In the last few months, the arts community of Napa has been fortunate to have a great deal of press in our local papers. This commitment to the arts and the focus it brings to the challenges facing our creative community is commendable.

One issue that has seen press is the creation of a fund that would help local performing arts organizations afford the costs of using our beautiful venues such as the NV Opera House and Lincoln Theater. The Arts Council of Napa Valley enthusiastically supports the creation of this fund. This is a step in the right direction towards supporting the performing arts in the Valley.

However, to get a complete picture of our arts community here in Napa, we must consider more than the performing arts and the bricks and mortar they require. Hundreds of visual and literary artists still need support, both financial and physical. Not only have numerous galleries closed in the last few years, but art supplies are now harder than ever to come by and artists have to travel outside our county to find the materials they need. And not even all the performance groups would be helped by a fund that allows organizations to perform in the Lincoln Theater or Opera House. Magical Moonshine Theater, based in Napa for over 25 years, does over 200 performances a year but only a handful locally because they lack appropriate space, and our beautiful but expansive venues do not work for small productions. These are people- painters, photographers, ceramicists, performers- who are trying to make a living through their art, and trying to do so here in Napa. They make our community a richer, more diverse, more fulfilling and exciting place to live, and yet, as a county, we do very little to encourage them to stay. Nor do we do enough to entice artistic people to move here, or to promote Napa Valley as an arts destination.

Supporting all artistic endeavor is the main focus of Arts Council of Napa Valley. While our Arts in Education and professional development programs are very important, it has become increasingly clear that acting as an advocate for all the arts must be the bulk of our work. While strongly in favor of a fund to support our performing arts and venues, we are also in favor of one other initiative: designating stable, long-term funding to support the artistic renaissance- visual, literary, and performing- that is happening in Napa Valley. This ongoing support could come from the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) funds, a percent for the arts on new development, or other county-sponsored assessments.

The TOT, also known as the "Hotel Tax", is used in many other California counties to offset the state-wide funding cuts to the arts. Some counties also employ a "% For the Arts" program that charges a half-percent tax on new development which is then funneled to the arts. Indeed, many arts organizations now exist only because of these kinds of funding. These counties understand that they are not only enriching the lives of their citizens, but also supporting the economic health of their communities. And yet, here in Napa, in this land of beauty, world-class wine, and millions of visitors a year, there is no public art policy, not enough advocacy, and no public funding for the arts.

While Napa Valley is on the cutting edge with so many of its policies and programs, it is sadly lacking in support for our talented performing, literary, and visual artists. How can you, as an artist, arts patron, or someone who simply enjoys our local arts scene, reverse this trend? You can contact your elected officials and tell them what the arts mean to you in this community. You can support the arts directly: go see a terrific show at the Opera House, check out this month's art opening at the beautiful G Gallery in downtown Napa, make plans with your friends and family to see the Napa Repertory Theater's "A Christmas Carol" this winter. Most importantly, you can keep the conversation going. Talk to your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and associates and get them involved in our creative community.

We hope you will join ACNV in our work to encourage the city and county of Napa to follow the lead of other communities and designate the funding and services necessary to support all the arts in Napa Valley.

In this issue of ARTscan, we are shining the spotlight on the upcoming Open Studios 2005 program. This profile is a special story about the artists participating in Calistoga. Watch for more articles on other neighborhoods of Open Studios artists: St Helena and Angwin will be the focus in the Sept/Oct issue of Napa Valley Life and there will be a series of articles about Napa artists in the Napa Valley Register this fall as Open Studios approaches.

There is something exciting happening in the creative community of Calistoga. This small town at the top of our valley is home to many talented artists, imaginative businesses, and the Calistoga Art Center. This fall, eleven Calistoga artists will be opening their doors to the public during this year's Open Studios program. We encourage you to discover this jewel of a town and meet some of its creative citizens.

