Art Rewards the Student (A.R.T.S.)

Art Rewards the Student (A.R.T.S.) is a program of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art that employs teaching artists to deliver arts education in the schools. The program includes classroom visits to the museum and exhibits student work as part of its activities. Its current focus is on fourth and fifth graders, and an expansion program for third graders is underway.

• Ages: 9–11 years old

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art’s mission is “Building Community Around Art.” Art Rewards the Student (A.R.T.S.) was introduced in 2000 as part of the museum, which was established and incorporated in 1998 and opened its first exhibit, “Sonoma Collects,” a year later. The museum provides seasonal exhibitions of contemporary and modern art and educational and public programming for children, youth, and adults.

Art Rewards the Student (A.R.T.S.) is part of SVMA’s broader community involvement, which includes employing teaching artists in schools, hosting classroom visits, and exhibiting student work. SVMA has had nearly 200 volunteers who contribute by welcoming visitors, preparing and promoting exhibitions, raising funds, and helping manage the facility and its activities by serving on the Board of Directors and Advisory Council, with additional opportunities to help with special events throughout the year. SVMA established a DEAI Committee to implement an organization-wide plan to address racial, cultural, economic, and social inequity in the community and to prioritize diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

The leadership team connected to the program’s home museum includes Linda Keaton, Executive Director and Chief Curator; Margie Maynard, Deputy Director, Engagement & Exhibitions; Rachel Anderson, Operations Coordinator; Debbie Barker, Director of Development and Marketing; and Mary Byerly, Visitor Services Associate. SVMA is a membership-supported non-profit organization, and Executive Director Linda Keaton has been recognized for innovative community collaborations and contributions to arts and culture through numerous awards and grants.

Staff credentials at SVMA include extensive experience in arts, education, and related fields. Linda Keaton has been an arts administrator, curator, and educator for over 25 years, was appointed to CREATE CALIFORNIA by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlkason, holds an MA in Art with distinction and a BA in Art History with a minor in Humanities with honors, and has curated over 45 museum exhibitions. Margie Maynard earned a B.A. in art history and has 30 years of experience heading museum experience and education departments at Experience Music Project in Seattle, San Jose Museum of Art, and Laguna Art Museum, and began her career at the Phoenix Art Museum as education coordinator and then assistant curator of education. Rachel Anderson worked for over thirty years as a production editor and manager for Bay Area book publishers and is a long-time student and certified teacher of Sogetsu Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging). Debbie Barker was formerly the international director for the Center for Food Safety and director of the International Forum on Globalization, has written publications including Trade Matters: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Impacts on Food and Farming and The Wheel of Life: Food, Climate, Human Rights, and the Economy, contributed to the United Nations’ report International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development, and has participated in international forums such as the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change, the European Parliament, U.S. Congressional briefings, and guest lectured at universities.

A community testimonial describes SVMA as “a unique cultural asset that brings art, artists, lectures, and art instruction to the Sonoma Community” and notes that the museum offers “ever changing year-round exhibitions.”

Last updated June 26, 2026.