Curious juvenile river otter pups splash around in the aquatic rehabilitation pond at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in Cotati. (photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Baby river otters can’t swim.
It’s true: even though they need fresh water to survive, pups are not born with the instinct or ability to navigate their namesake environment. They must be taught to move, dive and hunt in water. Much like human babies, they may even require some encouragement.
“The mothers bring them down to the water and swim around with them. They force them into the water. They grab them by their leg, or their ear, or whatever. They put them into the water and teach them to swim,” explains Megan Isadore, executive director of the Marin-based River Otter Ecology Project.
Lessons begin when the pups are a few months old — which is right about now. Born mid-February through mid-April, young river otters begin dipping their webbed toes in the waters of adulthood, as it were, at the same time locals begin taking to our waterways en masse.
Meet-cutes are inevitable. But it’s important to remember that these playful river-dwellers are also learning valuable life skills.
Juvenile river otter pups snuggle up in the aquatic rehabilitation pond at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in Cotati. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
“People need to be really aware when they’re around baby otters not to get close to them and not to get between them and their mothers,” Isadore says. “River otters are extremely adorable, and they’re clickbait for photographers. But the rule of thumb is that if the otters are looking at you, you’re too close. Use a big lens and back off.”
River otters live all over Sonoma County, a testament to the value of our open spaces and clear waters — from the coast, where they usually hang around the mouths of creeks and rivers; to the interior hills and valleys, where they may be spotted frolicking in vineyard ponds; to the top of the Mayacamas, in parks like Hood Mountain and Sugarloaf Ridge. Another favorite habitat is the Laguna de Santa Rosa, and particularly Santa Rosa Creek, where paths on both sides offer ample viewing opportunities.
River otters were once thought to be lost from much of the rest of the region as a result of trapping, pollution and habitat loss. But today, the outlook is strong.
“They’re very adaptable and very opportunistic,” Isadore says. “They’re becoming an increasingly urban animal all over the Bay Area. River otters here are doing great.”
Even if the babies still need a little help learning to swim.
Late abstract expressionist painter and community activist Arthur Monroe. (Courtesy of Sonoma Valley Museum of Art)
“Arthur Monroe: A Tow to Carry” is a bold new show at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art well worth a visit this summer.
The late abstract expressionist painter and community activist was an important member of the Beat circle in San Francisco’s North Beach and later set up one of the first live-work studios in the landmark Oakland Cannery.
He was dear friends with musician Charlie Parker and closely connected to other abstract painters, including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Hans Hofmann. Curated in part by the artist’s son, Alastair Monroe, this is the first major show of Monroe’s vibrant, spirited canvases in nearly two decades.
The exhibition of Monroe’s work — over 25 pieces from 1958 to 2011 — runs through Sept. 8 at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.
The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. General admission is $10 and free for SVMA members and those 18 and under. Admission is free every Wednesday.
Mina Stess, skateboarder from Petaluma, at a skateboarding competition in Dubai. (Bryce Kanights/Courtesy Andrew Stess)
When Minna Stess was younger, she watched Olympic swimming and gymnastics on television. Never did she imagine that the sport she loved most — skateboarding — could one day propel her to that level of elite competition.
Stess, a Petaluma native, couldn’t have foreseen that skateboarding would one day be featured in the world’s greatest games, or that she might be skating with the best of the best.
“I never thought skating would become an Olympic sport, so it’s kind of crazy to think about,” says Stess. “It’s so cool that I have the opportunity to get this close.”
Now 18, Stess has already achieved the amazing, if not the impossible. She is currently the No. 3 ranked female Park Skate competitor in the U.S., and No. 13 in the world. She’s also set to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Petaluma’s Minna Stess competes in the Rio Park and Street World Championships in Rio de Janeiro earlier in October 2022. (Photo by Bryce Kanights)
Stess’s Olympic event, Park Skate, takes place on a bowl-shaped course with sloping ramps, quarter pipes and bumps in a test of speed, momentum and aerial maneuvers. It differs from the other Olympic skateboarding event, Street Skate, in the type of obstacles. Both Park and Street skateboarding were added to the Olympic roster for the 2020 Tokyo games.
