Sonoma Antiques, Art and Undiscovered Bargains

Art galleries exhibit contemporary and vintage art, including both traditional and modern art by Sonoma artists. If you are fortunate enough to visit during an "Open Studios" event, you can visit artists working in their own studios and purchase original art works directly from them at great prices.

For those adventurous shoppers who possess patience, determination and the joy of the hunt, thrift shops, auctions and flea markets are gold mines in the search for treasure at irresistable prices.

Recycled art works can sometimes be picked up at attractive prices. The "Holy Family," mother of pearl inlay on lacquered background, is unsigned. The beautiful enamel work is by Louis Cadin, known for his charming paintings of children at play. Amanda Quick's signed original piece is "The Peales 'Ballroom Danceing,' Albuquerque-Santa Fe."

Garage sale-ing has become a national passion. Garage sales offer benefits beyond finding forgotten treasures lying at the bottom of a box of garage clutter. Your garage sale quest may lead you down picturesque backroads. Rubbing elbows with locals is a good way to experience the Sonoma County culture, and get friendly tips from fellow shoppers about little-known local things of interest. Pick up a local paper to check "garage sales" in the classified ads section and be prepared for some great bargains.