CIRCLE W CHINCHILLA RANCH, DATE UNKNOWN
ALSO KNOWN AS THE ART FARM
LEVERONI NEAR BROADWAY, SONOMA

Located on 17 acres near the northwest corner of Leveroni Road and Broadway, the Circle W Chinchilla Ranch was established in 1959. Originally housing over 2,000 chinchillas, the barns later became artists' studios providing low-cost living and workspaces. The Art Farm was home to as many as 40 artists, many of whom still live and create in Sonoma. Although none of the original barns or out-buildings were supposed to be lived in, artists often "camped out", sharing ideas, equipment, talents and occasionally, a glass of wine.

The property was marked for subdivision and many permit changes and planning meetings later, the artistic tenants were given notice to vacate by April 30, 1994. The property was further divided and the western portion of the 17 acres became a Kaufman & Broad subdivision.

To the distress of many in Sonoma, the 17 acre property was bulldozed, including the destruction of a one-hundred-year-old cork oak tree.

Thanks to author Barbara White Perry for sharing her story and drawing of the original Sonoma Art Farm  from her book Drawing Sonoma - available at Readers' Books on East Napa St. Sonoma and many other stores and book sellers in town - you can see more of Barbara"s work at her website.