9 pm

Live Auction 7pm
Preview Exhibit April 25-May 2
Tickets $35 members/ $50 public

Saturday May 3 SCA presents “Absolutely Art!” - one of Sonoma County’s longest-running benefit auctions. Showcasing a wonderful array of original art, award winning wines and fun-filled gift packages, all proceeds benefit SCA’s extensive schedule of art exhibits, gallery talks, classes for adults and children, music performances, literary salons, film festival and numerous special events.

The Center makes art happen and is a vortex for synergy and creativity in the community. Please support the Center by attending this event, enjoying the beautiful art and hospitality, and bidding generously.

Enjoy gourmet delights

Throughout the evening guests will enjoy delicious samplings of Sonoma County’s cuisine presented by Pacific Market, Diane Albracht Cuisine, Mary’s Pizza Shack, Sebastopol Deli and Round Table Pizza. At the no-host bar guests will have a choice of martinis and fine wines generously provided by Arbios/Praxis Cellars, Blackstone Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Clos Du Bois, Davis Bynum Winery, Dehlinger Winery, DeLoach Vineyards, Hafner Vineyard, Hartford Family Winery, Hawley Wines, Korbel Champagne Cellars, Langtry Estate Wines, Martin Ray Winery, Bruce Philpott & Susandra Spicer, Porter-Bass Winery, River Road Cellars, Rutherford Hill Winery, Solo Rosa Wines, Sunce Vineyard & Winery, Taft Street Winery and Via Pacifica Imports

This year one hundred of Northern California’s most celebrated artists were invited to donate and auction guests will be able to bid on paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and jewelry. In addition, dozens of lovely gift items, special experiences and gift certificates will also be part of the evening’s offerings.

Donating artists this year include: Dani Antman, Gerald Arrington, Sally Baker, Susan Bandarrae, Jane Baron, Cecily Beckwith, Lisa Beerntsen, D.A. Bishop, Dennis Bolt, Geoffrey Bolt, Margaret Bolt, Ellen Boulanger, Laura Box, Mary Bramwell, Wendy Brayton, Paula Brent, Lindy Buchanan, Lenore Carrion, Joann Cassady, John Chambers, Janet Charnofsky, Michael Cone, Lorraine Cook, Judy Cortez, Cheryl Costantini & Mikio Matsumoto, Diana Crain, Jim Curtis, Deborah Cushman, Nora Daniel, Anne Dowie, Sharon Feissel, Didi Foster, Harry Frank, Louisa King Fraser, Jane Garibaldi, Lin Max Gaskie, Robert Gauthier, Joe Halstead, Beth Hartmann, Noriko Hasegawa, Hetty Herman-Minsk, Carol Herzog, Laurette Hilliard, Cynthia Hipkiss, Barbara Hoffman and Gary Lawrence, Carolyn Horan, Shelly Hughes, Bert Kaplan, Jill Keller-Peters, Jewel Kishmirian, Irv Lachman, Dennis Lashar, Laurence, Phil & Ann Leech, Lillian Lehman, John Lewis, Rebecca Love, Diane Luiz, Charlie Maier, Sandra Maresca, Melissa McCann, James Millikan, Janet Moore, Marge Mount, Eleanor Murray, Sanae Nakajima, Jim Pollare, Isabelle Proust, Shelley Rae, Nancy Roberts, Sandra Rubin, Karen Ryer, Carla Sarvis, Frank Schueler, Micah Schwaberow, Anita Selinger, Silk Moon Gallery, Astrid Shiskin-Hill, Lorna Skinner, Amy Smith, Judson King-Smith, Paula Smith, Sandra Speidel, Susandra Spicer, Graham Stafford, Jack Stuppin, Centa Theresa, Carole Watanabe, Nancy Wilkins, Brian Wilson, Nancy Winn, Wolford Glass, Adam Wolpert, B.J. Yeager and Leslie Zumwalt.

Live Auction

Ten Ten Taiko, who play the traditional drums of Japan, will perform to signal the beginning of the live auction at 7 pm in the outdoor pavilion. Items to bid on include one-of-a-kind art, premium wines, and adventure/travel packages. All items will be on display and silent auction items will be available for early bidding during the Auction Preview Exhibit, April 25-May 2.

Wine for the Discriminating Bidder

Enjoy VIP tours and tastings, or generously stock a wine cellar with collectible vintages donated by Battaglini Estate Winery, Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves, Buena Vista Carneros, Chalk Hill Winery, Cline Cellars, Dehlinger Winery, TR Elliott, Fire Station Red / Sonoma Coast Vineyards, Foppiano Vineyards, Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, Hartford Family Winery, Harvest Moon Winery, Paul Hobbs Winery, Hunter Wine Cellar /Chasseur Wines, Joseph Swan Vineyards, Kendall Jackson Winery, Kosta Browne, Lake Sonoma Winery, Matanzas Creek Winery, Paradise Ridge Winery, Ravenswood Winery, Inc., Rutherford Hill Winery, Moshin Vineyards, Sundawg Ridge Vineyard, Valley of the Moon Winery, Via Pacifica Imports, Wild Hog Vineyards and other notable vintners. Smaller lots and premium wines will also be available to acquire for a special occasion.

