What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
A new Thiebaud exhibit at SebArts, city council meeting, AfroBrazilian dance, whale sounds art and more
Sebastopol Library this month
The Sebastopol Library building will be closed from Jan. 5-25, but the Sonoma County Library’s BiblioBus will be there on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 1 pm and 5 pm.
County Line Dancing
Monday, Jan. 5, 6 pm, at Hopmonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $12.75.
Start something new this year. Join Hopmonk for some boot-scootin’ line dances! Dance lessons start at 6 pm. Get tickets.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
This week the Sebastopol City Council will conduct a public hearing on zoning code amendments. It will also decide which councilmembers get to sit on various city and county committees. There will also be a discussion about magazine and newspaper boxes. Find the agenda and documentation here.
Common Threads Fiber Night
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 4 pm to 6 pm, at Gather, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Every Wednesday at Gather, doors are open for an easygoing evening of fiber arts and community. Bring whatever you’re working on—knitting, crochet, embroidery, mending, or any project that feels good in your hands—and settle in with fellow makers for a few hours of quiet craft and good company. Common Threads is a space to unwind midweek, share skills, and be surrounded by people who love making things, slowly and with care. Whether you’re brand-new to fiber arts or have been stitching for years, you’re welcome here.
Album release party for “Stories In The Heart” by Back pOrchEstra!
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6 pm to 8:30 pm, at Hopmonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Come to the album release party for “Stories in the Heart” (LP & CD & digital) by Back pOrchEstra, with special guests Kathy Kennedy (vocals) and Mingo Lewis, Jr. (congas, percussion). Presented by Peacetown at Hopmonk. Learn more.
Mind-Body Skills Group
Thursday, Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, 10 am to 11:15 am, at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. $60.
Self-care is health care. Come nurture yourself in the safety of a small, supportive 6-week group and learn to use a variety of mind-body techniques for stress management, enhancing your capacity for resilience and self-awareness. We will learn evidence-based practices, some ancient and some modern, such as guided imagery, biofeedback, art, forgiveness, mindful movement and meditation. Members $48, non-members $60. Register now.
Spoken Word Poetry
Thursday, Jan. 8, 4:20 pm to 6:30 pm, at Sonoma Chocolatiers, 6988 McKinley, Sebastopol. Free.
Enjoy chocolate and a warm beverage while enjoying some poetry. Call or come in to the store to sign up to read your work.
Opening Reception: Whale Sounds on a Canvas
Saturday, Jan. 10, 3 pm to 5 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. Free.
Join the Laguna Foundation for the opening of Whale Sounds on a Canvas II, the next evolution of Firuze Gokce’s ocean-inspired art series. Transforming whale vocalizations into vivid abstract visuals, Firuze combines hand-drawn micro-pen illustrations with digital color to create immersive works that bridge science and art. Her flowing lines, waves, and vibrant palettes invite viewers into a dreamlike space where they can feel connected to whales and the ocean, experiencing both wonder and the urgency of conservation. Through her work, Firuze seeks to awaken empathy, deepen awareness, and celebrate the harmony of life beneath the surface.
Opening Reception: The Unknown Thiebaud
Saturday, Jan. 10, 4 pm to 6 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $15.
Wayne Thiebaud’s lushly painted still lifes of cakes, pies and gumball machines are icons of modern American art. But there is another large body of Thiebaud’s art that is relatively unknown: his prints. Thiebaud had a lifelong passion for printmaking—his first print was made on pieces of linoleum he ran through the wringer of his mother’s washing machine. He continued making prints until well into his 90s. This exhibition will highlight Thiebaud’s printed artwork spanning six decades, exploring common themes and subject matter and the artist’s unusual working method. In addition, the exhibition will focus on Thiebaud’s extraordinary relationship with his New York gallerist Allan Stone. Stone gave Thiebaud his first major exhibition and continued to represent him for over 45 years, a legendary relationship in the art world. The exhibition runs from Jan. 10 to Mar. 8. Get tickets.
Late for the Train
Saturday, Jan. 10, 8 pm, at Hopmonk (in the Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. $26.94.
The band, Late for the Train, was born from an eclectic group of musicians who all share a love of American roots music. Part songwriter’s storybook and part jamgrass playground, the band’s powerful live show uplifts the spirit and rouses the soul. Get tickets.
Brunch, Bubbles and Vision Boards
Sunday, Jan. 11, 11 am to 1 pm, Balletto Vineyards and Winery. $46.57.
Here’s a fun new year activity. Enjoy a beautifully styled setup with all the materials you need to create a vision board that brings your dreams and goals to life. Your ticket includes a delicious brunch from Shugcuterie Mobile Charcuterie Bar plus your first glass of bubbly or orange juice. Come connect, create, and leave feeling inspired and aligned for the year ahead. Get tickets.
Paper Collage from Start to Finish
Sunday, Jan. 11, 11 am to 3 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $130.
Join French-American collage artist Catherine Cruz for a new comprehensive collage workshop designed to guide you through the complete process of creating a finished collage on wood panel. Her hands-on process will cover every step—from surface preparation and design to varnishing and wiring. You will learn presentation tips to give your artwork a professional finish. Reserve your spot.
AfroBrazilian Dance & Spiritual Movement Workshop
Sunday, Jan. 11, 11:30 am to 12:45 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $25.
Join teacher Olissa-Francisco on Sunday, Jan. 11 for a deep and beautiful dive into intentional and spiritual movement with live percussion. We’ll be exploring rhythms and movements from the rich AfroBrazilian dance traditions, and connecting deeply with ourselves, each other, and our unique expression. Please register via Venmo: Olissa-Francisco. Cash and Venmo accepted on day of. Email: Olissa.biz@gmail.com. Learn more.
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