Black Pacific History, Literary Twist and Fly Story Slam

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The Museum of Sonoma County is hosting an evening of readings and conversation featuring African American writers from across Sonoma County, reflecting on the museum's exhibit 'Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific.' The event will be hosted by Kwasi Turner and feature local voices in direct dialogue with regional history, culture and memory. Elsewhere, Carol Duchamp's paintings are on display at Thompson/Dorfman in Mill Valley, and Dutcher Crossing Winery in Geyserville is launching a new quarterly book club called Sips & Stories. Finally, the Fly Story Slam returns to Mill Valley with a special Valentine's edition focused on the theme of Connections.

Why it matters

These events showcase the diverse cultural offerings in Sonoma County, from art exhibits highlighting untold stories of the Black Pacific experience to literary events that bring the community together around shared narratives. They reflect the region's commitment to celebrating its history, promoting local artists and writers, and fostering meaningful connections.

The details

The Museum of Sonoma County's 'Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific' exhibit reveals untold stories of Black seafarers and the North Coast of California. The Feb. 21 evening event will feature readings and conversation with African American writers from the area, many of whom are descendants of families who made the historic westward migration explored in the exhibition. In Mill Valley, Carol Duchamp's paintings are on display at Thompson/Dorfman, showcasing her intuitive, feeling-based approach to art. Dutcher Crossing Winery in Geyserville is launching a new quarterly book club called Sips & Stories, pairing wine and thematically inspired bites with discussions of books like 'The Widow Clicquot.' And the Fly Story Slam returns to Mill Valley on Feb. 13 with a Valentine's-themed edition focused on the theme of Connections.

• The Museum of Sonoma County event is on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
• Carol Duchamp's paintings are on display at Thompson/Dorfman in Mill Valley now through March 25, 2026.
• The inaugural Sips & Stories book club event at Dutcher Crossing Winery is on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
• The Fly Story Slam Valentine's edition is on Friday, February 13, 2026.