Live Auction Highlights

INSTANT WINE CELLAR # 1
“Gems of the Russian River Valley”
Value
6 Bottles DELHINGER 2005 Estate Pinot Noir $300
3 Bottles JOSEPH SWAN Lone Redwood Ranch Zin $ 75 Vintage 2000, 2001, 2002
4 Bottles 2002 DAVIS BYNUM “Laureles” Merlot $ 80
4 Bottles DeLOACH 2005 Sauvignon Blanc $ 56
3 Bottles KORBEL 2005 Natural Sparlking Wine $ 39
2 bottles DUNAH $ 85 2005 Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard 2004 Chardonnay, Tre Cuvee
1 Magnum PAUL HOBBS 2005 Chardonnay $ 100
1 Magnum FOPPIANO 2004 Petite Sirah $ 45
Total Retail Value: $780
Starting Bid: $375

INSTANT WINE CELLAR #2
The best of Sonoma and Napa
4 bottles 2006 CHATEAU ST JEAN Sonoma County Chardonnay $ 60
4 bottles 2005 HAFNER Alexander Valley Estate Chardonnay $ 70
1 bottle 2006 ARTEZIN Mendocino County Zinfandel $ 20
1 bottle 2005 HESS Small Block Series Napa Syrah $ 36
4 bottles 2003 RUTHERFORD HILL Napa Cabernet Sauvignon $128
4 bottles 2002 DAVIS BYNUM “Laureles” Merlot $ 80
2 bottles 2005 KORBEL Natural Sparkling Wine $ 26
1 Magnum 2003 WILD HOG Amberknolls Cabernet Sauvignon $100
1 Magnum 2003 VALLEY OF THE MOON Sonoma Co. Syrah $ 45
Retail Value: $565 Plus a Danby Wine Refrigerator $269
Total Value: $834
Starting bid: $400

More Specialty Items
1. A 3-liter bottle 2005 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay Lush and tropical with bright citrus notes and ripe apple flavors Value $130
Starting Bid $65
2. A Magnum (1.5 liter) 2005 Kosta-Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. A Cult Wine, sold out before release! Value $200
Starting Bid $100
3. A case of 12 bottles 2003 Rutherford Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Awarded 90 points by the Wine News Value $384
Starting bid $192
4. A Magnum of “Les Pavots” by Peter Michael Winery Served at the White House dinner for Queen Elizabeth Value $178
Starting Bid $90
5. A case of 2005 Chasseur Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. A CULT Wine awarded 92 points by Wine Spectator. Value $480
Starting Bid $240
6. Moshin Vineyards Package – 2005 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Includes an overnight stay, private tour and tasting Value $450
Starting Bid $225
7. Danby Wine Refrigerator Store 35-bottles at their best temperature
Value $269
Starting Bid $125

Some of our Special packages & Adventures

Four nights at a Mt. Shasta cabin & tickets to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Value: $2000
Relax in a beautiful cabin with views of majestic Mt. Shasta. This vacation retreat has 6 bedrooms, can sleep 12 guests, and has all the comforts of home. Donated by Frank and Kathy Mayhew.

Two nights at Bahia Vista in Bodega Bay Value: $400
Enjoy a fully-furnished 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath vacation home (sleeps eight) in the village overlooking Bodega Bay. It’s just a short walk to town, nearby restaurants, galleries, stores and the ocean. Donated by Paul & Pat Schoch & Judy Donatelli.

San Francisco Opera and Dinner Value: $375
A provocative summer night in the fabulous City by the Bay. Includes dinner at Absinthe Brasserie and Bar, a hot spot frequented by everyone from the theatergoing crowd to the young and chic. (Generously donated by Joanne & Terry Dale.) Then walk to the San Francisco Opera, and enjoy brilliant singing, staging and world-class orchestration.

A Day of Kayaking, Instruction and Lunch Value: $200
An all day adventure for 4 people exploring Cache Creek or Tomales Bay with ACA certified instructors Don Barch & Donna Fabiano. Includes all equipment and lunch.

Winemaker’s Abalone Dinner for Ten at Scherrer Winery Value: $500
Fred Scherrer knows wine. Scherrer Winery is a small operation focusing on the production of handcrafted wines that express the personality of the vineyards they represent. Owner/ winemaker Fred Scherrer completed his technical training at U.C. Davis and then returned to Sonoma County in 1988, making wine at Dehlinger for 10 years. During this time, Fred refined his original philosophy that "winemaking revolves around the vineyard". Donated by Jeff & Sandy Mays & Chris Nelson.

