The weekend officially begins with the Champagne Preview, Pre-Sale, Judges' Critique, and announcement of the Volunteer of the Year on Friday, August 20, at 5 p.m. It affords the visitor the opportunity to view and purchase artwork before the crowds of Saturday descend. Outdoors on the amphitheater stage, judges Wendy Mattson of El Dorado Hills, Chris Johnson of Oakland, and Tony Sheets of Sebastopol will explain the basis for their award decisions, often selecting a few specific works to illustrate their presentation. Admission to the Champagne Preview and Judgesâ Critique is $5 per person and includes one glass of champagne.

Meet our judges!