Kate Eilertsen

During an interview last February, Kate Eilertsen, executive director of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, very clearly expressed one of ther dreams for the downtown Sonoma museum.

“I want to make it active all the time, a place where art happens,” she said. “My big dream for this museum is to have it be a place of activity, 24-7. It’s not all going to happen in one year, but hopefully in five.”

She is making a start toward that goal this summer. Starting Friday, June 4, the museum will extend its Friday hours as part of the Sonoma Chamber of Commerce’s “Downtown Friday Nights” promotion.

The museum will remain open until 8 p.m. on Fridays through Sept. 3. SVMA summer hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Fridays. The Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

This summer’s exhibitions include “Silence, Exile & Cunning” through July 25 and “Visions of Paradise” Aug. 14 through November 7.

The museum is at 551 Broadway. Information: 939-7862, svma.org.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer these extended hours as part of our efforts to make the museum a hub of cultural activity here in Sonoma,” Eilertsen said this week. “Look for more activities from us in the months ahead.”