I photographed the Plein Air Gala at Cline Winery on Friday,  May 21st. Every year the Plein Air festivities, including a Gala and a Saturday morning exhibit of all the artists' paintings in the Plaza, raise money for the art activities and education for children in the Sonoma schools and in the community. Louann Carlomagno, Superindent of the Sonoma schools, spoke of the importance the art programs have in developing students' critical thinking abilities.

To see photos, go to www. pictage.com/831267.

In case you are wondering what plein air means, I have a definition for you from www.about.com:

"Plein air is painting done outside rather than in a studio. The term comes from the French en plein air, meaning 'in the open air'. The Impressionists were particularly interested in the influence of changing light outdoors on color".