Beginning the tour on the west side of town, we can visit first-time Open Studios participants, Jeff and Sally Manfredi (artwork right), who will be showing a variety of their functional ceramics out of their business, "Calistoga Pottery", on Foothill Blvd. Their gallery is filled with beautiful, useful, and durable pieces designed and fired by this creative couple, and their pottery is used by many Napa wineries, restaurants, inns, and homes.

Turning right onto Lincoln Avenue, stop by "Rendez-Vous" in Railcar #16 and meet Joan Hammerschmidt (artwork right), also a first time OST participant and Calistoga business owner (Tuka Threads), who will be showcasing her unusual and beautiful wearable and other fiber work.

Next we stop at the new Calistoga Art Center to find four Open Studios artists. Yvonne Henry (artwork left) of "Whimsy Works", another first-timer, says about her decision to participate this year: "Who wouldn't want to join the multi-talented members of the Calistoga Art Center in having fun and showcasing art?" She says most people in the valley know her for her botanical photography but she will also be displaying her floral paintings and drawings.
 

Karen Lynn Ingalls (artwork right) has also participated in Open Studios in Monterey but now back in her hometown, she says "Calistoga is a warm, friendly, and caring community. A number of businesses have welcomed artists by creating exhibitions that the Art Center curates. I don't think I have seen this many community-minded people per square acre anywhere else I have lived, and that's saying something."

Donald Montez (artwork left) has taken a hiatus from Open Studios for the past few years but returned to the program in 2005. He is a long time Calistoga artist and has shown his paintings and prints at Calistoga Art Center events, Art in the Park, Wine Country Artists' exhibits, Markham Winery, Wappo Bar and Bistro, Caffe Cicero and currently has a series of work hanging at the Bank of America in Calistoga. "Art remains a major part of my life," he says. "It's an addiction."

Anne Pentland (artwork right) is another Calistoga artist who will be showing a variety of work at the CAC, including painting, drawing, mosaics and clay sculpture.

Moving north a few blocks into the residential area, we find Victoria Serrao working in oil as well as creating jewelry on Myrtle Street. Victoria Serrao (artwork left) is another longtime Calistoga resident and artist. This is her 4th Open Studios in Napa Valley, and she has found wonderful support here as well. "When I first came to Calistoga there was a small art community which pretty much stayed to themselves," she says. "Now, the artists have somewhat come out of the closet, spend more time promoting and supporting each other. If it had not been for the support of my artist neighbors I would never have participated in my first Open Studio."

Over a couple of blocks down Harley Street, we find Elizabeth Ann Stokkebye (artwork right) painting away in her home studio. This Danish artist has lived in Calistoga for only two years but has found a home here. "I have never felt this welcome in any other community. I was taken in with open arms - and that has probably affected my work in a very positive direction, meaning my self confidence has soared." She is currently painting large canvases of fairy tale figures on whitewashed walls like the murals in the old Danish churches.

A bit further north on Greenwood Avenue is Paul D'Antilo (artwork right), owner of Squalicarti Studios, a non-profit creative design studio that works to design and implement sustainable business models. Among other projects, the "Flying Fish of the Napa River", the joint fundraiser between the Calistoga Arts Center and Friends of the Napa River, was initially developed by Squalicarti Studio and the original metal sculptures were also designed, created and donated by the Studio.

Sierra Dante (artwork left) is another Calistoga artist new to the program this year. Driving west on Petrified Forest Lane to Calistoga Road, we find Sierra showing her hanging ceramic sculpture at her home - Dante Vineyards, Guest Cottage and Gallery.

Finally, back on Foothill Blvd., we find Jocelyn Audette (artwork below right) creating landscapes and figurative work in oil, encaustic and watercolor. Jocelyn has lived in Calistoga for over ten years and she "loves the small town atmosphere and the many good people here. The surroundings are beautiful and very inspirational for landscape painting." She's done Open Studios in the past, and says she's participating again this year "because it is a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with people who are interested in art as well as show and sell my work directly to the buyers."

