The Sonoma Community Center Podcast : Recent Episodes
Molly Spencer and Gerardo Diaz
In this inaugural episode we introduce you to the Sonoma Community Center! A historic 108 year old building that is the heart of Sonoma Valley and where creativity and community come together. We bring you stories past and present, current info on art and cultural classes and interviews with the people and artists who walk through these historic doors.
Jose Martinez keeps his head in the clouds and pours his heart onto the canvas. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico and migrating to CA , Jose Martinez found his way to painting and hot air ballooning. Through his artwork, he expresses commentary on social and culturally relevant issues through the medium of paint and mixed media. Jose is also a flyer of hot air ballooning co., Sonoma Ballooning Co. Teaching bilingual paint nights in the North Bay including the Community Center, Jose has become a positive force for his students everywhere. Jose is the 2023 Dia de Muertos artist with a gallery show up in October & November. We are delighted to bring Jose’s calm and positive attitude to the airwaves.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, is an intimate interview with our very own podcast co- host, Jose Gerardo Diaz Lerma. A born storyteller , Chef G. and known to some as “Grande” , ( legit name won in an arm wrestling contest ) shares his up and down rollercoaster story of love, hardship, food, friendships and family. From his early days in Mazatlán, cooking with his beloved Grandma, to crossing the border, life in Sonoma and the beautiful love story of meeting his wife, Sonia. Of course Chef G. schools us on the best Mexican food and recipes close to his heart.
"Try Something New" is a personal motto of Simon and Kimberly Blattner and that is personified in the journey of their lives.
A muse is defined as a person or a personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist and The Center has an annual tradition of choosing a notable local as a muse and then celebrating them with a gala. The 2023 Muses this year are - drumroll please - Simon and Kimberly Blattner.
We sit down and learn about Simon's adventures from starting a non-profit in SF's Haight Ashbury, his love for the Oakland A's, adventures in papermaking, rolling down a printing press to start the Printmaking department here at the Center in 2007, and of course, it's a love story of how Simon met Kimberly. No slouch herself and a wonderful conversationalist is Kimberly! A teacher, ex-competitive swimmer, and classical musical lover who opens up the conversation about nylon strings vs. "gut strings" on instruments.
A casual and fun interview, we learn what inspires our Muses and why it makes them such generous hearts that they have become to the community of Sonoma.
Turiya Gross is a Ceramic Artist based in Taos, New Mexico and has been an artist in residence as well as instructor at the Sonoma Community Center. Her work is influenced by her upbringing in Mexico, her experiences in a Craft Community in Upstate New York, learning Turkish brushstroke and her travels and residencies all over. She aims to create pieces that encourage people to slow down and appreciate craftsmanship. A message of connection that handmade objects and everyday rituals bring simple pleasures.
Robert Mahar describes himself as craft driven, design inspired and vintage obsessed on his IG page (15.6K followers.) We think of him as a Craft Master and are lucky enough to have him as a Community Center instructor and a wonderful addition to the Sonoma Valley community!
He is an ambassador to Spoonflower, Alumni of NBC’s Crafting Competition Show, “Making It”, and had a highly successful Youtube channel, Crafted - all before COVID when everyone started shootING tutorials! In addition, he is a volunteer to non-profit organization, Miry's List that welcomes new arrival refugee families into our communities through inspired crowdsourcing solutions.
Robert teaches imaginative and contemporary crafts from vintage projects and DYI projects all over the nation but also shares with us his inspiration and journey from growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Subscribe and let us know what you think of our interview with Robert!
Gary Saperstein is everywhere! With what seems to be boundless energy, he is the owner and operator of Out in the Vineyard, an experimental Wine Tour and Events Company for the LGBTQ+, Director of Development of Face to Face,a non profit with a mission to end HIV in Sonoma County and our delightful Master of Ceremonies at SCC’s Trashion Fashion Runway Show.
Gary shares his experiences and stories of his youth on Long Island, life during 80's New York and the devastation AIDS had on the community. With a move to the West Coast, he fell in love with Sonoma Valley and has been an ambassador and advocate ever since! Plus "diet tips" to get in shape for Gay Wine Weekend and Gary's love for cooking, entertaining and local restaurant faves in the "What's For Lunch?" segment.
Shouts out to Costa's Tacos, Spread Kitchen and the Girl and the Fig!
It's all about food in episode 3! First up, we interview the Sonoma Community Center Culinary Arts Director, Elise Sahota - Gonzales. Spearheading the Community Kitchen program, Elise shares the food clubs, the partnerships, and classes taking place at the Center. She also talks about being a 6th generation Sonoman, living in India, and her vision for a delicious future.
In the "what's for lunch segment" - we talk to Josh Cutler, Director of Operations about best places to eat in Sonoma Valley and talk a little turkey about the free Thanksgiving that we host every year for the community.
In episode two, we deep dive into the thriving world of Sonoma Ceramics and interview emerging Artist in Residence, Reniel del Rosario! He shares his upbringing, upcoming Gallery 212 exhibit; MOFO ( Museum of Found Objects), "bootleg" work, and his penchant for creating fake establishments that question acquisitions, appropriation, art, and antiquity. We also got ya covered on the upcoming holiday workshops and events at The Center!
First up we share the story of Scream, the Wes Craven horror movie that was filmed here in 1996, an interview with our Executive Director, Charlotte Hajer and an entertaining segment on what’s for lunch. November update of classes, workshops and our annual Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead event.