More than 75 valley-wide exhibitions celebrate the arts
February 23, 2016, Napa, CA – The sixth annual Napa Valley Arts in April features more than 75 opportunities for visitors to explore and experience the wealth of art and artists from American Canyon up to Calistoga. The vision is to foster a unique, identifiable sense of place through locally produced and presented events paired with Napa Valley’s wine and culinary offerings to increase cultural tourism.
Arts in April officially kicks off on April 7, 2016 with the opening of Napa Valley Collects at a reception at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville, and closes with the ENGAGE Art Fair April 30 and May 1, 2016 at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga.
In January 2016, the Arts Council Napa Valley formed an “Arts in April Spotlight” committee, comprised of representatives from both the arts and hospitality communities, to select 25 events that best represented the vision of Arts in April. The selections were based the following criteria:
- Event displays a high quality of artistic work
- Event displays thoughtfulness/uniqueness and creativity
- Event authentically represents Napa Valley culture
- Event underscores mission, vision, and values of Arts in April
- Event feels fun and will inspire attendance from locals and visitors
Arts in April “Spotlighted” events include:
- April 1: Heritage Eats – Napa Community Art Mural 2.0
Heritage Eats, Napa’s new globally inspired, fast-fine eatery and Vintage High School AP Studio Art students present a community art mural focused on the forward-thinking vision of Heritage Eats. The community art mural embodies a world-view and a larger purpose through carefully crafted acrylic designs. Media contact: Benedict Koenig, ben@heritageats.com
- April 1 – 30: Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery – Buskloose: Taking it to the Streets Photo Exhibit
Jessup Cellars in Yountville welcomes back producer, music journalist, and author Heather Jacks for a month-long exhibit of photography for her upcoming multi-media book Buskloose, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Shot by photographers Mike Gibbons and Benjamin Benoit, the book showcases a historical review of busking in the Bay Area. Media contact: Joel Quigley, joel@jessupcellars.com
- April 1 – May 1: MoMA/Museum of McDonough’s Art – Olabisi Tasting Room
Photographer Robb McDonough will be showing his ongoing “Napa County Project” as well as a preview to “The California Counties Project” at the new Olabisi Tasting Room located downtown Calistoga. The opening reception is April 9 at 5:30 p.m. Media contact: Robb McDono, robb@robbswork.com
- April 1 – 30: Napa Valley Wine Train Station – Friday Night Live Music
Enjoy live music with local artists alongside a month long preview exhibition of all that Arts in April has to offer at the Wine Train Station in Napa every Friday evening in April from 5 – 7 p.m. Small bites will be available along with wine tastings for purchase, as well as wines by the bottle in the Wine Train’s Wine Store. Corkage will be waived for the event. Media contact: Kim Powers, kim@winetrain.com
- April 1: Robert Mondavi Winery – Art and Gallery Tour
Robert Mondavi Winery will offer a complimentary tour of the winery’s permanent collection of sculptures by Beniamino Bufano and the rotating exhibition of Napa Valley-based Bonick artistic family “Generate: One Family’s Painting, Photography and Music” in the famous Vineyard Room. Wine tasting is included. The 11 a.m. tour is limited to 15 guests and advanced reservations are recommended. Please call (800) 766-6328, option 2, for reservations. Media contact: Ainslie Bruneau, ainslie.bruneau@cbrands.com
- April 1-30: St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery — Take a Seat @ St. Supery
Artist Topher Delaney has guest -curated an outdoor exhibition of 30 unique “terroir inspired” chairs. The inspiration for each chair is a personal, imaginative, and aesthetic response to the characteristics of St. Supéry’s unique terroir and vineyards. An indoor exhibition of drawings, photographs, and paintings about each chair accompany the exterior exhibition. Media contact: Nayeli Acevedo, nayeli@stsupery.com
- April 2: diRosa – Radical Landscapes – tasting with artist Amanda Eicher
In conjunction with the exhibition “Radical Landscapes,” artist Amanda Eicher will present a sensory tasting experience from 4 – 6 p.m. at diRosa in Napa. Eicher’s socially based practice engages audiences’ palates to explore how climate change might impact local agricultural practices and the taste of food and wine. Media contact: Stephanie King, Stephanie@dirosaart.org
- April 2 – 30: Flora Springs – Imagination of the Jungle: The Baker Sisters
The Room celebrates the relationship between art and nature all through April, culminating with an Earth Day celebration on April 22. The event premieres April 2 with the Baker Sister’s “Jungle Imagery” that will embellish the exterior of the tasting room. Proceeds to benefit the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Media contact: Serf Barnabei, theroom@florasprings.com
- April 3: Beringer Vineyards – The Art of Stained Glass
Visit Beringer Vineyards for an all-access tour of the exquisite Rhine House stained glass windows 11 a.m. – noon. Built in 1884, the Rhine House’s ornate glass panels feature hand-painted jeweled boarders and exquisite roundels. The tour features all 41 historic windows. Media contact: Bronwyn Ney, Bronwyn.ney@gmail.com
- April 3: Nancy Willis Studio – Printmaking and Desserts
Take one creative artist, mix with a James Beard award winning pastry chef, and add Y Rousseau wines for the perfect recipe. Napa painter/printmaker Nancy Willis has enlisted the inspiring CIA chef Stephen Durfee to join her and eight “guest artists” for an afternoon of printmaking with desserts and chocolates to feed the creative spirit, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. in Napa. Media contact: Nancy Willis, nancy@nancywillis.com
