Feeling hopeful

Last night I spent a lovely eve with my painter pal Nancy Willis hitting some of Napa Valley's upcoming art hubs. I am happy to report that the scene is looking better than I had expected--several venues have popped up this Spring and I am still discovering some of the pioneers--like James Orlando at Brown Street Gallery. He directs a great space in downtown Napa that is connected to the Napa Valley Support Sevices for adults with disabilities. I had known about NIAD and CreativeGrowth in SF...but we also have a very cool version of it here in Napa. The exhibiting artists were Amy Le, Linda Wiltrout and Rogelio Plancarte. A nice simple display befitting any contemporary art space, but incredibly affordable. I bought an unframed piece by Roy Plancarte for $15!  I learned that Roy is only 23, he loves watercolor pencils and his favorite time of year is Halloween.

 After Brown Street, I met up with Nancy at the Napa Valley Museum's biennial juried Plein Air show. The crowd was thinning by the time I got there but I managed to see some friends and their stunning paintings. Because I loathe the tourist-favorite vineyard paintings, these landscapes were a refreshing change. Some stunning seascapes and watercolor barns. It really reminded me of why I (and a whole bunch of artists) live in this area--it so dang gorgeous!

Talk about gorgeous...Nancy and I headed over to the new Bardessono resort in Yountville after the museum. Their choice in artwork couldn't be cooler. As I sipped Limoncello and played with 2yr old guest Jake (I'll explain later) I enjoyed feeling like I was a part of something special. The Bardessono is the greenest luxury hotel in America (and their valets are hecka cute!) AHEM, sorry. I hear they have free Yoga classes for locals through May!

Finally we scurried over to Ma(i)sonry, a cool new tasting room-slash-decor shop in Yountville. All my artists friends have been telling me to go there...I obeyed. Fortunately they are open until 10pm and have an awesome firepit on the back garden. You know where to find ME this summer! They also have exquisite taste in furniture (check out the custom shelving above) and art (equestrian paintings by Matt Rogers). I recommend visiting, you'll feel like Gavin Newsom's new spoiled wife. heh