The Oliver Ranch Story: 4-H Project Gone Bad - with Steve Oliver

This illustrated presentation and evening with Steve Oliver will follow our Leadership Circle field trip to Oliver Ranch on October 13th.  Join us for the inside story of this remarkable place.

Wine reception to follow.

The Oliver Ranch Story

Located in the heart of Sonoma County, 70 miles north of San Francisco, in a region known internationally for its wineries and scenic pleasures, the Oliver Ranch is home to 18 remarkable site-specific installations, the most recent of which is Ann Hamilton’s “The Tower” where commissioned dance, poetry, theatre, and music performances take place.

The picturesque 100-acre property was originally bought by Steve and Nancy Oliver in 1981 to graze a few extra sheep from, as Steve says, “My daughter’s 4-H project gone bad.”  The ranch’s evolution from exiled sheep quarters to world-renowned sculpture ranch was gradual and organic, a natural convergence of the Olivers’ longstanding passion for art and deep connection to the land.

The Olivers have pursued this unique passion for over 25 years, their only direction to the artists that they “respond to the land.” The Olivers describe their adventures at the ranch, and with the artists, not so much as “collecting art,” but as “collecting experiences.”

The Olivers generously open their property for select tour groups specifically to support nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area.

“I mean what do you do with such a place? There’s really only one thing to do – you give it to the community.” – Steve Oliver