THIS WEEK: On the podcast: Slice of Life; online: River Revelry, Sunset Fandango on the Petaluma River; events: Terrain Shift art opening + Paint and Sip workshop
This week on the podcast, we’re up close and personal with Clark Wolf, as he describes how to judge a pie contest. Just how do you judge a range of flavors from a root beer float apple pie to a savory biscuit and bacon apple pie? Hint, they take a cue from the wine industry…
There’s an event coming up that’s so particular to this place that it’s remained a community favorite for almost twenty years. The Sunset Fandango, a benefit for Friends of the Petaluma River is on August 29. The vibes are high and being outdoors at sunset with a crowd of like-minded people celebrating our local river/slough (that literally links to the San Francisco Bay!) is amazing.
And in the realm of local arts, don’t miss an art opening for work by by Karen Olsen-Dunn at the G street gallery August 22 in the Watershed building. This striking exhibit of work is inspired by our own sonoma county landscapes. And the following week, try your own hand at painting with Genevieve Elkins Paint & Sip workshop. Read on to find out more!
THIS WEEK’S PODCAST: Slice of Life or “How to Judge a Pie Contest”
In this week’s podcast, the Great Gravenstein Bake Off contest winners have been announced. There are two apple pie baking categories: one for home bakers and another for professional chefs. Celebrity judges included: Clark Wolf (our own James Beard Award winner & radio personality) Betsy Fischer (retired Director of SRJC’s Culinary Arts Program), Donna del Rey (Relish Culinary Adventures), Emily Ash Lamb (The Good Food Hour), Sebastopol Mayor Jill McLewis, Ozzy Jimenez (Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar), Sean McGaughey (Quail & Condor / Troubadour), and chef and cookbook author Stephanie Klassen.
It was their very enviable task to taste and determine which of the entries were the best and most creative of pies, listen in to find out how they did it…
ONLINE: Sunset Fandango
4:00 PM 8:30 PM Saturday, August 29, 2026 Steamer Landing Park, 6 Copeland Street Petaluma
There are plenty of ways to throw a fundraiser, but Friends of the Petaluma River (an educational organization dedicated to the conservation of the Petaluma River) has always had a memorable approach: put people outside, next to the water, serve them good food, (paella!) and let the river inspire them.
That’s the idea behind Sunset Fandango, their annual benefit, which returns from 4:00 PM 8:30 PM, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 to the David Yearsley River Heritage Center at Steamer Landing Park for an evening of food, music, dancing and riverfront revelry. The organization’s mission is to celebrate and conserve the Petaluma River through education and stewardship, and this is their biggest, (and most fun!) fundraiser of the year. Read more here>
EVENT: Contours: Human Landscapes: work by Debra Seal
Opening Reception: 4–7 p.m Saturday, Aug. 22 Studio LZ The WaterShed 429 1st St Ste 130, Petaluma
You have to see these in person to really appreciate them! Debra Seal’s new exhibition, Contours, invites viewers to encounter the human form with fresh eyes. By transforming the body into abstract, landscape-like compositions, the work moves beyond familiar social assumptions and encourages an appreciation of its raw shapes, texture, and natural beauty. Building on the conversations prompted by her earlier exhibitions, particularly around the representation of women, Seal provokes curiosity and acceptance in place of the prejudice and the preconceived notions embedded in our collective consciousness.
EVENT: Terrain Shift: work by Karen Olsen-Dunn
Opening Reception: 4–7 p.m Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, G Street Gallery, Watershed Building, 429 1st Street, Petaluma Exhibition Dates: Aug. 17–Nov. 1, 2026
Terrain Shift explores landscape as a site of continual change. Drawing from coastal bluffs, oak-studded hills, working farmland and other familiar Northern California environments, Olsen-Dunn examines how place is shaped by natural forces, human intervention and shifting perception.
EVENT: Paint & Sip with Genevieve Elkin
5:30 PM 7:30 PM Friday, September 4, 2026 Petaluma Arts Center 230 Lakeville Street Petaluma
Spend a relaxed evening painting a scenic view in acrylics, guided step-by-step with plenty of room to add your own creative flair. Sip wine or another beverage, bring friends or meet new ones, and enjoy an evening of creativity and connection. Limited to 16 participants; advance registration required. No experience needed - just show up and create. $65 Member | $75 Non-Member Tickets here>