Flourish

Sun-shrine in St. Helena

Between the spurts of rain this Spring I finally took the opportunity to visit the White Barn in St. Helena to see a show of shrines by local artists. The White Barn is a magical combo of art, soul, and generosity that has played a big role in the Napa Valley art scene since 1985. Nancy Garden and her family have sustained this nonprofit gem through the toughest of times for arts organizations. Their tight connections with the community make it a harmonious gathering place for both artists and audience.

The "Shrine Show" grew out of a lucky score by the Barn's David Garden. He found a discarded pile of wooden display boxes on the side of the road and put them to better use. He invited artists he knew through the Barn and Nimbus Arts (where David teaches creative classes like "Crazy for Construction")to turn the boxes into artful shrines.

 

The artists were told to focus on something important to them--a loved one, a favorite animal or food, a personal moment or hero. It is now an annual tradition that kicks of with a big party for the artists and their friends. In some cases the shrines were part of the feasting, i.e. the chocolate shrine that scented the room, and the pretzel shrine that demands "Thou Shalt Eat Pretzels".

 
Some of the shrines were playful, and some felt very personal. The dramatic light and the cozy setting inside the barn made it the perfect scene for contemplation. It was also a great chance to get to know some new artists, who spent the afternoon sharing ideas and dreams for the future. The White Barn has some fun performances and a film festival coming up this year, so check their calendar online: http://www.thewhitebarn.org/

More pics of the Shrine Show can be found in my photo albums to the right >>>>
 

Help independent artists in the North Bay to Flourish!

Calling all fans of underground culture, local art, independent thinkers! We are raising awareness and funds for the inDIYpendent Culture Faire happening May 15 & 16 in Napa. Sponsored by Wandering Rose, the goal of this event is to bring together the creative people of the North Bay to share ideas, projects, and resources.

By sponsoring this event, you help bolster the already growing alternative arts scene in Napa and create a truly unique experience for the community. The Expo highlights local talent while fostering ideas about sustainability, creativity and participation.

Any size contribution you can make will be much appreciated. This is a volunteer organized and run event with 100% of proceeds going towards equipment, rent, and utilities for the Community Venue Project.

Please click on the Chip In widget at the bottom right of this blog or go to:
 
http://indiypendent.chipin.com/indiypendent-culture-faire

Thank you from the bottom of our D.I.Y. hearts! Ann

Happy B-day dear Flourish!

Lately time has been flashing back and forth and all around. This may be due to watching too many episodes of LOST in consecutive order, or recent doses of Vicodin, but I seem to have lost track. Friends keep having to remind me: "Oh that was years ago."

So I decided to check back and see how long I've been keeping this blog, and it turns out that this month is the 2-year anniversary! Back when Napa Nest was thriving and was awarded the Bohemian's "Best of the Bay". Back when the Fruit Stand Collective was hawking their wares and Gordon Huether's studio was still a hay barn.

 

Back before I met the incredible crew at Wandering Rose, the amazing group of young people working to inject the Napa arts scene with new energy. Back before the city of Napa passed their Public Art Ordinance, before the Arts Council had a Facebook page, before Pappy Hour and Arty Party and Open Mic Night.

When you think about it, so much has happened in the last two years and so much of it is due to the artists and art advocates who have united and pushed forward so that our community can truly Flourish. So let's celebrate...we've come a long way baby!