The Women’s Park Skate events at the Paris games are scheduled for Aug. 6. Judges score as individual skaters perform three 45-second runs, with each skater’s best score from all three runs used to determine the winners.
Stess began skateboarding while still in diapers and was winning major amateur competitions by the time she was 8 years old. The local prodigy first competed in the X Games at just 11 years old.
More recently, she made a name for herself as a world-class park skate competitor. In 2021, she won gold at the 2021 USA National Championships’ Women’s Park competition, putting her among the top two women in the U.S. for the event, and among the top 15 in the world.
Petaluma skateboarder Mina Stess, 18, at a skateboarding competition in Dubai. (Bryce Kanights/Courtesy Andrew Stess)
Stess made her mark again by earning a bronze medal at the World Skateboarding Championship last October, becoming the first American ever to medal in the women’s event.
This past spring’s final Olympic qualifying stretch has been “nerve-racking.” Stess competed in the final pair of qualifier series competitions — in Shanghai May 16-19 and in Budapest June 20-23 — and ranked in each No. 16 and No. 13, respectively.
Shanghai “was a cool experience,” Stess says, “but it was definitely a lot.”
“These last two series have more points, so it’s a lot more pressure,” she explains. As of late June, Stess qualified for this summer’s Olympic Games.
Stess is one of at least three Olympians with ties to Sonoma County competing in the Paris games. Freestyle BMX rider Nikita Ducarroz was raised in Glen Ellen and competes for the Swiss national team. And Forestville’s Stephen Tomasin, a former collegiate All-American, is a member of the men’s national rugby sevens team.
Summer is in full swing and Sonoma County hotel properties are giving folks near and far a plethora of reasons to plan a trip to Wine Country. From renovations and re-openings, to pool parties and craft cocktails, here are nine options worth adding to your summer to-do list.
Small But Mighty
The Stavrand is the first and only Sonoma County hotel to be welcomed into the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) portfolio. SLH is comprised of 570 independent hotels in over 90 countries; every property is visited, verified and vetted.
Guest room in the Cazadero House at The Stavrand Russian River Valley. (Courtesy of The Stavrand)
Dating back to the early 1920s, the Guerneville property includes the local landmark Belden House, a Mission Revival home designed by architect John Carl Warnecke as a country retreat for Guerneville banker Ralph “Rooster” Belden and his family. It was converted into a bed and breakfast in the early 1980s. The hotel features 21 renovated rooms in three buildings. 13555 Highway 116, Guerneville, 707-869-9093, thestavrand.com
Cheers to Curated Cocktails
Farmhouse Inn is shaking up summer with the introduction of a new craft cocktail program. Long known for its extensive wine list, the boutique hotel in Forestville never offered cocktails until now. A couple of our favorite current offerings include the Porch Swing with vodka and housemade lavender lemonade ($17) and Gin & Juice with gin, elderflower and Gewurztraminer grape juice ($17). Expect new things to sip as the seasons change, with herbs and flowers grown on property thrown into the mix. 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com
Personalized, Epicurean Experiences
The list of reasons to head to Healdsburg for dinner just keeps getting longer. Studio Cellar DCK is the latest culinary creation from chef Charlie Palmer and Dry Creek Kitchen executive chef Shane McAnelly. Held in Hotel Healdsburg’s Wine Library, the private dining experience digs deep into the likes and dislikes of guests to create a personalized seven-course food and wine tasting menu.
Inspired by the season, menus will always vary, but think offerings the likes of a dayboat scallop served with parsnip, Preston Farm’s strawberry, vanilla bean and verjus, along with akamutsu crudo with cucumber, green coriander, radish and sea bean.
Pastry chef Taylor Kelley delivers a sweet ending with desserts like her Valrhona chocolate cheesecake with almond rocher, mascarpone mousse and cherry gel; wine director Jon Macklem pairs each course with a Sonoma County wine.
Studio Cellar DCK is available Wednesday through Saturday evenings for a minimum of six and a maximum of 10 guests. Cost is $295 per person, including the wine pairing. Tax and gratuity is extra. 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com
Papas with chili salt, avocado crema, chives, sesame seeds and smoked trout roe from Arandas. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Bienvenidos Arandas!