August Garden & Studio Tour for Four with Lunch Value: $500
Tour by garden designer Maile Arnold who has had several gardens featured in Sunset Magazine; has been featured on a number of national television shows on gardening; and her garden has been toured by Garden Conservancy, The Stribing Arboretum, local garden clubs and nonprofits. After a 6-course lunch featuring farm raised produce and meat, accompanied by fresh baked breads and wines from Merry Edwards, finish your afternoon by visiting sculptor Warren Arnold’s studio to view his art collection featuring Sonoma County furniture. Donated by Warren & Maile Arnold.

October Getaway Value: $800
Enjoy overnight stays Friday & Saturday October 3 & 4, 2008 on the Mendocino Coast North of Ft. Bragg. Steps to ocean and Mac Kerricher State Beach this comfortable vacation home is tucked away in its own private hideaway just steps from the sand and surf at Mac Kerricher State Park. A gentle staircase leads you to the top of the dunes and the viewing deck with bench seating. Enjoy the unrestricted ocean view of the Mendocino Coast. Beach Hideway is situated on a grassy acre with outside decking, a large hot tub, horshoes, game room and fire ring for campfires. Located minutes north of Fort Bragg and 15 minutes to Mendocino. Donated by John & Sandy Emery.

Seven days in Kailua on the side of Oahu Hawaii Value: $800
Enjoy a relaxing, sun-filled vacation, including white sandy beaches and great dining. Honu Haven is an 8 minute walk from world famous Kailua Beach Park where windsurfers, kiteboarders and beachcombers from around the world converge to enjoy the beautiful water. Within walking distance of Kailua town and a 30 minute drive to Waikiki and the Honolulu International Airport, the tranquil setting and beautiful gardens provide the perfect background for a truly wonderful tropical getaway for two people. Donated by Barbara and Ken Montgomery.

Restored Schoolhouse near Grass Valley, CA Value: $600
Built in the 1840's, and restored by architect Carl Langeberg this wonderful country retreat has four bedrooms (sleeps 8), a fully equipped kitchen, library/sitting room; washer/dryer, 2 baths & wood burning stove. The main room is 24' x 27' feet and has beautiful forest views. There are 12 acres of grounds to explore complete with luscious rose gardens. It's located past Auburn, roughly 10 miles from either Grass Valley or Nevada City. Attractions include Nevada City with its heritage as an old mining town. Perfect for a Spring or Fall visit for 3 days/2 nights. Donated by Carl & Charlotte Langeberg.

Wine Weekend for two in Plymouth Value: $450
. . .gateway to the Amador County Wineries of Shenandoah Valley Enjoy a relaxing 2-night stay in the Amador wine country and dinner at Taste Restaurant! Spend the day in the beautiful Foothill Wine Country or exploring the lovingly-maintained Gold Rush Towns. Package includes~ Dinner at Taste Restaurant; 2 nights in a vacation cottage at Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort; Daily Continental breakfast for 2 at Café at the Park, private tours at Montevina Winery and Vino Noceto and lunch at Beth Sogaard’s Amador Vintage Market. Enjoy a dinner at the New York Times touted Taste Restaurant . . . “in a one-horse Plymouth, a humble time-warp at the foot of the Shenandoah Valley, Taste is an utter surprise. . . the execution is first-rate.” New York Times, October 2006. During the day explore the 35+ award-winning wineries and in the afternoon and evening enjoy the 23-acre resort and your private, cedar-sided Vacation Cottage at Northern California’s Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort.

San Francisco Bay Whale Watching Value: $190
A whale watching natural history expedition from San Francisco Bay to the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The full day excursion unfolds as you pass underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise by the 1877 Point Bonita Light House, then head out 27 miles toward the Farallon Islands.

3 Night Stay in Mendocino Value: $1350
A three night stay at an available vacation home through Mendocino Coast Reservations (www.mendocinovacationhomes.com). Included in your vacation package are two dining gift certificates to the Mendocino Garden Room for a lunch and the Café Beaujolais for dinner. Donated by Allan Cone.

Auction Donors:
And a very big thank you to our sponsors who are generously helping to make the event possible: Geoffrey & Margaret Bolt, Bolmar Arts, Dennis & JoVonne Bolt, Chantal Vogel & Darrell Luperini, Carole & Thomas Dehlinger, Jim & Lorene Coconas, Willow Creek Financial Services, Steve & Susan Shortell, Exchange Bank and Bill Yoes. Tent Sponsors: Gerald Dixon, D.D.S., Answering & Mailbox Center, Terry & Joanne Dale, Lou Rosenberger / Far West Trading Company, and Khysie Horn / The Quicksilver Mine Co.

And an even bigger thank you to our Auction Planning Committee: Pat Schueler, Julie Cugini, Eddie LeRoy, Nancy Wilkins, Alan Wilburn, Chris Nelson, Jean McGlothlin, Kathleen Shaffer, Janice Peters and Nancy Winn.