Open Studios Tour 2005 is a wonderful opportunity to discover the creative spirit in Calistoga. Please join these artists, and all the participating artists across the valley, in this celebration of Napa Valley art. South Valley studios will be open Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2; North Valley studios will be open Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9. Please also join us for the Artists' Reception at St Supéry Vineyards and Winery on Friday, September 16th from 6-9 PM, where you will be able to meet the artists, preview their work, and plan your tour. Catalogs will be available after September 1st all over the valley, including wineries, coffee shops, stores, and at every Visitor's Center. We look forward to seeing you at Open Studios Tour 2005!

You will note from the poems included in this edition that we really are beginning to have a variety of poets and perspectives. Please keep on writing and submitting. Poems only get better when they have an audience and when they bounce around in the "box" with other poems and poets and feed our collective imaginations.

I also hope you went to some of the fabulous evening poetry readings as part of the annual Napa Valley Writers' Conference. The Conference celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year under the able guidance, as always, of directors Anne Evans and Jack Leggett. Perhaps we can meet personally there next year or consider attending as a participant next year and deepening your craft!

        Yours,
        Mary Shea
 

Community Arts Message Board

ACNV's Community Arts Message Board is a terrific resource to find, sell, or promote anything arts-related in the Napa county community. We invite you to use it!

[Click Here to View the Message Board]
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/acnv

You can also find the link to the Message Board by clicking on "COMMUNITY ARTS MESSAGE BOARD" within the Arts Council website under "Artist's Portal" and "Admire Art".

Categories Available:
• For Sale / Wanted / Giving Away
• Arts Equipment Available or Needed
• Studio Space Available or Needed
• Art Classes / Workshops
• Artists Requesting Professional Services
• Visual Arts Events
• Literary Events
• Music Events
• Theatre Events
• Other Arts Events

Logging In Instructions
New Members: Click on "Register" on the top right corner and follow the directions. Don't forget to write down your user name and password for use later.
Members: Click on "Login" on the top right corner.

Posting Instructions
1) Click on a Forum / Topic on the left side of the main Message Board Web page.
2) Click on "New Topic" on the top center of the Web page, and follow the directions.

Revolving Door Art

Are you looking for art for your business, winery, or non-profit organization? Are you interested in supporting Napa Valley's thriving, diverse local arts scene? Revolving Door Art, a newly-expanded ACNV program, is for you. This program supports both local organizations and local artists, by providing organizations with beautiful art, and providing artists with expanded exposure to local and tourist art patrons.

Through Revolving Door Art, you can book local Arts Council member artists that compliment your organization in a series of rotating exhibits. You can work with a single artist or a number of artists who will create an exhibit that enhances your organization and highlights your support of Napa Valley art. This is an exciting opportunity to partner Napa Valley wineries and businesses with the diverse artistic talents in Napa's creative community. We invite you to explore this program, and to discover the immense talent within our valley.

How does it work?

1. Contact ACNV at 257-2117 or [acnvartscouncilnapavalley.org] and let the staff know that you are interested in booking this program for your organization.

2. Look through the ACNV online Artist Registry and work with ACNV staff to find artists whose work appeals to your place of business.

3. Create the program that you want with the help of ACNV. Do you want to book one or more artists? Do you want a rotating exhibit, with new art every 1-3 months, or do you want to choose an artist-in-residence for a year?

4. Contact your chosen artists and invite them to the winery to show them the available space and work with them to create your program.

5. Work with the artists to create the display, and consider having an opening event to highlight your support of local arts.

[Revolving Door Info on ACNV Website]

Get involved!

If you are an artist who is not yet a member of ACNV, and you are interested in participating in our Artist Registry and in Revolving Door Art, please contact ACNV to become a member and to get involved.

If you are a patron who wants to support Napa Valley's creative community, and who would like to fill your place of business with beautiful local art, contact ACNV and book your own Revolving Door Art exhibit today! For details on this or any Arts Council program, please contact us at 257-2117 or [acnvartscouncilnapavalley.org].

