Occidental
Arts Literary Series
Join the Occidental Center for the Arts for their Arts Literary Series, featuring Glen Ellen author Elisa Stancil Levine and former Sonoma County poet laureate and biologist Maya Khosla, as they share work in recognition of the five-year anniversary of the 2017 fires. Both writers will read from their recent works, This or Something Better, A Memoir of Resilience by Levine, and All the Fires of the Wind and Light by Khosla. After the reading, a conversation built around coping with fear, the relentless nature of change and the broader impacts of fire, beyond even our human experiences, will be held, with invitation to the audience for open discussion. The event is Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Way. 4-6pm. Free. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org
Healdsburg
Indiginous Voices
Join The 222 in Healdsburg for Indiginous Voices, literary events celebrating the work of two award-winning Indigenous American poets, poet Jennifer Foerster, and poet, writer and small press publisher Lucille Lang Day. The first event of the series will feature Foerster, reading from her latest book and joining prize-winning Healdsburg poet Denise Low—European and Lenape/Munsee—in a dialogue about the inner workings of the poetry world, and the Indiginous experience. Foerster, an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, explores the language and culture of her heritage in her writings. Other themes include ecology, history and the human capacity for violence.“Merging the poetic with the prophetic, Foerster offers a startling vision of how to navigate this broken world and its resilient beauty,” said Rigoberto González, Rutgers MFA director. The first night of Indiginous Voices is Sunday, Oct. 9 at 222 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 7pm. Tickets $20. www.the222.org
Petaluma
Honoring Life Exhibition
In the midst of this spooky season, and the beauty of celebrating those who have moved on, Petaluma Arts Center is taking a slightly different approach with their event, Honoring Life: Love and Remembrance. The new event uses the process of artmaking to address and appreciate how different cultures and communities pay homage to those who have passed away. Though practices of honoring our departed may differ, the common ground of expressing through art ties us together. Petaluma Arts Center hopes to provide a supportive, creative and respectful environment, inviting a spiritual, historical and socio-culturally inclusive experience. Honoring Life: Love and Remembrance opening reception is Oct. 6 at Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville St. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. www.petalumaartscenter.org
Sebastopol
Farm Trails
One of the best features of fall in Sonoma County is the Farm Trails Fall Tour. Sonoma Farm Trails’ member ranches, farms and agricultural producers will be open to the public for tours, demonstrations, tastings, workshops and more. This is an incredible way to appreciate all that SoCo agriculture has to offer! “Autumn in Sonoma County is a bountiful time of year, and we’re thrilled to be able to share the season’s agricultural splendor with the public,” said Farm Trails program manager and tour coordinator Ellen Cavalli. “All ages are welcome to learn more about where their food, drink and flowers come from, and to forge a stronger connection with their local farmers and producers.” Attendees will be able to choose their own agrarian adventure from nearly two dozen farms and artisan producers. The Fall Trails Fall Tour is Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9, all day. Registration is free, and required. www.farmtrails.org
—Jane Vick