The former Chalkboard space inside Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg has been re-imagined and reopened as Arandas, a Mexican-inspired eatery. Leading the kitchen is chef Adrien Nieto, perhaps best known for his appearances on “MasterChef” in 2011. Many of the dishes on the menu have a story; the recipe for Salsa de Alma comes from Nieto’s mother, while the Papas (seasoned potatoes) were inspired by a dish Nieto apparently tasted at a bar in Oaxaca.
We recommend opting for the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Ask for it. It wasn’t on the menu when we visited, but was offered word of mouth. It’s a tasty way to try a little bit of everything. 29 North St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8030, arandashealdsburg.com
Public Art Project
A temporary mural by local artist Maria de Los Angeles is set to be unveiled Aug. 23 at Harmon Guest House in Healdsburg. Raised in Santa Rosa, the artist is working with the public to create the mural; a series of workshops were held earlier this month during which community members learned new painting techniques and contributed ideas for the temporary work of art.
The mural and artwork from the community gatherings will be on view at Harmon Guest House through Nov. 15.227 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-922-5449, harmonguesthouse.com
Make a Splash
Every Sunday afternoon through the end of September, the Flamingo Resort & Spa is hosting DJ parties at its central pool. A different DJ will perform every week. Tickets (from $51.07) are available via Eventbrite. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com
Celebrating 50 Years
The Sandman is turning 50. To mark the milestone, the Santa Rosa hotel, located just off Highway 101, is holding a 1970s-themed party on Saturday, Aug. 24. The public is welcome to attend for free with RSVP. 3421 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-293-2100, sandmansantarosa.com
A redesigned room at El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen in Sonoma. (Courtesy of Mariana Calderon Photography)
Fresh New Look
Sonoma’s El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen is showing off its 27 redesigned guest rooms, and its takeout-only EDK Cantina is also back at it, serving a Mexican and Latin-inspired menu including quesabirria tacos, nachos and sopes. (Hotel guests can enjoy EDK Cantina’s menu poolside.)
Located steps off Sonoma Plaza, the refresh is the first of a two-phase renovation project. Come January, public spaces including the lobby, pool and El Dorado Kitchen will get a facelift.
Built in the mid-1800s, the El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen is a National Historic Landmark. The property was once the home of Salvador Vallejo, Gen. Mariano Vallejo’s brother, and among other things a college, before becoming a hotel. 405 First St. West, Sonoma, 707-996-3030, eldoradosonoma.com
New Glampground
The Russian River’s Wildhaven Sonoma has opened a second location, just under an hour’s drive (without traffic) from the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite National Park. The 36-acre property, located a mile from the national park gateway town of Mariposa, features 30 platform tents and a dozen cabins. With the feel of a tiny home, the cabin accommodations feature electricity, heat and air-conditioning, so they’ll be available to book year-round. Cabins also boast kitchenettes and bathrooms.
Starting rates for glamping tents is $99; cabin rates begin at $199. 4808 Highway 140, Mariposa, 209-966-4808, wildhavenyosemite.com
Paris Brest and a creamy canele at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
As a line snakes out the door of the recently-opened Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma — its third location now in the county — it’s easy to forget that co-owner Alexandra Zandvliet began her baking career as a pandemic hobby in her home kitchen.
In 2021, the Santa Rosa bakery (52 Mission Circle) quickly became a beacon for the croissant and cafe au lait-set with an ever-expanding lineup of cream puffs, éclairs, butter and ham baguettes, croissants, olive bread and dozens of other sweet and savory treats. A bakery at the Barlow in Sebastopol followed in 2023 and now the Petaluma Boulevard North location expands the floury empire.
Paris Brest and a creamy canele at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
The spacious new location is populated by a drool-worthy collection of bakery cases piled with cream-filled desserts like Paris Brest (pate a choux filled with praline cream) and Mille-Feuille, chocolate croissants, brioche buns, fruit tarts (the passion fruit is a favorite) and Madeleines. Tiny caneles have a sticky, crunchy crust and custardy center that buckle my knees with happiness.
