Q: What is the purpose of ART ON F1RST (AOF)?
A: The ultimate goal of AOF is to (hopefully) create a new vibrancy on downtown Napa's First Street that will encourage business investors to open up shop and economically revitalize the town's core. In the meantime, AOF lines vacant windows with art installations to draw interest and creativity!
Q: What are the numbers?
A: There are 20 artists total, 2 pairs of artists working on same window making 18 spaces in 5 buildings with 9 from Napa Valley and 11 from the Bay Area in this 1st year of ART ON F1RST.
Q: How many artists are from Napa?
A: Nine are from Napa and eleven are from the Bay Area. AOF understands the importance of welcoming and introducing artists from out of the area, and to encourage our talent to explore, inspire and share their talent elsewhere.
Q: How were the artists selected for AOF?
A: The group of artists was selected by Chandra Cerrito from Napa, a Curator and gallery owner (Chandra Cerrito Contemporary).
Q: How long is the exhibition for?
A:
8 months. The next exhibition will launch late Fall of 2011.
Q: As an artist, how can I participate in the next AOF exhibition?
A:
During summer of 2011, there will be an Open Call for any Napa and/or Bay Area artist to enter the juried exhibition. Who are the jurors? We don't know yet!
Q: How is AOF funded?
A: AOF is funded by the Tourism Improvement District (TID) and the Property Based Improvement District (PBID); a collection of private business owners helping to make Downtown Napa, California a better place.
Q: Did the artists get paid?
A: The artists get paid stipends after the launch of the program. Co-founder, Gordon Huether personally funded his own installations.
Q: What happens if a building gets leased?
A: Arts Council Napa Valley will relocate the artist/s within 30 days.
Q: Who owns what buildings?
A: Altamura Enterprises owns the Gordon building, Merrell's building and 1222 First Street building, Tariq Azruei owns 1227 First Street Building and 1127 First the county/city owns.
Q: Can patrons purchase the art?
A: These are "site-specific" art installations unique to the space. We're quite sure the artist would love to be paid to install something similar in your space! Contact the artist for more information.
Q: How can First Street businesses participate in AOF?
A:
There will be a scavenger hunt... stay tuned! There's nothing stopping businesses from having fun with their own windows or staying open late on launch night of Friday, February 25th! Building owners or businesses may contact ACNV if interested in providing window exhibition space.
Q: Do the building owners have to pay for AOF?
A:
There is no additional cost to business or property owners.
Sponsorships are available for those who would like to support the project. Click here for sponsorship information.
Q: What is "contemporary installation art"?
A:
Installation, or site-specific art is 3-dimensional in nature and can be comprised of any kind of material uniquely created for the space. It is not a painting you'd see hanging on a wall. AOF installation mediums vary from yarn, metal, rocks, cardboard, wood and more. Contemporary art is another way of saying "modern art". Click here for Wiki definition of contemporary art. All the installations in the AOF exhibition will have an accompanying Artist's Statement which will illuminate the viewer of the artist's vision.
Q: What is Arts Council Napa Valley's role in AOF?
A:
ACNV is contracted to handle the exhibition installation logistics including space build-outs, electrical, painting, accounting, marketing contributions (such as this website) and artists' liaison.
Q: As a patron of the arts, how can I get involved?
A:
We love volunteers and it takes many to help pull it all together. Contact Kristine Cummins at ACNV and she'll work with you to find just the right niche in this ongoing project. Your efforts will not go unrecognized! Call 707-257-2117.
Q: Why is the Gordon Building named the Gordon Building?
A:
Yes, we have received this question and no, the Gordon Building was not named after Gordon Huether. Call or drop by Napa County Landmarks at the Goodman Library on First Street (less than a block away from the Gordon building) for Napa Valley's history.
