Arts Guild News
Arts Guild of Sonoma announces winners of the 2026 Annual Juried show:“Passages”
Grand Prize went to Sandy Young for her piece, Child of the Universe
Sandy Young is an award-winning mixed media artist known for her innovative use of materials. She works in layers, often combining layers of kiln-formed glass with photography and painting to create dimensional art pieces. Her work explores concepts of time, dimension and the inner experience.
“I express moments in time that not only represent the physical, but that includes the inner experience, as well. My work is a metaphor for the multiple dimensions of life experience. Markings and handwriting symbolically represent tracings of internal experience. Distressed and fragmented layers allude to the passage of time…As with memory, one moment is erased, while the next is painted, leaving only impressions of the first.”
Judges comments: “Composition, the way it was made, nuance of dimensionality, and craftsmanship. A visual poem. ”
First of two Honorable Mentions went to John Comisky for his piece, Bow Wake
John is a freelance photographer living in Napa since 2013. He has traveled to every continent of the world, to capture compelling images of places, wildlife, hidden beauty and imaginative compositions. His work has been published in Smithsonian Magazine, National Audubon Magazine, Outdoor California, Photocrowd and was awarded artist of the month 3 times by the Napa Library program. His work can be viewed in the Art Association of Napa Valley’s Gallery at 1307 1st Street in Napa and at www.johncomiskyphoto.com.Second of two Honorable Mentions went to Renate Kuprian for her piece, Porta Dentro
Second of two Honorable Mentions went to Renate Kuprian for her piece, Porta Dento
Renate Kuprian is an artist and educator based in Santa Rosa, California. Originally from Merano, Italy, her European background and love of nature provides a unique context that informs her work. She received a B.A. in Art and a minor in Art History from Sonoma State University in 2003, where she was also named to the Dean’s List at the School of Arts and Humanities.Kuprian’s artwork has been featured in exhibitions in both the United States and Europe. Notable showings include “La belle fleure” in Santa Rosa, CA, and multiple exhibitions at “Hotel Alpenland” in Italy and “Gallery Bodeck” in Hannover, Germany. In addition to her artistic practice, she is an experienced teacher of art at SVHS in Sonoma and the founder of a summer art camp at Summerfield Waldorf School. Her career trajectory highlights a blend of professional experience in the European hotel industry and a deep commitment to art education and creation.
“Passages” runs from Dec. 31, 2025 through February 2, 2026. Arts Guild of Sonoma: 140 E. Napa St., Sonoma CA 95476. artsguildofsonoma.org
