Artistry in Wood: Inside Sonoma County’s Premier Woodworking Exhibition

How Local Woodworkers Built One of North America’s Most Respected Art ShowsIn this episode, we head inside the 36th Annual Artistry in Wood Exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, joined by two masters of the medium and curators of the show: John Cobb, a renowned professional woodturner, and Don Jereb, master woodworker and longtime leader of the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association.Together, they pull back the curtain on how raw, locally sourced wood becomes museum-grade art — and how a once-local gathering evolved into one of the most respected woodworking exhibitions in North America.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow John Cobb discovered woodturning and developed his signature hollow forms and bowls from reclaimed Bay Area timberDon Jereb’s path into fine woodworking — from furniture-making to curating a museum exhibitionThe origins and mission of the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association, founded by graduates of the College of the RedwoodsHow Artistry in Wood grew over 36 years from a regional show into a nationally respected exhibitionThe curatorial and judging process: what separates good craftsmanship from exceptional artistic expressionThe relationship between function and fine art in woodworking — furniture, sculpture, and everything in betweenStandout works and artists featured in this year’s exhibition, including advanced turning, inlay, and sculptural formsHow community, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing shape the woodworking worldWhy this exhibition matters — not as a career shortcut, but as a celebration of skill, creativity, and traditionExhibition Details🪵 36th Annual Artistry in Wood Exhibition 📍 Museum of Sonoma County — Santa Rosa, CA 🗓️ On view now through May 24, 2026🎶 Special Concert Event 🗓️ February 1, 2:00–3:30 PM 🎻 Featuring musical instruments by Santa Rosa-based instrument maker Andrew CarruthersWhy This Episode MattersArtistry in Wood challenges the outdated divide between “craft” and “fine art.” Through the voices of its curators, this conversation explores how woodworking sits on a creative continuum — where precision, material knowledge, and imagination meet.Whether you’re an artist, maker, design lover, or simply curious about how objects are made, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Sonoma County’s most respected cultural exhibitions.Explore MoreVisit the exhibition at the Museum of Sonoma CountyLearn more about the Sonoma County Woodworkers AssociationDiscover the work of John Cobb and Don Jereb👉 Follow the show for more conversations with artists, cultural leaders, and the people shaping Sonoma County’s creative landscape.🍺 Crack One Open: Craft Beer PairingIn our Crack One Open segment, we pair the episode with Tipple, a Wet Hop Winter Ale from Moonlight Brewing. Brewed with freshly harvested Sonoma County hops and layered onto a dark, roasty ale, Tipple delivers notes of burnt coffee, toasted caramel, orange peel, and subtle spice. At 6.7% ABV, it’s a balanced, warming winter beer — and a perfect match for conversations about craftsmanship.Limited release — grab it while it’s fresh.