The block seems to be a draw for French cuisine, with the recently-opened Brigitte Bistro across the street. A weekend brunch is in the works and there may be a few more surprises under Sarmentine’s beret. Petaluma’s hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Pulled pork sandwich on a brioche bun at War Pigs Craft Kitchen in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
“Life’s too short to eat sh—y barbecue” is the saucy motto for pitmaster Larry Hillix’s roving barbecue catering company War Pigs. It’s a worthy mantra for his new War Pigs Craft Kitchen in Santa Rosa.
The 12-hour smoked barbecue pulled pork sandwich on toasted brioche ($15) is a serious contender for my new favorite sandwich. It’s a stunner with piles of crispy pork bark and velvety shreds of meat topped with tangy red sauce. Order some mouth-puckering mustard sauce and spicy horseradish for dipping into any straggling bites of meat that fall onto your tray.
Dirty Fries at War Pigs Craft Kitchen, a barbecue restaurant in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Or skip the bun for the all-encompassing Dirty Fries ($16), a jumble of skinny French fries plunged into a warm bath of cheese, barbecue sauce, pulled pork and coleslaw. Fried Brussels ($5) are a petite but satisfying side tossed with Balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweet, salty shaved Parmesan and bacon atop the crispy leaves. I’m also a fan of the creamy slaw.
It will take a few more trips to taste through the rest of the menu, featuring smoked chicken wings, griddled pork tacos, sliders, onion rings, fried chicken, a smoked turkey club and house-ground burger. Excellent prices for massive portions make it an even better deal.
War Pigs Craft Kitchen is inside The Clubhouse Bar & Grill run by the former owners of Whiskey Tip bar. It replaces Westside Grill, closed in 2020. War Pigs Craft Kitchen is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Geyserville home of the late pioneering winemaker Chris Bilbro is currently on the market. The 4,100-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom dwelling, on 40 Alexander Valley AVA acres, is listed for $3,995,000.
After founding Marietta Cellars in 1978, Bilbro ushered in tastes for bold red California wine through his signature blend, “Old Vine Red,” made of grapes from old vineyards that other winemakers dismissed as outdated, according to a story in Wine Spectator.
Fittingly, Bilbro’s property includes a 9-acre Cabernet vineyard, a 1990-replant of a century-old vineyard that belonged to Marietta Cellars. Though the vineyard is now part of the estate, it is currently managed by the winery.
The home, pool and grounds. (California Property Photos)
The home, built in 2004, is made of thick, insulating Rastra walls, a concrete composite material, finished in stucco on the exterior and elegant plaster inside. Exposed beams and weighty window and door trims are made of repurposed wood from a Yorkville tobacco-drying barn.
The stairway is built from upcycled wine staves from Marietta wine barrels. Modern light fixtures gracefully cap off the rustic grand style. The great room’s 20-foot wall of windows seamlessly connects the indoors to the outside.
The backyard features a pool, olive and fruit trees, and raised garden beds. Lounging and dining areas plus an outdoor kitchen offer space to savor the setting, good food and the yields of those old red grapes.
For more information on this home at 22355 Chianti Road in Geyserville, contact listing agent Ann Amtower, Compass Real Estate, ann.amtower@compass.com, 707-328-9364, compass.com
A Russian River area two-bedroom, one-bathroom Craftsman home is currently listed for sale. The circa-1905 dwelling is listed for $750,000.(Open Homes Photography)
Vintage-home enthusiasts have lots to love in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom craftsman-style home on one-third of a forested acre near the Russian River.
The circa-1905 home, known as Fairview, features well-preserved vintage details. It is listed for $750,000.
A wraparound porch offers lounging and dining areas that overlook a dense backdrop of redwoods.
The wraparound porch offers dining and lounging space with forest views. (Open Homes Photography)
The 1,008-square-foot interior has well-crafted built-ins, columns, and tall wainscoting that exemplify the Arts and Crafts design movement. Light fixtures are vintage-style as well, while the bathroom and kitchens have been updated.
