"Try Something New" is a personal motto of Simon and Kimberly Blattner and that is personified in the journey of their lives.
A muse is defined as a person or a personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist and The Center has an annual tradition of choosing a notable local as a muse and then celebrating them with a gala. The 2023 Muses this year are - drumroll please - Simon and Kimberly Blattner.
We sit down and learn about Simon's adventures from starting a non-profit in SF's Haight Ashbury, his love for the Oakland A's, adventures in papermaking, rolling down a printing press to start the Printmaking department here at the Center in 2007, and of course, it's a love story of how Simon met Kimberly. No slouch herself and a wonderful conversationalist is Kimberly! A teacher, ex-competitive swimmer, and classical musical lover who opens up the conversation about nylon strings vs. "gut strings" on instruments.
A casual and fun interview, we learn what inspires our Muses and why it makes them such generous hearts that they have become to the community of Sonoma.