Local Artist Ann Hollister returns to the Charles Creek Vineyard Tasting Room and Gallery in downtown Sonoma with a new exhibition of brilliant and colorful works. The show, which combines aspects of calligraphy with watercolor and acrylics, runs  through January 31, 2012.

Ann Hollister’s work is a fusion of styles: calligraphy, watercolors, acrylics and the influence on her life of living in the Hawaiian Islands.  The acrylic paintings are the newest addition to her work.  

Dragons and jazz invite the viewer to visually and mentally enter the paintings and enjoy the secrets to be found.  In the abstract work, boldness, yet attention to detail, adds intrigue.

Hollister partnered with Terry Englehart in the Pengraphics Studio of Calligraphy and Graphic Design in Oakland for six years.  She taught calligraphy in San Francisco and Oakland, California and Kealakakua and Honolulu, Hawai’i. Her work has been shown in California, Hawai’i and Germany. She now lives in Sonoma with her feline assistant, Isabelle.

Specializing in high quality Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Syrah and Grenache (among others) from great vineyard sources in the Sonoma and Napa Counties, Charles Creek Vineyard produces wines that are food friendly, fruit driven and easily paired with the courses of a meal. The winery Tasting Room is conveniently situated in a charming 1890s era storefront on the historic Sonoma Plaza.  Here, visitors can sample the very best Chardonnay in the state. That’s not just an idle claim, either. Charles Creek’s 2009 Las Patolitas Chardonnay was awarded 98 points at the California State Fair, won the Double Gold, Best of Class and most importantly, was named the Best Chardonnay in California. As Alan Wastell, tasting room manager for Charles Creek, says, “It takes more time to read the award than it does to drink a glass of the wine!” It is only fitting that the state’s best wine can be found at one of California’s most celebrated settings. The ’09 Patolitas Chardonnay is the perfect accompaniment for your visit to this magical place.

The Charles Creek Vineyard Tasting Room and Gallery, open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., is located at 483 First Street West, on the historic Plaza in downtown Sonoma. For more information, call (707) 935-3848 or email alan@charlescreek.com.