Annie Peony Zhang was born in China, where her love for painting and calligraphy began in childhood. Working fluidly in both oil painting and traditional Chinese painting, she integrates Eastern and Western artistic traditions into a contemporary visual language uniquely her own, further shaped by her studies at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts.

With nearly 30 years of artistic exploration, Annie now shares her talents and passion for creative expression with the Elk Grove community and greater Sacramento region. Her work has been exhibited internationally and has received multiple awards, with paintings held in collections worldwide.

Notable works including Childhood, Wish, and Memories were accepted and auctioned through the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, CA, while her California-inspired landscapes are part of the Morris Graves Museum of Art’s permanent collection in Eureka, CA.

Through her art, Annie continues to bridge cultures, memories, and landscapes with heartfelt expression and innovation.

Known for her fusion of Eastern and Western techniques, Annie Peony’s Gallery invites visitors to explore a vibrant collection of oil paintings, Chinese ink and watercolor works, and one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces. The space offers an immersive experience in color, form, and artistic expression—perfect for travelers looking to discover local art and culture in Elk Grove.

Located on Main Street, the gallery also serves as a working studio and exhibition venue, where guests may encounter live demonstrations, rotating exhibitions, and opportunities for creative engagement. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM, it’s an inspiring stop for art lovers of all backgrounds.

Whether you’re visiting Elk Grove for pleasure, business, or a special event, Annie Peony’s open-studio classes offer a new learning experience every week.

Live Drawing Every Wednesday

Wednesdays are dedicated to focused creativity. Visitors are welcome to join Annie and a live model for a life-size figure drawing session that emphasizes observation, presence, and form. It’s a unique, hands-on experience for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy a quieter, more in-depth side of Elk Grove’s art scene.

Sunday Studio Sessions

Every Sunday, visitors are invited into Annie’s studio for a relaxed and welcoming painting experience designed for all skill levels. With a variety of class styles and guided sessions to choose from, guests can explore different techniques and mediums, learn something new, and enjoy a creative break during their visit.

Whether it’s your first time painting or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll leave with new techniques, fresh inspiration, and a finished piece to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Annie Peony’s work shows that art isn’t just inside the studio—it’s everywhere. From colorful public murals to live painting at community events, her creations bring inspiration, energy, and beauty into shared spaces.

En Plein Air at the Veterans Day Parade

During the 2025 Veterans Day Parade, Annie painted En Plein Air, capturing the event’s energy, movement, and spirit as it unfolded. Watch a video here which features her live painting process and explores the significance of the mural, offering insight into both her artistic approach and the story behind the work.

For Veterans Day this year, an 8x8 foot mural, "Salute to Our Veterans," will be on display in front of the Annie Peony Fine Art Gallery from November 1-18, 2026. During the Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2026, Veterans are encouraged to sign it. To date, the mural has approximately 115 signatures of Veterans and their family members–making Elk Grove an extra special space to come together and celebrate our heroes.

Chinese Moon Festival Mural

The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important traditions in Chinese culture, falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month—this year on Friday, September 25, 2026. To celebrate, Annie Peony will display an 8×8-foot mural in front of her gallery from September 23–28, 2026, honoring heritage and inspiring community celebration in Elk Grove.

Traditionally, the festival is an evening of family reunion, where loved ones gather to light lanterns, enjoy mooncakes, and admire the full moon—a symbol of togetherness and harmony. Annie’s mural brings this spirit to life, offering visitors a vibrant and meaningful visual tribute to this cherished cultural celebration.

Elk Grove is full of creative experiences to explore and public art that can be discovered throughout the city—use the Elk Grove Public Art Map to plan your visit. The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center offers art classes, visiting artist lectures, and events like the annual Elk Grove Festival of the Arts, which showcases local and regional visual arts across many styles and mediums.

Other annual cultural events like the Lunar New Year Festival at Elk Grove Park and the Illumination Festival at District56 celebrate traditions from cultures around the world in vibrant, interactive ways.

For hands-on fun, join paint workshops at Pinot’s Palette or explore The Avenue of the Arts for rotating exhibits, outdoor murals, and unique creative installations. With so much to see and do, Elk Grove is a must-visit destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.