A flock of unique and vibrant birds has arrived in Sonoma! Lacy Atkins, a Sonoma County resident and acclaimed artist, has crafted the Kinky Birds ceramic sculptures. Inspired by the play and film, Kinky Boots, these birds embrace individuality and self-expression with their quirky style and signature red boots. Celebrate your true self with the eccentric and charming Kinky Birds, the weirder, the better! Kinky Birds celebrate being your authentic self – no matter how quirky, twisted, or unexpected.  

Join artist Lacy Atkins and friends for the Kinky Birds opening reception on June 15th from 4 to 6. This art exhibit celebration is free and open to the public. Featured will be nine Kinky Birds made from clay and unique materials found around Sonoma, like the feathers of chickens, peacocks, and other various birds. Each Kinky Bird has a life of its own. Find the right one for you – and let your freak bird fly! 

Lacy is part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team for coverage of the L.A. riots for the Los Angeles Times. She’s also a two-time finalist with over 30 years of experience as a visual storyteller. She lives in Petaluma and contracts with non-profits such as the Innocence Project and Teach For America. She has been on staff at the San Francisco Chronicle, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, and part of the USA TODAY Network, the Tennessean. Her work has been featured in various magazines such as Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated, as well as being featured on display at the Newseum in Washington D.C., and exhibited at the Visa pour L’Image in Perpignan, France.

Interview with Lacy Atkins:

What was your inspiration for putting red boots on bird sculptures?

I’ve always liked stilettos. Especially red stilettos, they’re sexy and well, they’re over the top.

How many are in the series?

The series continues to grow, currently, there are 12.

What were you doing before becoming an artist with clay?

I was a photojournalist for the San Francisco Chronicle, the Los Angeles Times, and the Associated Press. I was part of the Los Angeles Times team that won the Pulitzer Prize for our coverage of the riots in LA. and a Pulitzer Prize finalist twice for my individual work.

Where do you live in Sonoma? 

Petaluma

So each kinky bird has a dating profile?

Yes, and they vary from she, he, them, they, it. Dating profiles are written by  Sonoma-based author, Cameron Tuttle.

Mitch M., for example, wears long ladies’ lingerie under his suit. He hopes to bend your rules and Supreme Court you. 

If I get your vote, he hopes to retire and fly off into the sunset together.

Stella is a drag queen in training. She goes by Steve at work, and Stella at play. She wants to make a play date. 

Her personal motto in life with the right partner is…Life is never a drag.

Scarlett is looking for a sugar mama. Feeling a little lonely, she is an optimist, though. She’s excited to meet someone, after all, tomorrow is another day.

Tiny Dancer always flies first class. This lovebird was born a little different from the flock and that makes her special. 

She can spread her wings but she cannot fly and that’s how she learned how to be such an amazing dancer. She hopes to dance right into each other’s hearts.

#BlessedLovebird #GratitudeWithAttitude

Lizzie Is a fierce and fabulous single mom. If you put family at the top of your list, let’s talk. She goes everywhere with her twins and her two beautiful children.

If you want to love me you’ve got to love my chicks. I’m fiercely loyal, wildly passionate, and ready to feather your nest. I mate for life.

Amelia flies both ways. If you’re a high-flying world traveler, I’d love to be an aviatrix for you. Nor afraid of heights, looking for a thrill seeker to share life’s daily adventures. Extra points if you can read the map, jump into my cockpit, and let’s make history.

Hi-res images of the Kinky Birds: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lx02k3rnyftqwxl4cjriy/ADBM1dTzjiLLdQIiB9vlbVA?rlkey=b76emlqxjy0gcyo4fubion5fq&st=pd8m9lsj&dl=0

View the colorful Kinky Birds for purchase at Community Supply:

Kinky Birds

About Community Supply:

Community Supply is a general store that features products and creations from small makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. The shop sources products from Sonoma Valley, the great state of California, across the United States, and international cooperatives with an eye on supporting women and the environment.

Community Supply

645 2nd Street West

Marketplace STE 32, Sonoma, CA 95476

707-899-7909