Steps from the home is a studio perfect for workouts, projects or working from home.
For more information on this home at 14804 Canyon 4 Road in Guerneville, contact listing agent Noel Flores, 415-730-0554, noel@continuumrealestate.com, 10 Fourth St., Suite 215, Santa Rosa, continuumrealestate.com
The harmony of sunshine and music is a Sonoma County summer tradition — and always a great chance to explore the scene on decks, patios, lawns and beyond.
Scroll on to read about the best live music happenings in the county this summer.
John Beck contributed to this article.
Sonoma
Sebastiani Vineyards stages live music and lively pours on the patio with the Sunday Afternoon Music Series from 1 to 4 p.m. July through October. 389 Fourth St. East, Sonoma. 707-933-3200, sebastiani.com
Bloom Carneros hosts free live music on the weekends in its garden featuring an eclectic array of musical talent. Upcoming events are held from 2-4 p.m. on July 21, 27 and 28. 22910 Broadway, Sonoma. 707-412-0438, bloomcarneros.com
The patio bar at Bloom Carneros in Sonoma. (Photo: Marielle V. Chua)
On select Fridays this summer, Patz & Hall Winery is hosting Schellville Sunsets, an evening for guests to sip single vineyard wines, dine on local bites and listen to live music while taking in the sunset. Tickets are $10 per person and include a glass of rosé in a keepsake Patz & Hall GoVino glass. More wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle, as well as cheese and charcuterie trays from Sonoma’s Sausage Emporium ($30 each, order 72 hours in advance). Upcoming events will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on July 26 and Aug. 23. Reserve on Tock. 21200 8th St. East, Sonoma. 707-265-7700, patzhall.com
Santa Rosa
Stirring up a musical gumbo, from blues and rock to Latin Jazz and Afrobeat, the Fridays at the Hood series runs through Aug. 23 at the historic Hood Mansion near Hood Mountain Regional Park. It all goes down easy with drinks and food trucks galore. Tickets range from $15–$25. 389 Casa Manana Way, Santa Rosa. fridaysatthehood.com
Billed as “the ultimate Sunday Funday experience,” the Sunday Social Club summer music series at Sugarloaf Wine Co. features a fresh pairing of local bands and local wines. There will also be food trucks, lawn games and an artists’ showcase. Concerts are from 3-6 p.m. Sundays through September. Tickets are $15 per person and can be reserved on Tock. 6705 Cristo Lane, Santa Rosa. 707-244-4885, sugarloafwineco.com
Windsor
Sonoma-Cutrer’s Sunday Funday summer concerts, held from noon to 4 p.m. on July 21 and Aug. 18, features live classic rock and Americana music as guests enjoy food, drinks and lawn games. Tickets are $25 per person and include a glass of wine, cheese and charcuterie, and access to croquet, corn hole and more. Reserve on Tock. 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor. 707-237-3489, sonomacutrer.com
Healdsburg
Breathless Wines’ Bubbles & Music summer music series features an eclectic lineup of jazz, Latin, rock, indie pop and more paired with estate sparkling wine, from noon to 2 p.m. every Sunday through August. Tickets are $10 per person and $5 for wine club members. Reserve on Tock. 499 Moore Lane, Healdsburg. 707-395-7300, breathlesswines.com
The outdoor patio at Breathless Wines in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of Breathless Wines)
Bella Winery’s summer music series, Storytellers, explores the musical stylings of cities such as Austin, Nashville and New Orleans along with Dry Creek Kitchen-crafted menus inspired by the regions and local wine pairings. Upcoming events will be held on July 26, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13. Tickets are $175 per person. Find more info and reserve online. 9711 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-473-9171, bellawinery.com
On select Fridays, Arista Winery hosts its signature summer music series Vineyard Vibes featuring live bands, estate wine and local chef-prepared pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Upcoming events will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on July 26, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13. Tickets are $45 per person. Reserve on Tock. 7015 Westside Road, Healdsburg. 707-473-0606, aristawinery.com
Leo Steen Wines is hosting an evening of live music and barbecue starting at 5 p.m. Aug. 3 at its Healdsburg estate. The local Americana folk group Fitch Mountaineers will perform from 6-8 p.m. and California barbecue fare will be available. There’s no cover fee and seating is first come, first serve. Reserve a spot online. 53 Front St., Healdsburg. 707-974-6822, leosteenwines.com
