Art4Kids Youth Education Program

Art4Kids Youth Education Program includes a gallery tour and onsite art program that features a tour of the Museum of Sonoma County and the Community Gallery. Each visit includes a short art project inspired by the current exhibition in the Community Gallery, with optional follow-up art lessons offered in classrooms. The program also offers hands-on arts education in classrooms, with options for shortened lessons, self-guided lessons, and self-guided tours upon request.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Docent-led tours need at least 2 weeks advance request.
• Price: We welcome school groups, teachers and parents to apply for our free art program!

In 2015, the Museum of Sonoma County launched the Art4Kids Youth Education Program. As of 2023, the program is open for grades K through 12th, with curriculum developed each season based on the California Visual Arts Content Standards and inspired by the museum's current exhibition. The program uses Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) to engage students with artwork, and each program consists of one gallery tour and onsite art program, with optional follow-up classroom lessons. Art4Kids is available to all schools in Sonoma County with Title I classification, and the Museum employs a diverse team of teaching artists to bring hands-on arts education into underserved classrooms in Sonoma County. The Art4Kids program is supported by funding from the Community Foundation Sonoma County and Creative Sonoma.

The Museum of Sonoma County lists a leadership and governance team that includes staff, board members, leadership council, and trustee emeritus roles. Key staff roles include Executive Director Karen Wise, Deputy Director and History Curator Eric Stanley, Art Curator Jennifer Bethke, Director of Programs and Education Lana Michaels, and Education Coordinator Carissa Nacol, along with additional staff in development, membership, exhibitions, facilities, visitor services, collections, and office management. The Board of Directors is chaired by Estelle H. Rogers, Esq, with officers and members including a vice-chair, interim treasurer, secretary, and multiple directors. The Leadership Council and Trustee Emeritus group include named individuals who support the organization in advisory and legacy roles. The mission of the Museum of Sonoma County is to engage and inspire a diverse community with art and history exhibitions, collections, and public programs that are inclusive, educational, and relevant.

Last updated March 28, 2026.