On this episode of "This Must Be the Place," we explore the vibrant North Bay art scene from Burning Man to Santa Rosa’s Open Studios. Our host, Allo, chats with two art aficionados who give us insights into these worlds: Jennifer Raiser, a veteran Burner, Burning Man board member, and author of Burning Man, Art on Fire, and Spring Maxfield, the driving force behind the Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership and Santa Rosa’s Open Studios. These enlightening conversations prove you don't need to travel to Black Rock City to see world-class art—you just have to know where to look.

Jennifer Raiser takes us inside the 2025 Burning Man festival, giving us a detailed recap of the event from the unpredictable weather to the resiliency and community spirit that defines the festival. We delve into the art that shapes the event, learning all about how artists interpreted the Tomorrow Today theme and what art trends emerged that we should expect to see in the zeitgeist. Jennifer describes the powerful symbols of monsters, birds, and feminine strength reflected in this year's art, and reveals how this radical creativity has found a natural home right here in Sonoma County. You'll hear about specific local Burner artists like Brian Tedrick and Michael Garlington and get an itinerary to see some of this incredible art for yourself at local spots like Paradise Ridge Winery and Sebastopol's town green.

Then, we discuss the burgeoning Santa Rosa art scene with Spring Maxfield, a passionate advocate for the North Bay’s art community. Spring, whose own passion for art was ignited after moving to Sonoma County in 1990, founded the Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership to create new economic opportunities for local artists. She tells us all about the flourishing South A Street Arts District and explains how events like the Santa Rosa Open Studios—a multi-weekend event in September—are designed to connect artists directly with their patrons. This is a chance to see emerging artists like Bug Thompson and Alina Nubel in their element. Spring also teases some exciting new events, from the upcoming Winterblast parade to the growing mural scene, leaving us with a powerful message: supporting local art isn't just about filling empty walls—it's about enriching our entire community.

We cap this episode with a celebration of brewing as an art form, featuring a fresh release from the legendary Russian River Brewing Company. The new Hop Growers Tribute Series is a 6.5% ABV craft beer, showcasing a masterful blend of hops that’s a special collaboration with Mac Hops from New Zealand. The result is a vibrant flavor profile that is both complex and balanced–an artistic blend of bitterness and flavor. This is a limited release, so head to Russian River Brewing's locations in Santa Rosa or Windsor before it’s gone.

Featured Guests:

Jennifer Raiser

Spring Maxfield

Resources & Artists Mentioned in this Episode:

Burning Man

Book: "Burning Man, Art on Fire" by Jennifer Raiser

Paradise Ridge Winery 

Wine Country Garden Design (Sonoma Garden Center)

Sebastopol's town green

Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership 

Santa Rosa Open Studios

North Bay Burners Facebook group

Sonoma County Art Trails

Winterblast Parade (November 15th)

Criminal Bakery

Cafe Frida

Spinster Sisters

Arlene Francis Center

Brian Tedrick, Michael Garlington, Kevin Clark, David Best, Marco Cochrane, Mark Rivera

Bug Thompson, Alina Nubel, Zoe Dinardo, MJ Lindo, Joshua Lawyer, Bud Snow

Russian River Brewing Company

Original theme music composed and recorded by Mateo Carrillo and James Cote.