- April 3: Peju Province Winery – Garden to Table: A Florist Workshop
Stroll through Peju’s gardens and learn about the winery’s varied terroir and their approach to winemaking and viticulture. After the garden tour, enjoy a complimentary tasting of their current release wines paired with a selection of local cheeses. Guests will create a floral arrangement to take home. Media Contact: Emily Bryne, ebyrne@peju.com
- April 8 – 16: American Canyon Arts Foundation – ART at the Winery: the 24th Annual Art Extravaganza
The Arts Foundation will hold its 24th Annual Art Extravaganza at Jamieson Ranch Vineyards. This is a juried show, highlighting the works of artists throughout the North Bay. The guest artist event and reception is Saturday, April 9, 4 – 7 p.m. Media contacts: Stephanie Gibbins, sgibbins@jamiesonranch.com or Mark Joseph, amcaarts@gmail.com
- April 10: American Canyon Arts Foundation – Graffiti Art at the future Napa Valley Ruins & Gardens
Explore the proposed Napa Valley Ruins & Gardens in American Canyon, planned to be the catalyst for an entire new visitor experience at the south end of the Napa Valley. The day include tours of the site, which has some of the most unique graffiti art in the North Bay, along with updates on the project and future plans. Media contact: Mark Joseph, amcanarts@gmail.com
- April 14-16: Napa County Historical Society – Napa Valley History Tour
Take a step back into Napa’s early history with this year’s tour of Pope Valley’s historic sites. This area is one of the first settled in Napa and is the site of beautifully preserved historic wineries, Aetna Township, at the intersection of the earliest mining claims in the valley, the Henry Haus Blacksmith Shop, and fabled resort Aetna Springs. Media contact: Nancy Levenbe, nancy@napahistory.org
- April 15- May 1: Lucky Penny Productions – The Andrews Brothers
A USO show is threatened with cancellation when a famous trio of singing sisters cannot perform, leaving the show in the hands three determined stagehands. The production includes 25 songs by the Andrews Sisters. The show is 8 – 10 p.m. Media contact: Barry Martin, info@luckypennynapa.com
- April 16: Angela Tirrell’s Driveway – South Jefferson Literary Driveway Dinner: Read Aloud & Listen
This first ever “dinner on the driveway,” begins at 5 p.m. in Napa and features ten literary adventures hungry for cuisine, conversation and reading aloud. Media contact: Angela Tirrell, atmurals@gmail.com
- April 16: Napa Valley College, Upper Valley Campus – Festival of Disciplines
Artists and audiences will co-mingle from 2 – 4 p.m. in St. Helena for a dynamic curated collection of never before seen projects, including live performances, open-mic sessions, installations, and more. Highlights include theater directed by Jennifer King; poetry by Iris Dunkle; art by Jason Perry; and delicacies prepared by the Napa Valley Cooking School. Media contact: Mechele Manno, mmanno@napavalley.edu
- April 16: Napa Valley Youth Symphony – Red Gala
The Napa Valley Youth Symphony features an evening of food, wine, and music with celebrated Spanish “maestro of guitar,” Angel Romero, as guest performer who was knighted by the country of Spain for his extraordinary musical successes. Media contact: Jill Durfee, jilldurfee@sbcglobal.net
- April 16: Yountville Art Commission – 4th Annual Art, Sip and Stroll
Enjoy a stroll through scenic Yountville, viewing the variety of outdoor sculptures; artist’s booths featuring painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics and more. A $20 tasting bracelet allows visitors to taste wines at tables along the way. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Media contacts: Karen MacKenzie, mackenzie@mackenzieagency.com or Samantha Holland, yountvillearts@yville.com
- April 22-24: NapaShakes – William Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary Celebration
Join the global celebration of Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary with NapaShakes, Napa Valley’s premiere presenter of world-class professional Shakespeare. NapaShakes presents New York City’s classical theater company: FIASCO, in its inventive and musical production of Cymbeline, hailed by the New York Times’ Ben Brantley as “the most truly enchanting Cymbeline I’ve seen.” Media contact: Laura Rafaty, info@napashakes.org
- April 23: Connolly Ranch – Earth Night Celebration – The After Party
This springtime festival and fundraiser celebrates the arts, music, movement and nature at Connolly Ranch in Napa. The evening begins at 5 p.m. and includes live music, dance, aerial and fire spinning performances, yoga and movement classes, recycled art and nature craft activities, food trucks, local wine, farm tours, moonlit nature hikes, telescope for stargazing, onsite childcare, and more. Media contact: Hylah Egeland, hylah@connollyranch.org
- April 23, 2016: diRosa – Opening Reception – Paul Kos: rEVOLUTION
This opening reception of the exhibition, 4 – 6 p.m., highlights the work of Paul Kos, a leading figure of the Bay Area Conceptual art movement, through a number of site specific performances and art works produced at di Rosa between 1968 and 2000, as well as more recent works. Through film, photographic documentation, drawings, and sculptural elements, the exhibition reflects on Kos’ lifelong interest in the natural landscape and his deep relationship to di Rosa as medium and muse. Media contact: Stephanie King, Stephanie@dirosaart.org
- April 23: Markham Vineyards – blues to psychedelia
Visit the Markham Gallery and tasting room to celebrate the husband and wife installation that celebrates the enduring influence of southern Blues on contemporary music and the colorful abstraction of Psychedelic art. Meet the artists, Harold and Peggy Francis, and view their work while enjoying Markham wines, small bites and live music. 1 – 3 p.m. Media contact: Marie Smith, msmith@markhamvineyards.com
- April 23: Whitehall Lane Winery – Drink. Paint. Have Fun.