Geyserville
Catelli’s Backyard Concert Series brings in top local musicians like Steve Pile and Nick Otis (plus occasional touring acts) for lively back-patio jams every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. The best thing? It’s totally free. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com
West County
There’s plenty of room for dancing in front of the Rio Nido Roadhouse outdoor stage. Expect live music every weekend at this river-rat hangout that staged the 13th annual Bob Dylan celebration and Chuck Prophet’s Summertime Thing festival earlier this summer. Tickets range from free to $25. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido. 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse.com
Multiple locations
The third annual Songwriters in Paradise — a weekend festival full of musical talent, seasonal bites and fine wine — will be held from July 24-27 at select north county wineries. The participating wineries include Geyserville’s Banshee and Robert Young and Windsor’s Bricoleur Vineyards and La Crema. Tickets start at $300 for single day passes, $900 for VIP single day passes, $1,200 for a four-day pass and $4,500 for a VIP five-day pass. songwritersinparadise.com
Sonoma County artist, The Velvet Bandit, a single mother of two children with one of her “Tax the Rich” paintings, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Every superhero has an origin story. For Sonoma County’s anonymous Velvet Bandit, it started off innocently enough.
Imagine a 46-year-old school lunch lady going about her daily routine — one day pizza, the next, sloppy joes. Then all of a sudden, a pandemic hits. Laid off, and at home with two kids, she was inspired to try street art for the first time. It felt urgent, like shouting into the void to see if anyone was listening.
So, late one night in March 2020, she pasted up a small painting of a toilet-paper roll with the words “Let’s Roll” under a bridge along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail. “I stood back and thought, ‘Oh my god, that looks so cool,’” she remembers. “Then I went back into my studio and started painting a bunch more. I was instantly hooked.”
Since then, she’s pasted hundreds of vibrant street paintings on alley walls, utility boxes, and street signs from Willits to Los Angeles. They’re often punny (“Not mushroom for hate here” written on a fungus). Sometimes they’re political (“Tax the Rich” on Abraham Lincoln’s face). And other times oddly inspirational, like an award ribbon that reads, “Didn’t quit my job today.”
Santa Rosa-based street artist, The Velvet Bandit, a single mother of two children, displays a “Tax the Rich” painting, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. The font and the style of the wording resembles Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) dress at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala on Sept. 13. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2021
As word spread and fans shared photos on Instagram (where she has more than 10,000 followers), a Petaluma restaurant hired her to paint a window, and a cider company asked her to decorate cans and bottles.
If the artist has to make a public appearance — at an art show or on a vlog, she often wears masks or a pink wig and dark sunglasses. Never revealing her real name (because, well, street art isn’t exactly legal, just ask Banksy), she is still known only as the Velvet Bandit.
What’s in a Name? “One of the very first things I bought for myself after my ex-husband moved out was a green velvet couch. I slowly started acquiring more velvet things, like a velvet throw pillow and a velvet bedspread. One of my friends suggested ‘Velvet Bandit,’ and I loved it because it was feminine, but also with the word ‘bandit’ in it.”
Strange Encounters “I was in a situation where a man came out and said, ‘Hey, what are you doing? Stop that!’ That wasn’t fun. He called me a nut job. Later, I went back, and he had taken the paste-up down that I had put up. So I went back and painted a squirrel that said ‘Nut job.’”
Unexpected Outcomes “People have wanted to Venmo me money, and they didn’t want anything in return. They just wanted to help replenish my supplies because they loved it so much. And that was just mind-blowing to me that people wanted me to do art with nothing in return because they were getting such a kick out of it.”
Family Backing “At first, my kids (ages 13 and 16) thought, ‘What’s Mom doing? This is a little crazy.’ But once they saw that I was getting a little publicity, and people were rallying behind me, then they came on board. Now, they think it’s pretty cool.”