ACNV's Open Studios Tour 2005

Artist's Reception & "Magnanimous Magnums" Silent Auction
St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery
8440 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford
Friday, September 16, 6-9pm
Exhibition: St. Supéry, 9/12 - 10/12

Please join us for the OST Artist's Exhibition Reception and the "Magnanimous Magnums" silent auction on Friday, September 16th from 6-9 PM. The reception is an excellent opportunity to meet the artists, see an example of their work, and to plan your tour. After touring the exhibition, make sure to visit the Maganimous Magnums auction where you will be able to bid on some of the finest magnums of wine the valley has to offer, including Shafer, Jones, Pax, Plumpjack, Phelps, Caymus, and many, many more.

Open Studios 2005
South Valley Tour Weekend
October 1 & 2, 10 am-5 pm
North Valley Tour Weekend
October 8 & 9, 10 am-5 pm

Why "Open Studios"?

What is so unique, so special, about Open Studios tours? Why should you take the time to participate? Why is it different than just visiting a gallery?

Open Studios programs exist all over the country, from small programs with handfuls of artists to massive programs with hundreds of participants. These programs are so important, and so prevalent, because they give the public an opportunity to see inside the creative mind. Every artist, be they writers, actors, or painters, have a space where the work- and where the magic- happens. Some actors get in their cars to drive around to practice monologues. Writers might have a coffee shop or a nook in their homes where they work out plot, dialogue, and conflict. Visual artists have their studios: spaces dedicated to the creation of a visual language that expresses the world of each artist. Open Studios is an uncommon chance to enter that world. Every studio will be different, and not just because of the different types of medium each artist uses. You will get to see the inner workings of metal workers, of woodworkers, of painters, ceramicists, and photographers. You will get to glimpse inspiration, dedication, and finished works of art. Rather than strolling through a gallery, looking at art, you will almost be stepping into each picture, to understand the person who created it, and to see the space where creation happens.

In the Open Studios forum, there is no pressure, no competition, and no middleman, just you and the artist and the fruits of their imagination. Purchasing art directly from the studio avoids gallery mark-ups, as well as the satisfaction of connecting with the artist and hearing the stories behind the work. Most importantly, you show support for the thriving arts community in the Napa Valley, and make Open Studios possible for years to come.

Our beautiful new OST catalogs will be available after August 15th all over the valley, including coffee shops, stores, and all visitor's centers. Please join us for Open Studios Tour 2005.

The Mission of the Arts Council of Napa Valley is to support a thriving and diverse creative community by expanding arts education, collaborating with arts organizations, and nurturing the development of artistic talent. ACNV is at the service of all Napa County artists and arts organizations, serving as a touchstone and support network for all the arts. Our primary programs include Arts in Education, the Professional Artist Workshop Series, the annual Open Studios Tour, and the ARTscan E-Newsletter. ACNV welcomes community input and involvement, and encourages communication via phone or email. The ACNV office is located in downtown Napa; office hours vary, so please call ahead.

Volunteer Opportunities
ACNV is always on the lookout for more stellar volunteers. Currently, we are seeking people for the following positions:

Artist Registry Administrator (2-3 hours/week) work with our Registry Coordinator by following up with artists who submit, calling for missing information, and maintaining the database

Membership Coordinator (2-3 hours/week) work with staff to maintain the membership database, update contact information, and assist in membership mailings

Events Volunteers (varies) we are always in need of volunteers to help set up and break down ACNV events and programs

"Mailing Party" Volunteers periodically, ACNV has a "mailing party" when we stuff, stamp, label and seal over 2000 envelopes.

If you have just a few hours a week to commit to helping us support the arts in our community, we'd certainly love to have you join us! Basic computer knowledge is all that is required for the Registry and Membership positions. If you are available for any of these positions, call or email today!