Whitehall Lane Winery and Pinot’s Palette are teaming up to allow guests to be an artist for the day. Two, two-hour classes will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., which includes a flight of wines, charcuterie and the opportunity to take home your work of art. Media contact: Dustin Harland, dustin@whitehalllane.com
- April 30: Kitchens in the Vineyards – Home & Garden Tour
Take a peek into five premiere homes in the Napa Valley, each styled by notable designers and florists. With a focus on entertaining, statement kitchens, stunning art, and outdoor lifestyles, this year’s self-guided tour delights patrons with an inspiring mix of both sleek and rustic elements. Meet local chefs and authors, and spend a spring day exploring wine country living. Media contact: Natasha Biasell, natasha@musicinthevineyards.org
Several of the Napa Valley’s lodging establishments offer special Arts in April packages. A highlight of these packages include:
- The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa offers the “Art of Relaxation” package to encourage guests to dream big and paint their own masterpiece with easels, canvas, paints and brushes. The package also includes overnight hotel accommodations in a superior guestroom or suite, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, daily breakfast credit, and $260 Spa Terra credit. The package is available through April 30, 2016. Media contact: Andrew Bradley, abradley@themeritageresort.com
- La Belle Epoque in Napa offers the Art & Wine-In-The-Vines package which includes a two-night stay and a guided tour of Que Syrah Vineyards with artist Marissa Carlisle. The package is available through April 30, 2016.
- The Blackbird Inn in Napa is an historic, fully renovated California Craftsman inn in downtown Napa within walking distance to restaurants, wine tasting rooms, entertainment and more. Room rates include breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy 15 percent off a two-night stay in any room at the Blackbird Inn, plus two passes to Arts in April events. Valid Sunday through Thursday nights during the Napa Arts in April period. Passes will be presented upon check-in to package participants. Rates begin at $295 for a two-night stay, valid through April 28, 2016.
- The Bardessono Hotel in Yountville has created the “B’Art’Dessono” package featuring overnight accommodations, a private tour of the rotating artwork and sculptures on display at the property, a $75 food and beverage credit at Lucy, and a map of the Yountville Art Walk. The package is valid through April 30, 2016.
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The Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga offers the “Sip, Spa, Art & Repeat” AIA package which includes a two night stay; two Blues tastings of estate wines from Markham Vineyards and a tour of the featured art exhibit, Harold and Peggy Francis’ Blues & Psychedelia. Featured works from artists Harold and Peggy Francis will also be on display at Mount View Hotel & Spa throughout the month of April. The package also includes two private estate tastings at Cairdean Estates, paired with a cheese plate and complimentary bottle of Cairdean wine and a private tour and tasting for two showcasing current release wines including estate Cabernet and pre-release Port-Style Petite Syrah at Tedeschi Winery. The package is $509, inclusive of tax, and is valid through April 28, 2016.
For a complete list of Napa Valley Arts in April activities, including lodging packages, visit
www.visitnapavalley.com/artsinapril.
About Visit Napa Valley
Visit Napa Valley is the official tourism marketing organization for the Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect and enhance the region’s position as one of the world’s premier wine, food, arts and wellness destinations. The area, known for its legendary hospitality, is also internationally recognized as one of only eight “Great Wine Capitals” and has more Michelin Stars per capita than any other wine region in the world.
The Napa Valley, conveniently located just an hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, consists of the following distinctive towns, including, from north to south, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford/Oakville, Yountville, the city of Napa, American Canyon, and the outdoor recreation area of Lake Berryessa.
The Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 600 Main St. along the riverfront in downtown Napa, provides visitors with expert Concierge services from Napa Valley Ambassadors who offer complimentary Napa Valley Guidebooks, maps, brochures and winery tasting passes. The Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a mercantile shop featuring locally sourced gift items.
For additional information on the Napa Valley, or to plan your Napa Valley experience, please explore www.VisitNapaValley.com, join “The Napa Valley” on Facebook, and follow @VisitNapaValley on Twitter.
