A creative hub with an open door
Johnny Venetti, owner of Monte Rio’s Hoot Owl studio, is widening his creative footprint with two homegrown efforts: the new Community Event Hub at Hoot Owl in Monte Rio and a weekly Italian dinner series, Venetti Spaghetti Western, at the Casino Bar and Grill in nearby Bodega. Both projects speak to his love of bringing people together through creativity, connection and shared experiences.
At Hoot Owl, Venetti’s Community Event Hub — run by local organizer Kassi Eide — is designed to welcome locals and visitors with low-cost events and inviting spaces. The hub offers multiple ways to plug in, from local art and co-op membership options to accessible, inclusive activities that encourage participation. “Our goal is to make the space accessible while fostering creativity,” Eide says.
Programming that invites you to linger
Programming has already begun. The Queer Writers Group met on Oct. 10 and is planning its next session for November. In the coming weeks, the hub will introduce free weekly lounge hours, offering a true third space outside of home and work where people can read, write, create or simply relax. Future enhancements include a community bulletin board, a Little Free Library and a community-funded coffee and tea station, all aimed at easy, casual gatherings. Any ticketed events will help cover the costs of maintaining this volunteer-led space.
Eide emphasizes the importance of authentic community: “It’s no secret that our society is struggling to find common ground, and I believe this is due partly to the lack of real community. People may feel like there’s no hope, but when you get together with 10 of your neighbors, you see how similar we really are. I’m excited to bring more people together, away from screens, to forge connections and get back to our shared humanity.”
Thursday nights in Bodega, with a Seattle-meets-Sonoma twist
In addition to Hoot Owl programming, Venetti is bringing a taste of Italy to Bodega with a weekly Thursday dinner series at the Casino Bar and Grill. The Venetti Spaghetti Western kickoff is set for Oct. 30, and Venetti will host with Kassi Eide, Scott Muleady and Brieanne Tracey from the local casino.
Drawing on his family’s Italian restaurant roots in Seattle and the Venetti Spaghetti parties he hosted in San Francisco, Venetti aims for a lively, festive atmosphere with potential live entertainment. The rotating menu features favorites such as spaghetti pomodoro, spaghetti with meatballs, chicken saltimbocca and sides including garlic bread, green beans and sour cream mashed potatoes, with desserts like spumoni and cannoli.
He also hinted the concept could one day make its way to Monte Rio alongside Hoot Owl events.
For more information on Venetti Spaghetti Western, visit: https://www.facebook.com/thecasinobarandgrill
For more information or to get involved with the Hoot Owl hub, visit https://creatingatthehoot.wixsite.com/home#contact-us
Dining and Cooking