It only stands to reason that the same region that devotes itself to the ultimate in food and wine experiences would also seek to please the visual senses. The Napa Valley is home to a wide assortment of studios and galleries representing local painters and sculptors. Even better, it has several areas where you can enjoy original art for free.
Put these venues on your short list for your next artistic adventure in the Napa Valley.
Rolling Portrait of a Firefighter by Fintan Magee – RAD Napa
RAD Napa. Just launched in the past couple of years, the Rail Arts District is transforming a semi-industrial corridor of town into a two-mile-long outdoor art gallery at the junction of the Napa Valley Wine Train and the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Come here to see murals, sculptures, and creative gateways.
Solar Flare by Patricia Vader – Napa Art Walk
Napa Art Walk. This is a biannual, rotating exhibition of juried sculptures created by artists from all over the Western U.S. The current collection, which runs through 2019, represents ten sculptures by ten artists from four Western states. The walk takes you around downtown Napa, and you can find the map here.
Nautilus by Jessica Bodner – Yountville Art Walk
Yountville Art Walk. Over the past five years, the town of Yountville has installed more than 40 outdoor sculptures for public enjoyment. Many of the pieces are for sale, with a percentage of the profits benefiting the Yountville Arts Fund to support arts-related activities and events.
HALL Wines
Hall Wines, St. Helena. As you drive up-valley and approach the town of St. Helena on Highway 29, you can’t miss the 35-foot-tall sculpture of polished stainless steel, Bunny Foo Foo, by Lawrence Argent. Wander inside and you’ll get a glimpse of a spectacular collection of contemporary art by internationally acclaimed artists, including John Baldessari, Nick Cave, and Jaume Plensa. For the full experience, you’ll need to book the winery’s Wine and Art Exploration experience.
Open Studios Napa Valley
Open Studios Napa Valley. Held over the last two weekends in September each year (September 22-23 and 39-30, 2018), Open Studios is a free, self-guided art discovery tour that will take you to 39 studios showcasing 64 participating artists all across the valley.
Article By: Kirsten Mickelwait, The Visit Napa Valley Blog
